Dota 2’s Patch 7.38 has brought a wave of item reworks, additions, and balance changes that significantly alter the game’s meta. From powerful new item effects to a complete overhaul of neutral items, players must adapt to a fresh battlefield. Let’s dive into the most important item changes and how they’ll impact gameplay.

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New Item Additions in Patch 7.38

Valve has introduced several new items in this patch, providing more strategic diversity and counterplay options.

Orb of Frost

A new early-game item priced at 250 gold, Orb of Frost slows ranged heroes by 13% and melee heroes by 5% on attack. Additionally, it reduces incoming healing by 13%.

“This item is fine. It’s actually a huge slow against ranged heroes in particular and a decent amount of healing reduction for only 250 gold.” – GameLeap

This makes Orb of Frost an essential purchase against sustain-heavy lanes, giving supports and core heroes an extra tool for harassing opponents.

Mana Trial

A small but effective regen tool, Mana Trial restores 60 mana over 6 seconds and improves cooldown speed by 30% while in water. It functions similarly to a Bottle, making it a strong option for mid-laners who frequently rotate through the river.

Gunpowder Gauntlet

This item introduces splash attack mechanics, dealing 50% of the attack damage in an AOE while the primary target takes an extra 120 magic damage.

This item can benefit cleave-heavy heroes like Sven and Magnus, making it easier to farm efficiently while applying pressure in fights.

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Major Item Reworks and Their Impact

Abyssal Blade

The Abyssal Blade recipe now requires Sange instead of Vanguard, shifting its bonuses toward lifesteal amplification and strength scaling. While it no longer provides damage block, the added sustain makes it a more attractive option for heroes that rely on lifesteal mechanics, such as Phantom Assassin and Lifestealer.

“I think this is a big buff, honestly. A lot of heroes really want to buy Sange, and now it makes sense in more item builds.” – GameLeap

Battle Fury Adjustments

Battle Fury now requires a second Broadsword instead of Claymore, increasing the item’s cost by 200 gold while decreasing its damage bonus by 15. However, its cleave effect remains the same against creeps, ensuring that it continues to be a solid farming tool.

“15 damage is kind of a lot, but it makes the item about the same overall.” – GameLeap

Ethereal Blade Changes

Ethereal Blade now deals less damage to Universal Heroes, adjusting for their increased damage scaling from stats. This ensures that burst-heavy builds relying on E-Blade are less oppressive against heroes like Tinker and Morphling.

Neutral Item Overhaul: What You Need to Know

One of the most significant changes in Patch 7.38 is the complete revamp of neutral items. Players can now craft their preferred neutral items using shards dropped by jungle creeps.

How the New Neutral Item System Works

  • Killing neutral creeps grants two shards to the killer and one shard to an ally.
  • Players can choose their neutral item once they have enough shards.
  • Neutral items can now be enhanced with enchantments, allowing customization.

“Really awesome because you get to personalize and customize what you’re going to be building.” – GameLeap

Best Neutral Items to Watch For

Several reworked and new neutral items stand out in this update:

  • Cyclonic Shield (Tier 3): Provides a 400-damage barrier, blocking 75% of incoming damage.
  • Serrated Shiv (Tier 4): Attacks have a 20% chance to deal bonus physical damage equal to 10% of the target’s current health.
  • Magnifying Monocle (Tier 4): Increases cast range by 125 and attack range by 100 but disables when the hero takes damage.

These changes force players to be more strategic in selecting and upgrading their neutral items, moving away from the old random drop system.

How These Changes Affect the Meta

The 7.38 patch shifts itemization in several key ways:

  1. More flexibility in neutral item selection allows players to tailor their playstyle.
  2. New anti-healing options (Orb of Frost, Crippling Crossbow) counter sustain-heavy heroes.
  3. Reworked Abyssal Blade and Battle Fury alter core build paths for melee carries.
  4. Support items like Mana Trial and Poliwag Charm offer new utility tools.

These shifts encourage more diverse itemization strategies, rewarding adaptability and game knowledge.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dota 2 Patch 7.38

What is the biggest item change in Dota 2 Patch 7.38?

The most significant change is the complete rework of neutral items, allowing players to craft and customize them using shards from neutral creeps.

Is Abyssal Blade better or worse in Patch 7.38?

Abyssal Blade now requires Sange instead of Vanguard, making it a better option for lifesteal-based heroes but removing its damage block ability.

How do neutral items work now?

Instead of dropping randomly, players collect shards from jungle creeps to craft and select their desired neutral items, with the ability to add enchantments.

Which new item is the most impactful?

Orb of Frost stands out as a strong counter against healing-based heroes and ranged carries due to its slow and healing reduction effects.