Dota 2has had both a staggering successful and a frustratingly disappointing year. It’s successful in that its 2020 Compendium, branded as The International 10 Battle Pass this year, raised a staggering $40 million for the tournament’s prize pool. It’s frustrating because the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the live tournament schedule forDota 2, including The International 10. At least recently players have been able to look forward to a new hero’s release in November, but it seems that plan’s now been delayed, too.
Valve announced today that the new hero planned for release on November 30 is delayed. The hero has yet to be named or revealed, though Valve did refer to her as “she” in its latest blog post. She was originally confirmed in mid-October, when Valve provided amajor update regarding the state ofDota 2’s developmentand its plans for the rest of the year. That post acknowledged that it typically released a new hero each November and that it remained on schedule to do that by November’s end. That’s no longer the case.
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Luckily,Dota 2playerswon’t have to wait too much longer to get their new hero, as she is now planned to be released in mid-December, rather than late November. Valve says that she simply needs “a bit more time to cozy up for the winter.” The new hero will be released alongsideDota 2’s in-development 7.28 gameplay update, though other details regarding this update remain unannounced.
In addition to confirming the new hero’s release window, Valve also announced two other importantDota 2dates. First, thenew Dota 2 Plus seasonwill start on December 1. It’ll include a seasonal quest reset, as well as new seasonal treasure to earn. Second, the previously announced Dota Pro Circuit 2021 will officially begin on Jun 27, 2025. Six regions, each with two divisions and 16 teams, will compete with the winners qualifying for 2021’s first Major. Pandemic or not, Valve is hoping to regain some ofDota 2’s lost momentum.
