Dota 2 23rd January Patch – Content Analysis

This week’s Dota 2 patch has arrived bringing a huge amount of new features such as; all random in match making, a tournament calender for Dota TV, oh and also Troll Warlord. You can view the full changelog here.

Front End Changes

New Hero

Troll Warlord

Jah’rakal, the Troll Warlord. 

“It’s an easy thing to offend a troll. A prickly and contentious race, trolls thrive on argument and strife, missing no excuse to raise their voices in dispute. Males grow to maturity in subterranean chambers beneath their matriarch’s domicile, feeding and amusing themselves while contributing nothing. Often they stay for years beyond the age of maturity, while the matriarch provides them with sustenance. When young trolls are finally pushed from their sub-chamber, they gather with others of their kind, forming roving gangs of malcontents who complain loudly about all manner of vexation.

As much as trolls love to argue, imagine how rare it is for a troll to be driven from his own kind for being too difficult to get along with. Such was Troll Warlord’s fate, a monger troll from deep in the Hoven. So deluded was he, so bitter and abrasive, that even other trolls found his company intolerable. After one particularly vitriolic outburst in which he claimed the lion’s share of loot from their latest raid, his cohorts finally snapped. They turned on him, beat him with clubs, and drove him from the encampment. Enraged at his banishment, he returned the next day, armed with steel, and slew them all, one by one. He then swore a blood oath: he would ever after be a fighting force unto himself. Now he roams the world as the Toll Warlord, bitter and angry, the Imperial high commander of an army of one.”

  

Model Viewer Shots

Troll Warlord’s shoulder piece is missing from the model viewer shots.

In Game Shots

Neutral Creep Model Updates

We have some more updates to one of the NPC creeps, this week’s updated creep is the neutral version of Ogre Magi.

Neutral Ogre Magi’s Model

Comparison Slider

New Ogre Magi

Old Ogre Magi

In Game View

Hero Animation Updates

We have some more Force Staff animations in this patch and some updates to Disruptor’s and Windrunner’s animations.

Bounty Hunter’s Animations

Bounty Hunter now has Force Staff animations for both ally and enemy Force Staffs.

Disruptor’s Animations

Disruptor’s teleport animation has been updated and his hammer now floats in the air in front of his and spins whilst he is teleporting.

Necrolyte’s Animations

Necrolyte has a custom set animation for the new Death Protest set, it replaces his ultimate animation with a version where he spins.

Windrunner’s Animation

Windrunner has a new loadout animation.

Hero Models Broken Down

Troll Warlord has arrived already broken down and ready for cosmetic items.

Troll Warlord

Troll Warlord has two sets of weapon models, one set for his melee mode and another set for his range mode.

Default Parts

Troll Warlord’s Default Weapon
Troll Warlord’s Default Off-Hand Weapon
Troll Warlord’s Default Melee Weapon
Troll Warlord’s Default Melee Off-Hand Weapon
Troll Warlord’s Default Shoulders
Troll Warlord’s Default Head
Troll Warlord’s Default Arms

Base Model

New Cosmetic Items

We have some new cosmetic item sets in this patch, which includes a bloody PANDA for Lone Druid.

Lone Druid’s Items

Lone Druid’s “Tools of the Haruspex” Set – With added Panda.

PANDA

Spirit of Calm

“Though doom and ruin they saw, the visions of the haruspex brought to Sylla a sense of destined calm. During mediations, he found his spiritual projections altered to appear less intimidating.”

Necrolyte’s Items

Necrolyte’s “Relics of the Putrid Pontiff” Set.

Warlock’s Items

Warlock’s “The Demonic Archivist” Set.

Golem

Ishul-Shog the Watcher.

Gamemodes

We have some more updates to the custom gamemodes in this patch.

Least Played

The “Least Played” mode that was added into the game last week has been tweaked and now your top 40 heroes are eliminated from the pool (as long as they have three wins).

All Random

All random is now available in the match making queue system.

UI Updates

We also have a number of new UI updates in this patch.

Match History

Valve have now added an option to disable the sharing of your public matchmaking game history with external third parties (this is enabled by default) and will most likely have a big impact on the upcoming release of DotaBuff’s recently announced DBR rating system.

Dota TV Calender

This has been a hugely requested feature and it’s going to make the Dota TV experience even more awesome. A full calender system for all of the upcoming Dota TV tournament matches.

Practice vs Bots

There is now an option under the play tab that will take you (and your party) directly into a private practice match against bots on the difficulty you have pre-selected.

In Game Shop UI

The in game shop UI has been updated and now has the support to show you the completion cost on the shop item tooltips, which is displayed when you have one or more of the components required already.

The categories have also been updated and now show a tooltip with the name of the category when you hover over the icon.

Back End Changes

Updated Strings

More updates to the tutorial strings.

    "DOTA_Tutorial_Experience_Title"  "One Quick Question"
    "DOTA_Tutorial_Experience_Question"  "How familiar are you with Real-Time Strategy games?"
    "DOTA_Tutorial_Experience_Yes"    "Played them a lot"
    "DOTA_Tutorial_Experience_No"    "Haven't played many"

    "DOTA_Tutorial_M1_MoveCamHowNoEdge"  "You can move the camera in several ways:n- With the <font color='#EE0000'><b>%+forward% %+moveleft% %back% %+moveright%</b></font> keys.n- By holding down your <font color='#EE0000'><b>Middle Mouse button</b></font> and dragging."

    "DOTA_Tutorial_M2_BeginFollow"    "The base is this way Sniper."
    "DOTA_Tutorial_M2_RangedCreep"    "Your ranged weapon should be able to hit the enemy from up here!"

    "DOTA_Tutorial_M2_TowerLevelAny"  "You've gained another level.  Go ahead and level up and choose a skill.  Read the tool tips to learn what each one does and pick one."

    "DOTA_Tutorial_M2_StashBuyBoots"  "You can buy items at any time and they'll be stored for you in your <font color='#EE0000'><b>stash</b></font> while you're out adventuring so you can pick them up later.nnBuy the <font color='#EE0000'><b>Boots of Speed</b></font> to increase your movement speed."

    "DOTA_Tutorial_M2_CourierBuy"    "While you're here, pick up a <font color='#EE0000'><b>Courier</b></font> as well.  <font color='#EE0000'><b>Couriers</b></font> are great for bringing items to you while in the field, but more on that later.nnPurchase a <font color='#EE0000'><b>Courier</b></font> to continue."
    "DOTA_Tutorial_M2_CourierDeploy"  "The <font color='#EE0000'><b>Courier</b></font>, like a Salve, is an active item and must be deployed before you can use it.nnDeploy the <font color='#EE0000'><b>Courier</b></font> by hitting <font color='#EE0000'><b>%!item_courier%</b></font> or <font color='#EE0000'><b>right-clicking</b></font> on him in your inventory."

    "DOTA_Tutorial_M2_LevelSmoke"    "There's some smoke to the northeast, Sniper.  I bet there's something there...  let's check it out!"
    "DOTA_Tutorial_M2_LevelBridgeOut"  "There's Tidehunter!  He must have taken out the bridge.nnDoesn't look like he's noticed us.  Let's stick to the plan."
    "DOTA_Tutorial_M2_LevelGraveyard"  "Looks creepy in there..."
    "DOTA_Tutorial_M2_PullBegin"    "I hear more nearby...nn[Map Ping]nnTry shooting them and <font color='#EE0000'><b>Pull</b></font> them towards your creeps and when they're close, they'll help!  Remember to run back to the creeps for protection!"


									

Bristleback has now been officially renamed to Bristlebog.

    "npc_dota_hero_bristleback"      "Bristlebog"
									

Bristlebog’s tooltip modifiers.

    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_bristleback_viscous_nasal_goo"        "Viscous Nasal Goo"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_bristleback_viscous_nasal_goo_Description"  "Losing %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_PHYSICAL_ARMOR_BONUS% armor and slowed by %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BONUS_PERCENTAGE%%%."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_bristleback_quill_spray_stack"        "Quill Spray"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_bristleback_quill_spray_stack_Description"  "Each stack of quills deals more damage."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_bristleback_warpath"              "Warpath"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_bristleback_warpath_Description"        "Moving %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BONUS_PERCENTAGE%%% faster and dealing %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_PREATTACK_BONUS_DAMAGE% bonus damage."
									

Tusk’s tooltip modifiers.

    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_tusk_frozen_sigil"              "Frozen Sigil"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_tusk_frozen_sigil_Description"        "Attack speed slowed by %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_ATTACKSPEED_BONUS_CONSTANT_SECONDARY%, movement slowed by %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BONUS_PERCENTAGE%%%."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_tusk_frozen_sigil_aura"            "Frozen Sigil"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_tusk_frozen_sigil_aura_Description"      "Slowing nearby enemy attack and movement speed."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_tusk_walrus_punch"              "Walrus Punch"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_tusk_walrus_punch_Description"        "Next unit will get punched!"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_tusk_walrus_punch_slow"            "Walrus Punched"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_tusk_warlus_punch_slow_Description"      "Slowed by %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BONUS_PERCENTAGE%%%."
									

Skywrath Mage is now listed an in game unit.

    "npc_dota_hero_skywrath_mage"    "Skywrath Mage"
									

Skywrath Mage’s ability strings.

    //SKYWRATH MAGE  
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_arcane_bolt"          "Arcane Bolt"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_arcane_bolt_Description"    "Skywrath launches a slow-moving bolt of arcane magic, dealing damage to an enemy unit based on Skywrath's intelligence."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_arcane_bolt_Lore"        ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_arcane_bolt_bolt_damage"    "BASE DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_arcane_bolt_int_multiplier"    "INT DAMAGE MULTIPLIER:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_concussive_shot"        "Concussive Shot"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_concussive_shot_Description"  "Skywrath sets of a long range shot that hits the closest hero within a long range.  Upon impact, it deals damage and slows in an area of effect."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_concussive_shot_Lore"      ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_concussive_shot_launch_radius"  "SHOT RANGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_concussive_shot_slow_radius"  "DAMAGE RADIUS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_concussive_shot_damage"      "DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_concussive_shot_slow_duration"  "SLOW DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_concussive_shot_movement_speed_pct"  "%SLOW:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_ancient_seal"          "Ancient Seal"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_ancient_seal_Description"    "Skywrath seals the targeted unit with an ancient rune, silencing it and causing it to take additional damage from spells."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_ancient_seal_Lore"        ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_ancient_seal_resist_debuff"    "%BONUS MAGIC DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_ancient_seal_seal_duration"    "DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_mystic_flare"          "Mystic Flare"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_mystic_flare_Description"    "Skywrath uses his ultimate magical ability to conjure a precise and violent mystical field that lays waste to his adversaries. Deals massive damage distributed evenly among any heroes in the area over 2 seconds."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_mystic_flare_Lore"        ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_mystic_flare_radius"      "RADIUS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_mystic_flare_duration"      "DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_skywrath_mage_mystic_flare_damage"      "DAMAGE:"
									

Strings for the new Dota TV calender system.

    "dota_watch_schedule_tab"                  "EVENTS"
    "dota_my_tournaments_tab"                  "MY TOURNAMENTS"
    "my_tournaments_header"                    "MANAGE TOURNAMENTS"
    "my_tournaments_dates"                    "TOURNAMENT DATES:"
									

Accumulated online game time warning strings for the Asian client.

    "DOTA_AASystem_Green" "Accumulated online game time: %s1. You are currently playing within healthy time-limits. Enjoy the game!"
    "DOTA_AASystem_Yellow" "Accumulated online game time: %s1. You have exceeded healthy game time limits. Please take care to rest!"
    "DOTA_AASystem_Red" "Accumulated online game time: %s1. You have exceeded healthy game time limits. It is reccomended that you sign offline and rest!"
									

Unreleased Cosmetic Items

We have some more update’s to Chen’s custom mount.

Chen’s Items

Chen’s “Buttercup” mount has been updated with some new textures and it also has some armour specifically made for it.

Lich’s Ward

Lich now has a custom cosmetic ward in the files.

HUD Skins

There are now two new unreleased HUD skins in the files, one for Radiant and another for Dire.

Radiant HUD Skin

Dire HUD Skin

Tutorial Map

The overview minimap for the tutorial map has been updated (still just a minimap rendered from in game).

Unreleased UI Updates

The unreleased in game guide system has once again been updated.

In Game Guide System

The in game guide system has now been hooked up to the shop and updates the recommended item list to the items from the guide, it will also show the help text in the tooltip.

Updated Sound Files

We have some updated item sound effects and new voice work in this patch.

Item Sound Effects

The Dagon’s sound effect has been updated.

Dagon.wav:

Omniknight’s Voice Work

Omniknight’s rival line for Doom has been updated to remove Doom’s old “Doom Bringer” name from the audio.

omni_rival_03.mp3:

Outworld Devourer’s Voice Work

Outworld Devourer’s spawn line has been updated to reflect his new name.

odest_spawn_o2.mp3:

Source Filmmaker Assets

We have a few new Cine tree models in this patch that are above 10k polys, which suggests they were made as assets for Source Filmmaker.

 

Materials Update

Skywrath Mage’s Materials

Particles Update

Bristlebog’s Particles

Skywrath Mage’s Particles

Tusk’s Particles

Predictions For The Next Hero

Introducing Shagbark

Shagbark

Shagbark is a trusty forest familiar who lives for the thrill of delivery. Fond of secrets and artifacts, he hopes you’ll never finish farming.

A big thanks to Danidem for the concept art, you can find more of his stuff on his Workshop and Deviantart pages.

Progress will continue on Shagbark over the next month or two with the help of Anuxi and T_Vidotto. I’ll be keeping you guys updated with the progress along the way via the blog.

Click for a larger version.

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