The latest Dota 2 patch 7.38 brings significant changes to the game's meta, with several heroes receiving substantial buffs. Let's examine the most impactful changes and their implications for gameplay.

Key Heroes Getting Major Buffs

Tiny

• Base armor increased by 2
• Tree Grab now deals 30% bonus damage to buildings (up from 20%)
• Growing damage reduction improved from 20/25/30% to 25/30/35% These changes make Tiny more durable early game and a stronger pusher, potentially returning him to the meta as a core hero.

Dragon Knight

• Base strength increased by 3
• Dragon Blood now provides 3/5/7/9 HP regen (previously 2/4/6/8)
• Level 20 talent now gives +12 armor (up from +8) Dragon Knight becomes significantly tankier, making him a more reliable frontliner and lane dominator.

Keeper of the Light

• Illuminate damage increased by 20/30/40/50
• Spirit Form duration increased to 45 seconds
• Chakra Magic mana restore improved by 25 at all levels These buffs enhance KOTL's early game presence and late-game utility, making him a stronger support option.

Outworld Destroyer

• Base intelligence increased by 2
• Astral Imprisonment cooldown reduced by 2 seconds
• Sanity's Eclipse now deals 35% more damage OD receives improvements to both his laning phase and teamfight potential, potentially becoming a stronger mid-lane pick.

Crystal Maiden

• Crystal Nova slow duration increased by 0.5 seconds
• Frostbite manacost reduced by 20 at all levels
• Freezing Field shard upgrade now provides 30% status resistance These changes improve CM's early game impact and survival potential during ultimate usage.

Meta Impact Analysis

These buffs are likely to shift the meta towards more early-game engagements and siege-oriented strategies. Heroes like Tiny and Dragon Knight will excel at early pushing, while improved supports like Crystal Maiden and Keeper of the Light will enable more aggressive playstyles.

Teams should expect more emphasis on securing early towers and controlling neutral objectives, with enhanced teamfight potential from heroes like Outworld Destroyer becoming increasingly important in the mid-game phase.

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