After a lengthy wait, DOTA 2’s gameplay update 7.38 is now live, introducing a number of notable changes to the map’s layout alongside a sizeable amount of balance tweaks.
Dubbed Wandering Waters, its patch notes reveal a vastly different map, whose river – that once merely divided the two opposing teams’ territories – now stretches over a larger area, reaching into the jungle.
DOTA 2 Update 7.38 Wandering Waters
In addition to its cosmetic impact, running with the current now grands a “speed boost towards your safe lane, without slowing you down if you’re running against the flow.”
A new amphibious creep type can also be encountered as of DOTA 2’s update 7.38, evolving “from Pollywog to Boglet to Croaker throughout the match.”
Hopping in, you’ll also notice that what used to be Wisdom Runes are now Shrines of Wisdom. Found in different locations, they still allow you to gain experience for both yourself and an ally, however by standing in their area rather than picking them up.
Should an enemy hero enter said area, you won’t be able to claim the boon until you defeat them.
Big baddie Roshan has also had his two pits moved to the river in DOTA 2’s Wandering Waters update. He spawns in the southern pit when the match starts, moving when daylight comes.
According to the developer, “he’ll walk the total distance between the two pits, tossing around any units he meets along the way.”
Another significant addition revealed in DOTA 2’s update 7.38 patch notes is Madstone, a new resource that enables the crafting of neutral items.
Each cleared neutral creep camp nets you two Madstone while also giving a random ally a piece. Save up enough and you’ll be on your way to securing a neutral item, comprised of “an Artifact that gives your item new abilities, and an Enchantment that gives it passive stat/attribute bonuses.”
A series of quality of life improvements alongside sweeping balance changes are also live. You can read more about them in the full patch notes.
DOTA 2’s Wandering Waters update is yet another sign that Valve’s venerable MOBA, currently in its twelfth year, has plenty of steam left.
Keep updated on the latest Gaming News by following GameWatcher on X, checking out our videos on YouTube, or by giving us a like on Facebook.
