Classic Dota hero returns in latest Dota 2 update

With Dota 2 patch 6.80, Valve has introduced a classic hero from the good old days of Dota – Terrorblade is back. His original abilities are in place, although in a slightly altered form (how fitting).

Terrorblade is the demon marauder—an outlaw hellion whom even other demons fear. He stole from the Demon Lords and for his crimes was taught this lesson: even Hell has a hell. He was incarcerated in Foulfell, a dark mirror of reality where demons are sentenced to gaze into twisted reflections of their own souls.

Deep in the hell of Hell, Terrorblade lay bound behind fractal walls, sentenced to an eternity of twisted contemplation. He stared long into the reflection of his own worst self. And long did his worst self stare into him. Now they rise together, a single entity more powerful than ever before…

Terrorblade

Launching on 6 February, in a separate update, will be The Fractal Shard of Inner Abysm Arcana Item. This will be granted special “exalted” item status if purchased during the New Bloom Festival launch period.

When equipped, it grants custom upgrades to Terrorblade:

Several new animations;
Altered voice;
New base skin & model with special ambient effects;
New Hero icon, portrait, loadout pose & minimap icon;
New spell effects and icons;
Socketed with a gem that tints the coloring of Terrorblade and all of his abilities;
Custom death effect for Terrorblade’s victims.

Random Ability Draft

A rather entertaining new game mode has been introduced. At level 11 players can join Random Ability Draft, in which everyone gets a random hero, and of those heroes all abilities are pooled, from which players select their ability loadout.

Behold the majesty of a Pouncing Pudge, witness Axe fumbling with Psi Blades, and experience the terror of Illusory Orb Magnus.

I’m sure this is going to be a good giggle.

Dota 2 gameplay update 6.80

There are of course a number of other tweaks and balances, so be sure to check out the change log for the details, either in game or online: Dota 2 New Bloom

One of the most notable changes is that players will now lose one gold per second if they haven’t picked a hero after the selection timer runs out in All Pick. The selection timer has been increased to 75 seconds, while the pre-creep wave time reduced to 75 seconds.

This is certainly going to mess with counter-picking strategies.