Dota 2 Gameplay Update 7.39e Released

Valve has released Patch 7.39e for Dota 2, delivering a wide range of balance adjustments to items, neutral creeps, and heroes. This update refines several powerful strategies while introducing fine-tuned nerfs and buffs across the roster. The patch also makes the recently added hero Kez available in Captain’s Mode, marking a significant step toward competitive integration.

🔑 General Changes

• Scan no longer detects creep heroes (except Lone Druid’s Spirit Bear).
• Stacked neutral camp penalty for gold/XP increased from 15% → 20%.

🐾 Neutral Creep Updates

• Alpha Wolf: Packleader’s Aura damage bonus reduced from 30% → 20%.
• Dark Troll Summoner: Skeleton Warrior Rally aura bonus attack damage reduced from 3 → 2.

🛡️ Item Updates

• Aeon Disk: Combo Breaker now begins on a 6s cooldown when first assembled.
• Ghost Scepter/ Ethereal Blade/ Nihilism/ Ghost Shroud/ Decrepify: Ethereal effects no longer apply if the target is Debuff Immune.
• Helm of the Dominator/ Overlord: Dominate now costs 50 mana, cannot be cast if the creep recently took hero damage; creep movement speed reduced (380 → 370).
• Refresher Orb: Cooldown increases with each use (up to 210s); mana cost increased (350 → 400).

💎 Neutral Item Adjustments

• Outworld Staff: Self-Exile now makes the user invulnerable and immobile (instead of hidden).
• Timeless: Reduced debuff duration and spell amplification bonuses.
• Boundless: Cast range bonus reduced from +350 → +275.

🧙 Hero Updates

Major Highlights:

• Kez: Now available in Captain’s Mode, with bug fixes and ability adjustments.
• Abaddon: Borrowed Time cooldown slightly increased.
• Beastmaster: Base damage nerfed; talents weakened.
• Earth Spirit: Remnant damage buffed.
• Earthshaker: Aftershock damage and AoE reduced; Fissure talent nerfed.
• Jakiro: Liquid Frost buffed with higher damage and longer duration.
• Lina: Light Strike Array stun duration increased.
• Medusa: Mana Shield base efficiency reduced.
• NagaSiren: Deluge facet and Song of the Siren’s Shard regen nerfed.
• PhantomAssassin: Evasion from Immaterial increased.
• Puck: Orb facet damage reduced.
• Queenof Pain: Sonic Wave damage decreased.
• TreantProtector: Living Armor significantly buffed at higher levels.
• Techies: Proximity Mines edge damage improved.
• Venomancer: Small agility buff and Plague Ward damage increase.
• Visage: Grave Chill mana cost reduced.

🏁 Conclusion

Patch 7.39e is focused on trimming overtuned abilities, scaling back item abuse, and polishing new mechanics. The inclusion of Kez in Captain’s Mode signals her readiness for competitive play, while adjustments to core items like Refresher Orb and Helm of the Overlord will reshape late-game strategies.

Overall, this update balances power across the board—nerfing heroes like Beastmaster, Medusa, and Queen of Pain, while rewarding consistent performers such as Jakiro, Venomancer, and Treant Protector. Expect the meta to shift as players explore fresh strategies ahead of upcoming tournaments.