The store page itself is currently not implemented:

The backpack has been updated to be more in line with the DotA 2 UI style:

The loadout is still very work in progress, but hovering over the slots now shows a little popup:

The workshop page confirms what I talked about in my previous blog post about the future of the DotA 2 store will most likely rely on user submissions:

Anyhow, my prediction streak is still on track, Obsidian Outworld Destroyer has arrived to take care of the AM pickers. 

Front End Changes

We’ve one updated portrait this week, Windrunner’s, she now opens her mouth slightly and has some updated shadowing (looks a lot better in motion).

The shop now has a “grid” mode:

A bunch of heroes have received “injured” animations:

• Anti-Mage
• Axe
• Beastmaster
• Broodmother
• Clinkz
• Death Prophet
• Doom Bringer
• Enigma
• Lina
• Sand King
• Shadow Shaman
• Skeleton King
• Venomancer

Broodmother’s injured animation (kill it with fire):

Valve have also started working on an extra set on animations referred to as “run_angry” or “run_chase”. At a guess these animations will kick in when chasing a fleeing hero.

The following heroes received chase animations this patch:

• Anti-Mage (run_angry)
• Axe (run_chase)
• Beastmaster (run_chase)
• Broodmother (run_chase and run_chase_web)
• Death Prophet (run_chase)
• Doom Bringer (run_chase)
• Enigma (run_chase)
• Sand King (run_chase)
• Shadow Shaman (run_chase)
• Skeleton King (run_chase)
• Venomancer (run_chase)

Broodmother’s “run_chase” animation:

Pudge gets a new animation for when he gets a kill:

Tiny 01 has two new tree animations, a tree growl animation and a new tree toss animation:

Pugna has two new portrait animations:

Omniknight has some new animations, specifically the way he holds the hammer (two hands instead of one):

Warlock has a new alternative attack animation (his textures are bugged in HLMV):

Common ward spots will now have a texture showing where they are ingame:

Back End Changes

A ton of back end changes this week. I’ll start off with the new strings.

Confirmation of some upcoming/future heroes:

    "npc_dota_hero_brewmaster"      "Brewmaster"
    "npc_dota_hero_shadow_demon"    "Shadow Demon"
    "npc_dota_hero_lone_druid"      "Lone Druid"
    "npc_dota_hero_chaos_knight"    "Chaos Knight"
									

Phantom Lancer’s, Brewmaster’s, Shadow Demon’s and Chaos Knight’s strings:

    //PHANTOM LANCER
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_spirit_lance"                "Spirit Lance"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_spirit_lance_Description"          "Casts a magical spirit lance on a target enemy unit that damages and slows, while a Phantom is summoned to attack the unit."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_spirit_lance_Lore"              ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_spirit_lance_duration"            "SLOW DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_spirit_lance_movement_speed_pct"      "%MOVEMENT SLOW:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_spirit_lance_illusion_duration"      "ILLUSION DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_spirit_lance_illusion_damage_in_pct"    "%ILLUSION DAMAGE TAKEN:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_spirit_lance_tooltip_illusion_damage"    "%ILLUSION DAMAGE DEALT:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_doppelwalk"                "Doppelwalk"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_doppelwalk_Description"          "Renders Phantom Lancer invisible, while generating a duplicate image to confuse enemies."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_doppelwalk_Lore"              ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_doppelwalk_duration"            "DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_doppelwalk_movement_speed_pct"        "%BONUS MOVEMENT SPEED:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_doppelwalk_illusion_duration"        "ILLUSION DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_doppelwalk_illusion_damage_in_pct"      "%ILLUSION DAMAGE TAKEN:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_doppelwalk_tooltip_illusion_damage"    "%ILLUSION DAMAGE DEALT:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_juxtapose"                  "Juxtapose"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_juxtapose_Description"            "Phantom Lancer's attacks have a chance to create illusions to confuse enemies."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_juxtapose_Lore"              ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_juxtapose_proc_chance_pct"          "%CHANCE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_juxtapose_max_illusions"          "MAX ILLUSIONS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_juxtapose_illusion_duration"        "ILLUSION DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_juxtapose_illusion_damage_in_pct"      "%ILLUSION DAMAGE TAKEN:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_juxtapose_tooltip_illusion_damage"      "%ILLUSION DAMAGE DEALT:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_phantom_edge"                "Phantom Edge"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_phantom_edge_Description"          "Phantom Lancer hones his abilities.  Juxtapose receives an increased chance, higher max illusions, and the Juxtapose illusions can now create their own illusions.  Phantom Edge also increases Phantom Lancer's magic resistance."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_phantom_edge_Lore"              ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_phantom_edge_magic_resistance_pct"      "%MAGIC RESISTANCE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_phantom_edge_illusion_dupicate_chance"      "JUXTAPOSE CHANCE BONUS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_phantom_lancer_phantom_edge_juxtapose_bonus"        "JUXTAPOSE MAX BONUS:"

    "npc_dota_hero_phantom_lancer_bio"                        ""
    "npc_dota_hero_phantom_lancer_hype"                        "Ability 1!nnAbility 2!nnFurther abilities!"


    // BREWMASTER
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_thunder_clap"                "Thunder Clap"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_thunder_clap_Lore"              ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_thunder_clap_Description"          "Slams the ground, dealing damage and slowing the movement speed and attack rate of nearby enemy land units."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_thunder_clap_radius"            "RADIUS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_thunder_clap_duration"            "DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_thunder_clap_damage"            "DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_thunder_clap_movement_slow"        "%MOVEMENT SLOW:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_haze"                "Drunken Haze"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_haze_Lore"              ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_haze_Description"          "Drenches an enemy unit in alcohol, causing his movement speed to be reduced, and causing his attacks to have a chance to miss."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_haze_duration"            "DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_haze_movement_slow"        "%MOVEMENT SLOW:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_haze_miss_chance"          "%MISS CHANCE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_brawler"              "Drunken Brawler"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_brawler_Lore"            ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_brawler_Description"        "Gives a chance to avoid attacks and to deal critical damage."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_brawler_dodge_chance"        "%DODGE CHANCE"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_brawler_crit_chance"        "%CRIT CHANCE"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_drunken_brawler_crit_multiplier"      "CRIT_MULTIPLIER:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_primal_split"                "Primal Split"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_primal_split_Lore"              ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_primal_split_Description"          "Splits the Pandaren Brewmaster into elements, forming 3 specialized warriors, adept at survival. If any of them survive until the end of their summoned timer, the Brewmaster is reborn.nnSCEPTER UPGRADABLE: Decreases cooldown and increases power of warriors."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_resistant_skin"              "Resistant Skin"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_resistant_skin_Lore"            ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_resistant_skin_Description"        "Protects against damaging damage."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_hurl_boulder"            "Hurl Boulder"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_hurl_boulder_Lore"          ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_hurl_boulder_Description"      "Throws a boulder at a unit, doing damage and stunning it."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_hurl_boulder_damage"          "DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_hurl_boulder_duration"        "STUN DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_spell_immunity"            "Spell Immunity"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_spell_immunity_Lore"          ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_spell_immunity_Description"      "Immune to spells."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_pulverize"              "Pulverize"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_pulverize_Lore"            ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_pulverize_Description"        "Provides a chance to do a small AoE damage proc."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_pulverize_damage_inner"        "DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_pulverize_radius_inner"        "RADIUS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_earth_pulverize_chance"          "%PROC CHANCE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_dispel_magic"            "Dispel Magic"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_dispel_magic_Lore"          ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_dispel_magic_Description"      "Damages summoned units in a small radius."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_dispel_magic_damage"          "DAMAGE TO SUMMONS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_dispel_magic_radius"          "RADIUS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_cyclone"                "Cyclone"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_cyclone_Lore"            ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_cyclone_Description"          "Encloses a unit in a tornado, removing it from the battlefield."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_cyclone_duration_hero"        "HERO DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_cyclone_duration_unit"        "NON-HERO DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_wind_walk"              "Wind Walk"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_wind_walk_Lore"            ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_wind_walk_Description"        "Provides temporary invisibility.  Bonus movement speed and attack damage when invisible."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_wind_walk_bonus_damage"        "BONUS DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_wind_walk_bonus_movement_speeed"    "BONUS MOVEMENT SPEED:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_storm_wind_walk_duration"          "DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_fire_permanent_immolation"          "Permanent Immolation"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_fire_permanent_immolation_Lore"      ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_fire_permanent_immolation_Description"    "Burns nearby enemy units."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_fire_permanent_immolation_damage"      "DPS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_brewmaster_fire_permanent_immolation_radius"      "RADIUS:"

    
    //SHADOW DEMON
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_disruption"              "Disruption"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_disruption_Description"        "Sends the target away for 2.5 seconds. On returning two copies or it are made under your control."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_disruption_illusion_duration"    "ILLUSION DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_disruption_illusion_outgoing_damage"  "%ILLUSION DAMAGE:"
    
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_soul_catcher"          "Soul Catcher"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_soul_catcher_Description"    "Curses a random enemy in the radius to take greatly increased damage. Can hit a disrupted enemy."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_soul_catcher_bonus_damage_taken"  "%BONUS DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_soul_catcher_radius"        "RADIUS:"

    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_shadow_poison"          "Shadow Poison"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_shadow_poison_Description"    "Deals damage on hit and again when the effect ends. Deals 1/2/4/8 times the stack damage based on the number of stacks on the target. Additional stacks cause 50 damage each."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_shadow_poison_stack_damage"    "Stack Damage:"

    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_shadow_poison_release"        "Shadow Poison Release"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_shadow_poison_release_Description"  "Releases the poison to do damage on all effected enemies. Can damage a disrupted unit."
    
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_demonic_purge"        "Demonic Purge"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_shadow_demon_demonic_purge_Description"  "Slows the target and removes positive buffs - Damage is dealt at the end and can hit disrupted units. Slow improves with each level."

    "npc_dota_hero_shadow_demon_bio"                    ""
    "npc_dota_hero_shadow_demon_hype"                    ""


    //CHAOS KNIGHT
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_bolt"          "Chaos Bolt"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_bolt_Description"    "Throws a mysterious bolt of energy at the target unit. It stuns for a random duration and deals random damage."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_bolt_Lore"        ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_bolt_stun_min"      "MINIMUM STUN:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_bolt_stun_man"      "MAXIMUM STUN:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_bolt_damage_min"    "MINIMUM DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_bolt_damage_max"    "MAXIMUM DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_reality_rift"        "Reality Rift"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_reality_rift_Description"  "Teleports you, any images you have and the target unit to a random point along the line between the two of you. Gives you bonus attack damage for one attack."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_reality_rift_Lore"      ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_reality_rift_bonus_damage"  "BONUS DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_reality_rift_bonus_duration"  "BONUS DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_reality_rift_cast_range"    "RANGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_strike"        "Chaos Strike"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_strike_Description"  "Nessaj's mojo gives him a chance to deal bonus damage."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_strike_Lore"      ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_strike_crit_chance"  "%CRITICAL CHANCE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_chaos_strike_crit_damage"  "%CRITICAL DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_phantasm"          "Phantasm"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_phantasm_Description"    "Summons several copies of the Chaos Knight from alternate dimensions. The illusions deal full damage, but take double damage."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_phantasm_Lore"        ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_chaos_knight_phantasm_images_count"    "NUMBER OF ILLUSIONS:"
    "npc_dota_hero_chaos_knight_bio"                    ""
    "npc_dota_hero_chaos_knight_hype"                    ""
									

Armlet has been renamed:

    "DOTA_Tooltip_Ability_item_armlet"        "Armlet of Mordiggian"
									

New server regions: “Stockholm”, “Amsterdam”:

    "dota_region_stockholm"      "Stockholm"
    "dota_region_amsterdam"      "Amsterdam"
									

Updates to the hero selection filter, with “Recommended Starter Heroes” and “Team’s Suggestions” which at a guess is either heroes the team has recommended or an automatic recommendation based on your team comp:

    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Filter_Starter"    "RECOMMENDED STARTER HEROES"    
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Filter_All"      "ALL HEROES"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Filter_Suggestions"  "TEAM'S SUGGESTIONS"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Checkbox_Carry"    "CARRY"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Checkbox_Initiator"  "INITIATOR"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Checkbox_Ganker"    "GANKER"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Checkbox_Support"    "SUPPORT"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Checkbox_Pusher"    "PUSHER"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Checkbox_Attack_Melee"    "MELEE"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Checkbox_Attack_Ranged"  "RANGED"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Checkbox_MyHero_Favorites"  "FAVORITES"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Checkbox_MyHero_BestAs"  "BEST"
    "DOTA_Hero_Selection_Checkbox_MyHero_Recent"  "RECENT"
									

Updates to the infraction system, reminding you to report abusive players and informing you if someone you reported was punished.

    "infraction_type_label"                  "Select a category"
    "infraction_comment_label"                "More information:"

    "DOTA_ReportReminder"                  "Don't forget to report players for bad conduct, or commend them for being fun to play with. You can do this by clicking on their name in the scoreboard at any time."
    "notify_successful_report_title"            "THANKS!"
    "notify_successful_report"            "We’ve recently taken action against one or more players you’ve previously reported for bad conduct. Thanks for your help in making the Dota 2 community a friendlier place."

    "matchmaking_low_priority_local"              "You are in the low priority matchmaking pool for %s1 due to abandoned games or player reports"
    "matchmaking_low_priority_party"              "%s1 will only allow low priority matchmaking for %s2 due to abandoned games or player repots"
									

More game modes and their descriptions:

    "dota_game_mode_0"                        "ALL PICK"
    "dota_game_mode_1"                        "SINGLE DRAFT"
    "dota_game_mode_2"                        "ALL RANDOM"
    "dota_game_mode_3"                        "RANDOM DRAFT"
    "dota_game_mode_4"                        "CAPTAINS DRAFT"
    "dota_game_mode_5"                        "CAPTAINS MODE"
    "dota_game_mode_6"                        "DEATH MODE"
    "dota_game_mode_7"                        "EASY MODE"

    "dota_game_mode_0_desc"                      "Everyone may pick from all available heroes."
    "dota_game_mode_1_desc"                      "Three different random heroes are offered to each player."
    "dota_game_mode_2_desc"                      "Every player gets a random hero."
    "dota_game_mode_3_desc"                      "Choose from 22 random heroes."
    "dota_game_mode_4_desc"                      "Captains alternate 1/1/1/1 ban picks. It then goes into a 1/2/2/2/2/1 hero draft."
    "dota_game_mode_5_desc"                      "Each captain removes up to 4 heroes. After that you enter the 1/2/2/ pick phase."
    "dota_game_mode_6_desc"                      "If you die, you will have to pick a new hero once you can respawn."
    "dota_game_mode_7_desc"                      "Towers are weaker, experience is gained faster, and you get more periodic gold."
									

More status strings for the friend’s list/profile, with references to a ”Looking To Trade” state:

    "DOTA_RP_WATCHING_REPLAY"      "Watching A Replay"
    "DOTA_RP_FINDING_MATCH"        "Finding A Match"
    "DOTA_RP_ONLINE"          "Online"
    "DOTA_RP_BUSY"            "Busy"
    "DOTA_RP_AWAY"            "Away"
    "DOTA_RP_SNOOZE"          "Snooze"
    "DOTA_RP_LOOKING_TO_TRADE"      "Looking To Trade"
    "DOTA_RP_LOOKING_TO_PLAY"      "Looking To Play"
									

The “items_game.txt” has also been updated and now has a list of item “rarities”:

  "rarities"
  {

    "common"
    {

      "value"    "1"
      "loc_key"    "Rarity_Common"
      "color"    "desc_common"
      "next_rarity"    "uncommon"
    }

    "uncommon"
    {
      "value"    "2"
      "loc_key"    "Rarity_Uncommon"
      "color"    "desc_uncommon"
      "next_rarity"    "rare"
    }
    "rare"
    {
      "value"    "3"
      "loc_key"    "Rarity_Rare"
      "color"    "desc_rare"
      "next_rarity"    "mythical"
    }
    "mythical"
    {
      "value"    "4"
      "loc_key"    "Rarity_Mythical"
      "color"    "desc_mythical"
      "next_rarity"    "legendary"
    }
    "legendary"
    {
      "value"    "5"
      "loc_key"    "Rarity_Legendary"
      "color"    "desc_legendary"
    }
    "ancient"
    {
      "value"    "6"
      "loc_key"    "Rarity_Ancient"
      "color"    "desc_ancient"
      "next_rarity"    "immortal"
    }

    "immortal"
    {
      "value"    "7"
      "loc_key"    "Rarity_Immortal"
      "color"    "desc_immortal"
    }
  }
									

There are also references to a ”Free Trial Premium Upgrade”, once again pointing to a similar system TF2 uses?

    "10000"
    {
      "name"    "Free Trial Premium Upgrade"
      "prefab"    "dota_player_item"
      "item_class"    "upgrade"
      "item_type_name"    "#DOTA_Item"
      "item_name"    "#DOTA_Trial_UpgradeItem"
      "show_in_armory"    "0"
    }
									

As well as string updates, there have been a ton of changes in the rest of the files, most noticeable is the inclusion of Steam Workshop Scaleform UI/GFX files:

workshop.gfx

And if we dig into the files and open the background of the Scaleform file you’ll find:

The inclusion of the Steam Workshop is a pretty big deal, it’s pretty confirms that DotA 2 will have some kind of cosmetic/item system which will most likely be made up of community submissions very similar to how TF2′s current model works.

The alternative hero selection screen has also been updated, the heroes are not displayed in a card like format, as well as making use of the updated filtering and recommendation systems:

We also got a look at the temporary Phantom Assassin model from the selection portraits used by the alternative hero selection screen:

Moving on to the custom couriers, the Badger now has his flying model.

Juggernaut’s Dog returns, this time with wings:

This patch also contains three sound files for OD which allows him to call the missing lanes.

At a guess these are either for the bots or Valve are planning on adding an MIA buttons/key binds.

odest_lane_missing_01.mp3

Your browser does not support the audio element.

odest_lane_missing_02.mp3

Your browser does not support the audio element.

odest_lane_missing_03.mp3

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Materials Update

Looking at the textures/materials we can see a whole bunch of new content.

Bane

It looks like Valve want to redo Bane and give him a new look. I’m liking the new style.

Brewmaster

Already has some temp comedy spell icons:

His textures look very work in progress/first pass.

Lone Druid

Some more comedy icons:

His textures are looking pretty good, I expected him to be further down the line but it’s looking like we might see him soon.

Lycanthrope

Comedy icons:

Looks very work in progress still.

Magnataur

A small update to one of his files.

Ogre Magi

This is the first reference to Ogre Magi being worked on in DotA 2. Very work in progress.

Phantom Lancer

Comedy icons:

A little progress has been made on him, looks pretty good.

Shadow Demon

Not comedy icons but they still look like WIP:

Bunch of material files for shadow demon, his textures/mapping look pretty complex so we can’t really tell how far this progress is.

His tail however looks like it came straight out of Saints Row 3.

Particles Update

The following heroes received updates to their particle files:

• Bane
• Batrider
• Death Prophet
• Dragon Knight
• Invoker
• Juggernaut
• Leshrac
• Life Stealer
• Lina
• Lone Druid
• Luna
• Lycan
• Necrolyte
• Outworld Destroyer
• Phantom Lancer
• Pugna
• Sandking
• Shadow Demon
• Skeleton King

Below you can find some screenshot’s of the unreleased heroes particles:

Bane

Lone Druid

Luna

Lycanthrope

Phantom Lancer

Crashes the particle viewer tool.

Shadow Demon

Predictions For The Next Hero

Realistically we could be looking at a double assassin pack, or one of the more complete/newer heroes like Lone Druid or Shadow Demon.

But to stay fresh I’m going to go for a bit of a long shot and say Bane. or Lycanthrope.

Or maybe they’ll surprise us and give us a nice batch of heroes with the new test client.

See you next week. 

I have had a lot of requests from the DotA 2 movie making community to provide them with some help/guidance for removing certain elements of the HUD etc to help them improve their movies.

First things first, most of these commands will require cheats to turned on:

sv_cheats 1 - This will enable cheat commands.
									

When watching a replay, it’s possible to use the source engine’s demo drive mode in conjunction with the third person command to unlock the camera.

Before using the demo drive mode, make sure you’ve the replay camera set to “free camera”.

Open the console and type “demoui”, this will open the Demo UI and give you access to the drive function, hit the drive button and then close the Demo UI.

Now reopen the console, enter the command “thirdperson”, go back to the replay and you’ll now have a semi-free/unlocked camera that can be rotated around using the mouse movement and buttons.

demoui - Use this command to open the Demo UI.
thirdperson - Use this command to unlock the camera.
									

Art.Of.AnGeul’s example video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=438EpEx6Joo

Currently the DotA 2 HUD is made up of old VGUI elements and new Scaleform elements, both of the interface types can be disabled using a range of commands.

Disabling Scaleform elements:

dota_sf_hud_actionpanel 0 - Disables the action/ability panel.
dota_sf_hud_channelbar 0 - Disables the channelling bar.
dota_sf_hud_chat 0 - Disables the chat/killspam log.
dota_sf_hud_inventory 0 - Disables the inventory slots.
dota_sf_hud_top 0 - Disables the bar across the top.
									

Disabling VGUI elements:

dota_hud_healthbars 0 - Disables all the health bars.
dota_no_minimap 1 - Disables the minimap.
dota_hide_cursor 1 - Hides the cursor.

cl_drawhud 0 - This command will completely remove any VGUI element from the display but you will lose a number of mouse control functions like zooming in/out, at the moment it is the only way to hide the portrait window.
									

After you’ve disabled the HUD you’ll notice a lot of black space left over where the game is not rendered.

Using a couple of commands it is also possible to increase the renderer and in combination with the previous commands you’ll be left with fullscreen hudless playback which should be great for recording movies.

dota_render_crop_height 0 - Controls the height of the renderer.
dota_render_y_inset 0 - Controls the renderer inset at the top of the screen. 
									

It will also provide you with the ability to take some sexy screenshots as well.

The camera distance can also be adjusted during the replay, using this in combination with the fog UI can help you get a nice top down shot.

Camera distance 2000 with default fog:

Camera distance 2000 with the fog override:

dota_camera_distance - Controls the amount you can zoom out (1134 is the default).
fogui - This opens up the Fog UI, allowing you to override the default fog.
									

Update: ReaverXai has sent me a script he has put together which should help you quickly enter drive mode and remove all of the HUD.

bind "F10" "ssMode"
bind "F11" "driveMode"

alias  "ssMode"  "fullui"
alias  "fullui"  "sv_cheats 1; dota_sf_hud_actionpanel 1; dota_sf_hud_channelbar 1; dota_sf_hud_chat 1; dota_sf_hud_inventory 1; dota_sf_hud_top 1; dota_hud_healthbars 1; dota_no_minimap 0; cl_drawhud 1; dota_render_crop_height 166; dota_render_y_inset 31; alias ssMode noui"
alias  "noui"    "sv_Cheats 0; dota_sf_hud_actionpanel 0; dota_sf_hud_channelbar 0; dota_sf_hud_chat 0; dota_sf_hud_inventory 0; dota_sf_hud_top 0; dota_hud_healthbars 0; dota_no_minimap 1; cl_drawhud 0; dota_render_crop_height 0; dota_render_y_inset 0; alias ssMode fullui"


alias   "driveMode"  "driveon"
alias   "driveon"  "sv_cheats 1; demoui 1; thirdperson; alias screenshotMode driveoff"
alias   "driveoff"  "sv_cheats 0; demoui 0; firstperson; alias screenshotMode driveon"
									

Paste this into a demo.cfg file, drop it in your DotA 2 cfg folder: “dota 2 beta\dota\cfg” and use the command “exec demo” to execute the script, press F10 to enter into a screenshot/hudless mode and F11 to open up the Demo UI.

Alternatively download the file from here: http://dota2.cyborgmatt.com/demo.cfg

Enjoy.

This week’s patch was very minimal on extra content so instead I’ll be showing off the progress on the current unreleased heroes after getting the latest patch content analysis done.

Front End Changes

This patch contained no new front end changes besides the arrival of Clinkz.

Back End Changes

In this patch we received a tiny back end updating revealing the first ability strings for another unreleased hero: Syllabear, The Lone Druid.

    // LONE DRUID
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear"                "Summon Spirit Bear"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_Lore"              ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_Description"          "Summons a powerful Spirit Bear companion that can equip items.nnAt level 2, the Spirit Bear gains the Return ability which returns the Bear to Lone Druid's position.nnAt level 3, the Bear gains the chance to Entangle enemies on attack.nnAt level 4, the bear gains Demolish, an ability that increases its damage against structures and adds passive spell resistance.nnIf the bear moves 1100 distance away from the Lone Druid, it cannot attack."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_bear_hp"            "BEAR HP:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_bear_armor"          "BEAR ARMOR:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_bear_bat"            "BEAR BASE ATTACK TIME:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_return"            "Return"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_return_Description"      "Immediately teleports the Spirit Bear back to the Lone Druid.  The Spirit Bear cannot teleport if it has taken damage from a player unit in the last 3 seconds."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_entangle"            "Entangling Claws"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_entangle_Description"      "Attacks have a chance to cause roots to burst from the ground, immobilizing the attacked enemy unit, and dealing damage per second.nnEntangling Claws is a Unique Attack Modifier, and does not stack with other Unique Attack Modifiers."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_entangle_entangle_chance"    "%ENTANGLE CHANCE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_entangle_hero_duration"    "HERO DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_entangle_creep_duration"    "CREEP DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_demolish"            "Demolish"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_demolish_Description"      "Increases the power of the Spirit Bear, causing it to deal more damage to buildings and have additional spell resistance."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_demolish_bonus_building_damage""%BONUS BUILDING DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_spirit_bear_demolish_spell_resistance"    "%SPELL RESISTANCE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_rabid"                    "Rabid"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_rabid_Lore"                ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_rabid_Description"              "Increases the attack and movement speed of Lone Druid and the Spirit Bear."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_rabid_bonus_attack_speed"          "%ATTACK SPEED:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_rabid_bonus_move_speed"          "%MOVEMENT SPEED:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_synergy"                  "Synergy"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_synergy_Lore"                ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_synergy_Description"            "Increases the Lone Druid's synergy with his Spirit Bear and himself, upgrading attributes and abilities."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_synergy_bear_bonus_damage"          "BEAR BONUS DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_synergy_bear_bonus_speed"          "BEAR BONUS SPEED:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_synergy_rabid_duration_bonus"        "RABID DURATION BONUS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_synergy_true_form_hp_bonus"        "TRUE FORM BONUS HP:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form"                  "True Form"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_Lore"              ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_Description"            "Lone Druid learns to morph himself into a raging bear, losing his ranged advantage but gaining melee power as well as the Battle Cry ability.  He can morph freely between druid and bear form."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_base_attack_time"        "BASE ATTACK TIME:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_bonus_armor"            "BONUS ARMOR:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_bonus_hp"            "BONUS HP:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_speed_loss"            "SPEED LOSS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_druid"              "Druid Form"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_druid_Description"        "Return to Druid form."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_battle_cry"            "Battle Cry"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_battle_cry_Lore"          ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_battle_cry_Description"      "Adds damage and armor to the Lone Druid and his Spirit Bear."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_battle_cry_bonus_damage"      "BONUS DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lone_druid_true_form_battle_cry_bonus_armor"      "BONUS ARMOR:"

    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_lone_druid_spirit_bear_entangle"    "Entangling Claws"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_lone_druid_spirit_bear_entangle_Description"    "Immbolized and taking damage over time."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_lone_druid_rabid"          "Rabid"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_lone_druid_rabid_Description"    "Gaining %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_ATTACKSPEED_BONUS_CONSTANT_SECONDARY%%% attack speed and %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BONUS_PERCENTAGE%%% movement speed."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_lone_druid_true_form_battle_cry"    "Battle Cry"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_lone_druid_true_form_battle_cry_Description"    "Gaining %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_PREATTACK_BONUS_DAMAGE% bonus damage and %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_PHYSICAL_ARMOR_BONUS% bonus armor."
									

Unreleased Hero Update

As of this patch we’re now aware of 11 unreleased heroes that are currently being worked on:

1. Atropos, the Bane Elemental
2. Harbinger, the Obsidian Destroyer
3. Lanaya, the Templar Assassin
4. Aurel Vlaicu, the Gyrocopter
5. Mortred, the Phantom Assassin
6. Luna, the Moon Rider
7. Dirge, the Undying
8. Magnus, the Magnataur
9. Azwraith, the Phantom Lancer
10. Banehallow, the Lycanthrope
11. Syllabear, The Lone Druid

All of this unreleased content is obviously work in progress so don’t freak out when you see Lanaya’s ugly face.

Atropos, the Bane Elemental

If you’ve read my previous blog posts before you will know that I regard Bane as an almost complete hero, he has ability strings, lore, spell icons, materials, ability sounds, vo script files (subtitles, game sounds and response rules), particle effects and a default item build.

Harbinger, the Obsidian Destroyer

Although his files are only a couple of weeks old, OD has gained quite a bit of progress in a short amount of time, he has ability strings, WIP spell icons, WIP materials, particle effects and a default item build.

Lanaya, the Templar Assassin

Lanaya has been in the files for quite a while now, she has ability strings, WIP spell icons, WIP materials, ability sounds, vo script file (game sounds), particle effects and a default item build.

Aurel Vlaicu, the Gyrocopter

Gyrocopter is another hero who has been in the files for quite a while now, he has ability strings, WIP spell icons, WIP materials, ability sounds, vo script file (game sounds), particle effects and a default item build.

Mortred, the Phantom Assassin

Phantom Assassin is another hero who has been in the files for quite a while now, she has ability strings, lore, ability icons, WIP materials, ability sounds, vo script file (subtitles, game sounds and response rules), particle effects and a default item build.

Luna, the Moon Rider

Although Luna has been in the files since the leak her progress is pretty minimal, she currently has: ability strings, WIP ability icons and particle effects.

Dirge, the Undying

Been around since the leak, currently he only has: ability icons.

Magnus, the Magnataur

Evidence of his existence turned up in the 19th jan patch, currently only has: WIP materials.

Azwraith, the Phantom Lancer

Has been around since the leak, currently only has: ability strings.

Banehallow, the Lycanthrope

Has only just been referenced recently, currently only has: ability strings.

Syllabear, The Lone Druid

From this weeks patch, currently only has: ability strings.

Predictions For The Next Hero

After that update you should be able to make your own predictions but if you’re still interested in mine then have a look below.

Logically I would say Bane should be the next hero we’re going to get but if Valve are planning on making sleep animations for every single hero then we might not see him any time soon at all.

If it’s not Bane then it could be any one of the other more complete heroes, so I would say either: Obsidian Destroyer, Templar Assassin, Gyrocopter or Phantom Assassin.

I’m going to go with Obsidian Destroyer, he has some great looking particles, materials and I’m sick of seeing Anti-Mage so he’s my prediction for this week.

Enjoy.

Screenshots

I have attached some screenshots below to show off the particle editor and some of the unreleased heroes` particles (click to enlarge).

Bane

Bonus Fiend’s Grip GIF:

Clinkz

Obsidian Destroyer

Lanaya

Phantom Assassin

Gyrocopter

Luna

Tutorial

If you’ve followed the model viewer guide before then that will give you a head start, the process is very similar with a few minor tweaks:

1. Download GCFScape: http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?p=26
2. Launch GCFScape and open the “dota 2 beta\dota\pak01_dir.vpk” file.
3. Extract the files to a new directory called “DOTA 2″.
4. Copy the extracted “materials”, “models” and “particles” folder to: “Steam\steamapps\common\alien swarm\swarm”.
5. Add “-tools -nop4″ to your Alien Swarm launch options.
6. Start Alien Swarm and you’ll be presented with the “Source Actbusy Tool”.
7. Press “Tools” and select “Particle Editor”, you’ll now be in the particle editor.
8. From here you can load in the particles from the folder you copied into the Alien Swarm directory.

If you’ve any questions use the comments, the “contact me” page or twitter etc.

Enjoy.

dota_killcam_show 1
dota_sf_hud_killcam 1

As you can see from the screenshots they’re more along the lines of an kill info box than “cam”, the abilities can be hovered over to read their description and any damage taken from other sources (ie towers) will also show up.

Front End Changes

New portraits for Crystal Maiden, they made some changes to her face/eyes and her portrait movement is a bit more natural now.  Bloodseeker now has less clipping but some still occurs:

Life Stealer gets himself an injured animation:

Tiny gets his Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade implemented (Which works on all versions of Tiny now):

Witch Doctor gets a new alternative attack animation:

Beastmaster also gets a new alternative attack animation.

They have also started adding the item auras in, currently this only effects “Assault Cuirass”, “Drum of Endurance”, “Shiva’s Guard” and “Vladamir’s Offering”:

Back End Changes

Progress has been made on Lycanthrope with new strings popping up:

    "npc_dota_lycan_wolf1"              "Lycan Wolf"
    "npc_dota_lycan_wolf2"              "Lycan Wolf"
    "npc_dota_lycan_wolf3"              "Lycan Wolf"
    "npc_dota_lycan_wolf4"              "Lycan Wolf"

    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_lycan_howl"              "Howl"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_lycan_howl_Description"        "Gaining %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_BASEATTACK_BONUSDAMAGE% bonus damage."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_lycan_feral_impulse"          "Feral Impulse"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_modifier_lycan_feral_impulse_Description"    "Gaining %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_ATTACKSPEED_BONUS_CONSTANT_SECONDARY% attack speed and %dMODIFIER_PROPERTY_BASEDAMAGEOUTGOING_PERCENTAGE%%% bonus damage."
									

There are now references to Clinkz’s actual model files, Valve be trollin’ me:

    "56"
    {
      "item_type_name"    "#DOTA_WearableType_Head"
      "item_name"    "#DOTA_Item_Clinkz_Skull"
      "item_slot"    "body_head"
      "name"    "Clinkz Skull"
      "prefab"    "dota_default_item"
      "image_inventory"    "econ/heroes/faceless_void/faceless_void_weapon"
      "model_player"    "models/heroes/clinkz/clinkz_head.mdl"
      "item_description"    "#DOTA_Item_Desc_Clinkz_Skull"
      "used_by_heroes"
      {
        "npc_dota_hero_clinkz"    "1"
      }
    }
    "57"
    {
      "item_type_name"    "#DOTA_WearableType_Bow"
      "item_name"    "#DOTA_Item_Clinkz_Bow"
      "name"    "Clinkz Bow"
      "prefab"    "dota_default_item"
      "image_inventory"    "econ/heroes/faceless_void/faceless_void_weapon"
      "model_player"    "models/heroes/clinkz/clinkz_bow.mdl"
      "item_description"    "#DOTA_Item_Desc_Clinkz_Bow"
      "used_by_heroes"
      {
        "npc_dota_hero_clinkz"    "1"
      }
    }
    "58"
    {
      "item_type_name"    "#DOTA_WearableType_ShoulderPads"
      "item_name"    "#DOTA_Item_Clinkz_Shoulder_Pads"
      "item_slot"    "shoulder"
      "name"    "Clinkz Shoulder Pads"
      "prefab"    "dota_default_item"
      "image_inventory"    "econ/heroes/faceless_void/faceless_void_weapon"
      "model_player"    "models/heroes/clinkz/clinkz_pads.mdl"
      "item_description"    "#DOTA_Item_Desc_Clinkz_Shoulder_Pads"
      "used_by_heroes"
      {
        "npc_dota_hero_clinkz"    "1"
      }
    }
    "59"
    {
      "item_type_name"    "#DOTA_WearableType_Quiver"
      "item_name"    "#DOTA_Item_Clinkz_Quiver"
      "item_slot"    "back"
      "name"    "Clinkz Quiver"
      "prefab"    "dota_default_item"
      "image_inventory"    "econ/heroes/faceless_void/faceless_void_weapon"
      "model_player"    "models/heroes/clinkz/clinkz_back.mdl"
      "item_description"    "#DOTA_Item_Desc_Clinkz_Quiver"
      "used_by_heroes"
      {
        "npc_dota_hero_clinkz"    "1"
      }
    }
    "60"
    {
      "item_type_name"    "#DOTA_WearableType_Head"
      "item_name"    "#DOTA_Item_Clinkz_Horns"
      "item_slot"    "head"
      "name"    "Clinkz Horns"
      "prefab"    "dota_default_item"
      "image_inventory"    "econ/heroes/faceless_void/faceless_void_weapon"
      "model_player"    "models/heroes/clinkz/clinkz_horns.mdl"
      "item_description"    "#DOTA_Item_Desc_Clinkz_Horns"
      "used_by_heroes"
      {
        "npc_dota_hero_clinkz"    "1"
      }
    }
    "61"
    {
      "item_type_name"    "#DOTA_WearableType_Gloves"
      "item_name"    "#DOTA_Item_Clinkz_Gloves"
      "item_slot"    "gloves"
      "name"    "Clinkz Gloves"
      "prefab"    "dota_default_item"
      "image_inventory"    "econ/heroes/faceless_void/faceless_void_weapon"
      "model_player"    "models/heroes/clinkz/clinkz_gloves.mdl"
      "item_description"    "#DOTA_Item_Desc_Copy_of_Clinkz_Skull"
      "used_by_heroes"
      {
        "npc_dota_hero_clinkz"    "1"
      }
    }
									

We’ve also received the first confirmation of another one of the future heroes: Magnataur

Most of his textures are initial colour palette based stuff but we did get one partially done texture:

My failed prediction Clinkz was also on the receiving end of multiple texture updates:

Anti-Mage’s best friend Obsidian Destroyer continues to receive material work (nothing worth showing).

Kunkka gets himself a few taunts which will most likely be in the cosmetic store:

taunt_spyglass, taunt_rum, taunt_bow

The spyglass model is in but not textured and there’s no bottle for the rum taunt.

This model is labelled as Roshan’s Aegis, I guess they are maybe planning on giving him weapons seeing as the model is shaped like a shield and/or giving the aegis holder a shield to wield.

Predictions For The Next Hero

My guessing streak has been ruined but I will carry on making predictions and this week’s prediction is Clinkz once again, his new textures look even better and we have references to his actual model files so I really wouldn’t be surprised if it was him.

Bane is also another hero who looks like he is finished/ready but we’ve yet to see. Either Valve is not happy with him or they still have more work to do (possibly sleep animations for all of the existing heroes?), I figured that they would use the stun animation and place an icon above the heroes head to show they were sleeping (similar to how the silence effect is shown in game) but that maybe not the case.

And last but not least a shout out for Obsidian Destroyer, they’ve been pumping out his content pretty fast and his particles are looking nice, it would be great to see him return and deal with some of these AM pickers.

Front End Changes

With the addition of two new heroes (Silencer and Spirit Breaker) we’ve also received portrait and model updates for a number of the existing heroes (Slardar, Huskar, Drow and Earthshaker) the latter two only receiving minor changes.

Slardar with the full head remake, Huskar with a rework to his face, Drow with a rework to her jaw, and Earthshaker with his positioning, totem and beard.

Slardar received the biggest changes with his head being remodelled and it also appears he has been hitting the gym (the black gloves are a model viewer problem).

As well as the model updates Valve has introduced new animations for when a hero is injured/low health, so far only Nature’s Prophet, Juggernaut and Ursa have been given animations for this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us0NZr_-vlU

Tide Hunter has a low health animation as well but only for his Ravage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_lV8vr9rXw

The UI also received a few updates, the practice lobby gets a complete rework so the game preferences can be seen by all the players, the watch games replay tab now hides the winning team and the new minimap is beautiful.

The new minimap update also provided us with a collection of pixel art heroes which are displayed on the minimap when the user holds down alt.

Full collection here: http://dota2.cyborgmatt.com/6.73icons/miniheroes/

Back End Changes

On the back end of things this patch provided us with the strings for Obsidian Destroyer’s and Lycanthrope’s abilities.

    //OBSIDIAN DESTROYER
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_arcane_orb"            "Arcane Orb"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_arcane_orb_Description"      "Adds extra pure damage to Harbinger's attacks, based on his remaining mana pool.  Arcane Orb also does bonus damage to summoned units and illusions.nnArcane Orb is a Unique Attack Modifier, and does not stack with other Unique Attack Modifiers."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_arcane_orb_mana_pool_damage_pct"  "%MANA POOL TO DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_arcane_orb_illusion_damage"    "ILLUSION DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_astral_imprisonment"        "Astral Imprisonment"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_astral_imprisonment_Description"  "Places a target allied or enemy hero into an astral prison.  The hidden hero is invulnerable and disabled.  When cast on an enemy Hero, Harbinger temporarily steals intelligence from that hero."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_astral_imprisonment_int_steal"    "INTELLIGENCE STEAL:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_astral_imprisonment_steal_duration""STEAL DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_astral_imprisonment_prison_duration""PRISON DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_essence_aura"            "Essence Aura"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_essence_aura_Description"      "Whenever nearby allied Heroes or Harbinger itself casts a spell, it gains a chance to restore 25%% of its mana pool.  Harbinger also passively gains a bonus to its base mana pool."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_essence_aura_radius"        "RADIUS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_essence_aura_bonus_mana"      "BASE MANA:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_essence_aura_restore_chance"    "%RESTORE CHANCE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_sanity_eclipse"          "Sanity's Eclipse"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_sanity_eclipse_Description"    "Deals damage to enemy Heroes in an area of effect based on the difference between Harbinger and the affected Hero's intelligence. If the Hero takes less than the damage threshold, that Hero loses 75%% of its current mana.nnSCEPTER UPGRADABLE: Increases damage multiplier and casting range."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_sanity_eclipse_radius"        "RADIUS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_sanity_eclipse_casting_range"    "RANGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_sanity_eclipse_damage_multiplier"  "DIFFERENCE DAMAGE MULTIPLIER:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_obsidian_destroyer_sanity_eclipse_damage_threshold"  "DAMAGE THRESHOLD:"
    "npc_dota_hero_obsidian_destroyer_bio"                    ""
    "npc_dota_hero_obsidian_destroyer_hype"                    ""

    // LYCANTHROPE
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_summon_wolves"                  "Summon Wolves"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_summon_wolves_Lore"                ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_summon_wolves_Description"            "Summons two wolves to fight for Banehollow.  Level 2-4 wolves have Critical Strike, and level 4 wolves have permanent invisibility."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_summon_wolves_wolf_duration"          "DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_summon_wolves_wolf_bat"              "BASE ATTACK TIME:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_summon_wolves_wolf_armor"            "ARMOR:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_summon_wolves_wolf_damage"            "DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_summon_wolves_wolf_hp"              "HP:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_howl"                      "Howl"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_howl_Lore"                    ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_howl_Description"                "Grants bonus damage to Lycan and all allied heroes and all units under their control."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_howl_howl_duration"                "DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_howl_hero_bonus_damage"              "HERO BONUS DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_howl_unit_bonus_damage"              "MINION BONUS DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_feral_impulse"                  "Feral Impulse"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_feral_impulse_Lore"                ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_feral_impulse_Description"            "Increases the damage and attack speed of Banehallow and all units under his control."
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_feral_impulse_radius"              "RADIUS:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_feral_impulse_bonus_attack_speed"        "BONUS ATTACK SPEED:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_feral_impulse_bonus_damage"            "%BONUS DAMAGE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_shapeshift"                    "Shapeshift"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_shapeshift_Lore"                ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_shapeshift_Description"              ""
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_shapeshift_duration"              "DURATION:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_shapeshift_base_attack_time"          "BASE ATTACK TIME:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_shapeshift_crit_chance"              "%CRITICAL CHANCE:"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_ability_lycan_shapeshift_crit_damage"              "%CRITICAL DAMAGE:"
									

An update to the courier provides the ability to check its status.

    // Courier Tooltip    
    "DOTA_Tooltip_courier_status"                          "Courier Status"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_courier_no_couriers"                        "No couriers found"
    "DOTA_Tooltip_courier_status_at_base"                      "At Base"          // idle at the fountain, or working with the stash
    "DOTA_Tooltip_courier_status_idle_in_world"                    "Idle In the Field"      // idle somewhere out in the world
    "DOTA_Tooltip_courier_status_moving"                      "On The Move"        // moving somewhere
    "DOTA_Tooltip_courier_status_returning"                      "Returning to Base"      // move dest is the fountain
    "DOTA_Tooltip_courier_status_delivering"                    "Delivering Items to %s1"  // moving to a hero

    "DOTA_Tooltip_courier_respawn"                          "DeadnRespawn in %s1"
									

More new strings referencing to a “career profile” and an updated lobby list which includes: “Public Matchmaking, Practice Game, Tournament Game and Tutorial” suggesting that a tournament lobby will be added separately from the current private game lobby system we’ve now.

    "dota_profile_overview"                    "Overview"
    "dota_profile_history"                    "Game History"
    "dota_career_profile"                    "CAREER PROFILE"
    "dota_profile_title"                    "DOTA 2 - PERSONA"
    "dota_profile_prefs"                    "Persona Preferences"
    "dota_profile_recent_games"                  "Most-recent Games"
    "dota_profile_commendations"                "Commendations"
    "dota_lobby_type_matchmaking"                "Public Matchmaking"
    "dota_lobby_type_practice"                  "Practice Game"
    "dota_lobby_type_tournament"                "Tournament Game"
    "dota_lobby_type_tutorial"                  "Tutorial"
    "dota_lobby_default_title"                  "PRACTICE LOBBY"
    "dota_featured_hero"                    "Featured Hero:"
									

And finally channeling spells now so a timer:

    "DOTA_Channel_Bar_Default"      "Channeling"
    "DOTA_Channel_Bar_Time"        "Channeling %s1"
									

The unreleased Juggernaut’s Dog courier was updated with new materials:

To keep parity with 6.73 Tiny’s model now has a tree weapon model and animation set that is intended to be used when he buys a Aghanim’s Scepter but has yet to be implemented in the current DotA 2 client.

Looking towards future heroes we’ve new texture work done for the following heroes:

Invoker has had more texture work done with his Forge Spirit ability now having a texture:

Obsidian Destroyer has more texture work done:

And finally Clinkz receives a whole batch of new texture work, I won’t include them all but here are some of the better:

Predictions For The Next Hero

Currently I’m on a streak for guessing what the next hero is, so keeping with tradition I’m going to say that Clinkz will be the next hero to arrive in the DotA 2 world.

In this patch Clinkz now has a total of 25 material files, prior to this he had 4 files, as well as the material files we also have Clinkz’s subtitles for his voice work, all of which is similar to what happened before the release of Death Prophet, Ursa and Bounty Hunter.