The Dota 2 community was once again taken by surprise as Valve released another small patch, despite promising larger updates. However, the latest patch, 7.34e, has brought back some familiar strategies as Zoo meta-heroes regain popularity in the first two days.
According to STRATZ’s analysis of ranked matches following the release of patch 7.34e, Lycan, Chen, and Beastmaster have emerged as the top picks. These three heroes were the main culprits of the Zoo meta that dominated The International 2022, along with the use of items like Wraith Pact. With the start of the 2023 competitive season, Valve removed Wraith Pact and also nerfed these popular Zoo meta heroes.
While it may be disheartening for fans who were tired of the Zoo meta, the resurgence of these heroes after patch 7.34e might not be enough to secure a permanent place at the top of the win-rate leaderboards. The Zoo meta tends to resurface briefly after each patch as players revert back to these heroes until the meta stabilizes again.
Even if you encounter more Lycan, Chen, and Beastmaster players in your ranked matches in the coming week, their popularity could quickly decline once professional players figure out the new meta and opt for the most powerful heroes in tournament matches. The popularity of heroes can change rapidly when the pros dissect the meta.
Despite their impressive win rates, the Zoo heroes are still struggling to reach a 50 percent win rate, indicating that they may not be strong enough to bring back the glory days of the Zoo meta. Although the small 7.34e update could still impact the meta, it has led Dota 2 players to criticize Valve for every patch. Alongside the patch release, Valve also announced a delay for the Arcana event, offering Frostivus celebrations instead.
Source: DOTESPORTS
