Patch 7.38c may not have revolutionized Dota 2’s meta overnight, but buried within the extensive patch notes are several subtle hero and item buffs that could quietly reshape the game. From forgotten offlaners to support dark horses, this update may offer new opportunities for players willing to dig deeper.
Here’s a breakdown of the unsung winners of the patch, with streamer insights and gameplay takeaways.
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Windranger, Juggernaut, and Silencer: Quietly Rising
Windranger’s Surprise Comeback?
After a base damage increase of +3, Windranger is now a much stronger laner and harasser at early levels. This may seem like a small tweak, but it can add up significantly in close-range engagements.
Expect Windranger to resurface as a flexible pick—capable of supporting or snowballing as a mid or offlane core.
Juggernaut Gets a Real Buff
Juggernaut saw buffs to his talents and Blade Fury interaction, especially in scaling scenarios:
- Self-cast healing from Blade Dance is stronger.
- Early laning tools now feel smoother.
While not a top-tier carry justyet, Jugg’s improvements could make him a strong counter-pick in matchups that previously felt too one-sided.
Silencer’s Stack Rework
Silencer now gains six stolen intelligence stacks when silenced enemies die—a shift that rewards correct timing and smart positioning.
For pubs especially, Silencer may become more punishing than ever if left unchecked.
Item Adjustments with Meta-Shaping Potential
Patch 7.38c included a series of low-key item changes that may signal a larger shift in build diversity.
Glimmer Cape Buff
Glimmer can now be cast while channeling, enabling smoother usage by supports like Snapfire, Warlock, or Crystal Maiden.
This could open the door for supports to play more aggressively, knowing they have an emergency disengage tool mid-cast.
Refraction Buff (Templar Assassin)
The latest TA changes allow her Refraction to refresh quickly in succession and not be broken instantly when taking multiple hits simultaneously.
With the right build, TA could see a return in mid or even carry roles.
Sniper’s Improved Feel
Changes to item usability and channeling now allow Sniper to cast abilities like Assassinate without interruption from self-cast items.
Combined with a slight mana cost fix and smoother animation canceling, he’s less clunky overall.
Heroes with Potential That May Surprise
Beyond the obvious winners, a few heroes received enough tweaks to merit experimentation.
Keeper of the Light
Kotl was given mana-related buffs and stronger talents:
- Mana restore improvements
- Cast range increase
He could return as a dominant laning support or even a mid lane menace with recall and magic spam utility.
Riki Gets Sneaky Utility
Now gains cloud stacks when silenced, giving him more passive value during fights.
While this doesn’t radically alter his role, it rewards smart use of Smoke Screen and allows for more consistent output in skirmishes.
Ogre Magi and Wraith King Buffs
- Wraith King’s skeleton cooldown was reduced.
- Ogre’s Fireblast cost was nerfed, but other buffs balance him out.
Patch 7.38c might not have reinvented the game, but its quiet improvements could slowly reshape the Dota landscape. If you’re tired of playing or seeing the same heroes every match, this is your chance to get ahead of the curve.
Time to dust off that Windranger and see what +3 base damage really feels like.
FAQs
Q: Which hero got the best buff in 7.38c?
A: Likely Windranger or Silencer, based on early feedback. Both received functional gameplay improvements.
Q: Are the Juggernaut buffs enough to make him meta?
A: Not quite yet, but he’s now a much better situational pick than before.
Q: Did any support items get major changes?
A: Glimmer Cape was buffed to work mid-channel, giving supports more flexibility.
Q: What about Templar Assassin?
A: TA’s Refraction buffs may push her back into the meta if paired with high-tempo lineups.
Q: Is this patch good for pub experimentation?
A: Absolutely. Many mid-tier heroes have received buffs that are perfect for trying in ranked or casual stacks.
