Dota 2 Update: Dota Plus Changes, Experimental Features in Dota Labs, and more

Valve has unveiled a new Dota 2 update this March 6th, a mere fortnight after the release of the patch 7.35c balance changes. This new update introduces enhancements to the Dota Plus service for Spring 2024, experimental features in Dota Labs, and details on their measures to combat DDoS attacks, offering a comprehensive look into the ongoing efforts to enrich the Dota 2 player experience.

Dota 2 Update: Updates to Dota Plus for Spring 2024

The latest iteration of Dota Plus brings several additions to the subscription service. Among these is a new Spring 2024 treasure that contains eight sets and a rare courier. Additionally, the update includes a refreshed map cosmetic to suit the spring theme, along with new quests and rewards for guild members. While the cosmetic sets introduced are described as common and lack any extraordinary particle effects, they are nonetheless a welcome addition for Dota Plus subscribers, looking to splurge Dota Plus points.

Notably, the update marks the introduction of a new set for Earth Spirit, a gesture that fans of the hero will undoubtedly appreciate, given how overdue it was since the last Earth Spirit set was released. For those who may have missed out on previous Dota Plus treasures, the new sets are available for redemption at the in-game Points Shop for 15,000 Dota Plus points, offering players a chance to acquire these sets.

Experiments in Dota Labs

Dota Labs emerges as an exciting component of the update, serving as a sandbox for developers to try various experimental features within Dota 2. These trials include enhancements such as a cleaner HUD around the mini-map and improved visibility for health bars. The goal of these experiments is to gauge player interaction with these new features, aiming to determine their feedback and whether they merit further development efforts.

Appreciating the Defenses against DDoS attacks

In addition to in-game updates, the Dota 2 team has shared behind-the-scenes insights into their efforts to bolster the game’s defenses against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These malicious attacks are notorious for disrupting matches by overwhelming the game’s server, often leading to forfeited matches without MMR loss or gain.

To combat this, the developers have upgraded their server infrastructure to obscure the IP addresses of game servers through the use of proxies and relay systems. A layman’s analogy used in the post is that of a post office. This strategic move significantly raises the difficulty for attackers aiming to disrupt game servers, ensuring a more secure and safe Dota 2 experience.

When’s the Crownfall Update in Dota 2?

While the recent updates have brought a range of enhancements and security improvements to Dota 2, fans are still eagerly waiting for the Crownfall update.

Speculated to introduce a new hero, the Ring Master, and to feature storylines revolving around Vengeful Spirit and Skywrath Mage, complete with their own Arcana cosmetics, the community eagerly awaits further news. Traditionally, Wykrhm Reddy, a prominent figure within the Dota 2 community, will tease updates of this magnitude, hinting at their imminent arrival.

However, the absence of such teasers suggests that the Crownfall update may still be some time away.