Dota 2 received a groundbreaking update with Patch 7.40–delivering numerous foundational changes alongside the release of a new hero, Largo.
After months of anticipation, Valve has finally released a major Dota 2 update in Patch 7.40. The patch introduces a brand new hero Largo, significant map revamps, and a wide range of gameplay changes. In addition to the new patch, Valve also released the Winter Treasure Collector’s Cache with 16 new hero sets. Let’s dive in!
New Strength support hero Largo enters Dota 2
Last September, Valve had left the community hanging with no hero announcements at The International 2025, a long-time annual tradition of the game. With hopes growing scarcer by the day, Valve decided to finally drop the big reveal on this random Tuesday and in the midst of the ongoing DreamLeague Season 27-which is shaping up to be another tradition at this point.
New hero, Largo, is a hero previously rumored to arrive under the name “Bard Frog.” This stocky amphibian from the land of Velu’Mar, wields his mandolin as a weapon–strumming melodies to damage enemies and support allies. Largo is a Strength hero designed as a durable support with an abundance of team-boosting spells.
The whimsy hero also vividly stands out with his unique ultimate ability, “Amphibian Rhapsody”, which introduces a rhythm-game-like mechanic never before seen in Dota 2. Players must strum to the beat, (yes, like how you play Guitar Hero) to make Largo perform one of three songs, each providing distinct benefits to allied units. These buffs include increased spell amplification, movement speed, slow resistance, and healing.
Largo has an Innate ability that extends the duration of any buffs for both himself and his team. He also has Aghanim’s Scepter and Aghanim’s Shard upgrades already available, though he currently does not own Facets.
Patch 7.40 Map Changes
Patch 7.40 introduces numerous map changes, ranging from minor adjustments to major structural updates.
The most notable changes affect the Wisdom Rune areas, which have been lowered into sunken terrain, making them far more dangerous to contest. Paths and terrain in the sidelanes and outer jungles have also been narrowed, with additional trees added to create tighter spaces.
Several Watchers have been repositioned, and some neutral camps have been demoted. Notably, both the Radiant and Dire bases now feature an additional backdoor on the other side called the Defender’s Gate, which functions similarly to the backdoor and provides a small radius of vision.
Gameplay Changes
Patch 7.40 also delivers extensive gameplay updates, including the addition of six new neutral items while removing Helm of the Undying, the notorious Sister’s Shroud, and Phyrrhic Cloak from the neutral item pool.
The patch features hero reworks for Lone Druid, Slark, and Treant Protector, alongside dozens of item adjustments. Additionally, widespread hero balance changes have been implemented, with nerfs targeting dominant meta heroes and significant buffs designed to revive underused picks.
Among the widespread changes, many players have highlighted the update that prevents illusions from applying mana burn with Diffusal Blade. This change affects one of the long-enduring Dota 2 builds and will massively shake up heroes like Phantom Lancer and Medusa.
A well-received change, particularly among support players, is the new restriction that prevents wards from being placed too close to one another within a short time window.
Read the full Dota 2 Patch 7.40 update here.
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