Dota 2 Patch 7.34d: Valve Targets Phantom Assassin Ahead of TI12

The International 2023 (TI12) is less than a week away and Valve unveiled the Patch 7.34d update on 5th October. This last update before TI12 brings a much-needed nerf to the overpowered Phantom Assassin, a hero that has been dominating professional matches and pubs alike. With the 7.34d update, Valve finally hopes to put a stop to her rampage. The patch also includes some minor hero nerfs to Pangolier and Treant Protector. Also, backpacking Ninja gear doesn’t work anymore.

Having said all that, let’s get into the list of nerfs in Dota 2 patch 7.34d.

Major Nerfs in Dota 2 Patch 7.34d

Phantom Assassin targeted

Valve has finally heard the cries of the Dota 2 community as Phantom Assassin (PA) has been nerfed. Therefore, the balance to Phantom Assassin is a welcomed change in the community. The hero has been on a rampage in the last few months and was a dominant pick in the DreamLeague Season 21.

Last time around, in patch 7.34, Dota 2 players saw a rework of her ultimate. The new ultimate caused her to have a chance to gain a 6-second long buff called “Deadly Focus.” This would guarantee the next hit to be a 200/325/450% damage and consume the buff. As a result, she had more critical strikes than before but never a first attack critical. Paired with Aghanim’s Scepter’s upgraded Blur caused her to be a recipe for disaster. 

Now, in Patch 7.34d, Valve has hit PA with the nerf hammer, effectively attempting to slow down her rampage in the professional and pub matches:

• Blur: Vanish Radius increased from 400 to 500

• Blur: Aghanim’s Scepter Cooldown rescaled from 10 seconds to 50 percent of the current cooldown

• Blur: Aghanim’s Scepter no longer increases Vanish Buffer

• Coup de Grace: Chance of Deadly Focus decreased from 20 percent to 17 percent  (40 percent  to 34 percent for Stifling Dagger)

Pangolier’s Mana Costs Increased

Pangolier has been a menace in teamfights. He was a hero who never seemed to run out of mana, despite always spamming his skills. The new update features an increase in his mana cost for his two main skills:

Valve went ahead and even reduced the damage of Shield Crash from 70/140/210/280 to 60/120/180/240 and the level 20 talent Swashbuckle damage has been decreased from +20 to +15.

Treant Protector Felled

Poor Treant Protector was the recipient of another nerf in 7.34d. His damage has been reduced by 2 points.

Other heroes who were nerfed were Invoker, who now only gains 25% of Mana burned from EMP. Meanwhile, Sven’s God Strength was decreased by 20% in all 3 levels, and Warlock’s Upheaval has also seen some minor changes.

With less than a week before The International officially begins, it will be interesting to see what new heroes and strategies the pro teams showcase on the grand stage.