It has been a few months since Dota 2 got a major update (excluding the shift to Reborn), and there have been only a few significant updates that were introduced to the MOBA in the past. Recently, Valve has announced the next major update to Dota 2: Balance of Power, or more specifically, update 6.86. This update brings a plethora of additions to the game which includes the introduction of a new hero.
The last time Valve added a new hero in Dota 2 was way back in February, where Winter Wyvern was introduced in the New Bloom update. Now, Valve is introducing Arc Warden. The hero was first seen in the original Dota back when it was still a mod for the unforgettable Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. The introduction of Arc Warden leaves only one remaining hero from the original Dota yet to be introduced in Dota 2: Pit Lord, or Abyssal Underlord.
Besides presenting a new hero, Valve has also released an Arcana item for Zeus called the Tempest Helm Of The Thundergod. The Arcana update brings a new base model, texture and animations to Zeus. In addition to that, the Zeus Arcana will also include new effects to his hero skills as well as effects to certain items. There is also an altered voice included with the Zeus Arcana.
Probably the most important changes that comes with the Balance of Power update are the new additions to the client, map changes and new items. The updates to the Dota 2 client also include greater details in players’ hero stats, easy access to the armoury, a new ‘Store’ tab and finally, private chat channels. Interestingly, Valve is adding a new rune into the game which is called the Arcane Rune. According to Valve, the Arcane rune will reduce spell cooldowns and mana costs.
Valve announced that the 6.86 update will be bringing certain map changes, but other than the new neutral creep camp locations, the update page did not elaborate anything further. However, Valve did include a new map, Colosseum, for custom games as well as an additional skin, Desert Terain, for the main competitive map. Four new items are going to come with the Balance of Power Update as well. These include: Fearie Fire, Dragon Lance, Aether Lens and Iron Talon.
There are plenty more game additions and enhancements that comes with the 6.86 update. The full list can be found on the Dota 2 official website.
