Patch 7.31 of Dota 2 was recently released, bringing many changes to the game. This patch introduced the game’s 123rd hero - Primal Beast, made a few alterations to the map and economy, changed neutral creeps significantly, and continued to buff and nerf heroes like in previous patches. As a patch that had been anticipated for a long time, there were mixed reactions to it with a larger segment of the pro community expressing dissatisfaction. The number of changes looked great from the outside, but they still hoped for more transformational changes. Likewise, patch 7.31 was also released with a number of bugs that are being fixed gradually, but they have contributed to the displeasure. Here are some reactions from prominent Dota 2 players and talent regarding patch 7.31.
Dota 2 pros and talent react to patch 7.31
While heroes are normally buffed and nerfed constantly, patch 7.31 was expected to have major changes to the map and economy that would affect the game in some way. It appears from the first reactions of the pro players that the few changes made to the map and economy will not be enough to bring about radical changes in the meta.
Evil Geniuses’ Andreas Franck "Cr1t-" Nielsen stated on his livestream that the patch was “not good enough” and it should have been “bigger” and “better.” “But it’s fine, it’s not a bad patch, I think. It’s not really targeted for competitive which I think is not great. It’s pretty much targeted for the general average player. All the changes are not going to change much in competitive,” Cr1t- added.
Former Talon Esports’ player Tal "Fly" Aizik, appreciated the introduction of the nonhumanoid hero Primal Beast to the game but was not thrilled with the game's overall changes.
In his dissatisfaction with patch 7.31, Quincy Crew’s Quinn "Quinn" Callahan stated he wished to see the small neutral camp near the midlane and the water runes nerfed.
On his livestream, former The International (TI) champion Topias Miikka "Topson" Taavitsainen said that the changes to heroes other than Techies were underwhelming and he did not find any other hero interesting to play. “All the new items are trash,” Topson added.
Popular Dota 2 streamer Janne "Gorgc" Stefanovski was upset with Valve for failing to fix the courier bug in patch 7.31 that has existed for quite some time. The bug causes the courier to travel to a location where the hero requested the courier instead of following the hero to deliver the items.
Dota 2 analyst Mira "Ephey" Riad was bored with the fact that patch 7.31 did not bring significant map changes to the game.
In addition, some Dota 2 personalities reacted to the changes made to their favorite heroes. B8's Danil "Dendi" Ishutin was upset with the nerf to Pudge.
Content creator Jake "SirActionSlacks" Kanner wrote a detailed post about his disappointment over the redesigned Techies. According to SirActionSlacks, Techies will now be more bearable for the larger community after the changes, but players like him, who enjoyed the exclusive features of this hero “will hate that their unique hero is now dead.”
Dota 2 commentator, Gabriel "Lyrical" Cruz, who is fond of Dark Seer, was pleased that the hero now has the ability to cast its Ion Shell on "Creep Hero units." He showcased one possibly strong combo by placing Ion Shells on Visage's Birds.
After Techies received a rework in patch 7.31, TI5 champion Peter "ppd" Dager was annoyed to see the hero in every game.
On the other hand, Kevin "Purge" Godec said he was happy the patch arrived on time - on 23rd Feb. Despite the general outcry about the bugs in the patch, Purge said that he personally found it better to have it on a set date with bugs rather than wait for it indefinitely. According to him, a promised date encourages Valve to complete the patch faster.
The community sentiment overall is still negative towards patch 7.31. Various aspects of the patch will become more apparent as more and more games are played. In the coming weeks, it will also be interesting to see what heroes are the real winners of patch 7.31 in competitive Dota 2 and if any meta changes will occur moving forward.
