TL;DR
- Meepo leads with 60.7% winrate despite minimal changes, showing hidden strength
- Leshrac, Elder Titan, and Io form a dominant 58-60% winrate trio in high-MMR games
- Phantom Assassin struggles severely below 35% winrate, requiring strategic alternatives
- Timbersaw and Sniper saw massive 10%+ winrate increases, becoming viable picks
- Patch changes to Roshan and Tormentors significantly impact hero viability
Games and Esports Articles Dota 2
The recent Dota 2 Patch 7.35 introduced substantial gameplay modifications that have dramatically reshaped the competitive landscape. Beyond the expected hero adjustments, this update removed several neutral items while adding new strategic elements to Roshan and Tormentors, creating ripple effects across the entire hero pool.
Our analysis draws from Spectral.gg’s comprehensive dataset, focusing exclusively on high-MMR matchmaking where players demonstrate optimal execution and strategic understanding. This ensures our insights reflect the patch’s true impact at competitive levels rather than casual play patterns.
Meepo’s current dominance at 60.7% winrate reveals fascinating meta dynamics. Despite receiving only minor numerical adjustments, the hero capitalizes exceptionally well on the new item ecosystem and map changes. His ability to control multiple areas simultaneously synergizes powerfully with the updated Tormentor mechanics.
Following closely are Leshrac (59.6%), Elder Titan (59.4%), and Io (58.7%), forming a formidable trio that excels in the current teamfight-heavy meta. These heroes benefit significantly from the reworked neutral item pool and the enhanced Roshan capabilities.

The most remarkable transformations belong to Timbersaw and Sniper, both experiencing winrate surges exceeding 10 percentage points. This catapulted them from niche picks to consistently viable options above the 50% threshold. Their success stems from improved itemization options and better scaling in the current meta timeframe.
All sets from the Frostivus Treasure Chest 2023
The Frostivus is here!
Phantom Assassin’s dramatic decline to sub-35% winrate represents one of the patch’s most significant impacts. The removal of key neutral items she previously relied upon, combined with meta shifts favoring control over burst damage, has severely hampered her effectiveness.
Chaos Knight (41.4%), Terrorblade (41.7%), and Dazzle (42.8%) complete the list of most affected heroes. These picks struggle against the current dominant strategies and itemization patterns.

Notably, Lycan and Oracle experienced substantial performance drops but narrowly missed the bottom ten. For players who previously mained these struggling heroes, considering alternatives like the rising Sniper or exploring the weapon strategies from other competitive games can provide fresh perspectives on approach.
Patch 7.35’s December 13 release, coupled with the Frostivus event, has established a new competitive environment requiring strategic adaptation. The comprehensive hero rebalancing, neutral item removals, and enhanced Roshan/Tormentor mechanics demand revised gameplay approaches.
The current meta favors heroes with strong teamfight presence, area control capabilities, and flexibility in item builds. Understanding these trends is crucial for climbing ranked ladders, much like mastering class selection in tactical shooters.
Roshan gets new ability and drop reward Roshan’s banner, Tormentors get buffed in patch 7.35
Looking forward, we anticipate further meta evolution as players develop counter-strategies to the current dominant picks. The ongoing Frostivus period may also introduce additional adjustments, making continuous adaptation essential for competitive success. For comprehensive strategic guidance, consult our complete game strategy resources for additional competitive insights.
Action Checklist
- Prioritize Meepo, Leshrac, or Elder Titan in your draft when possible
- Experiment with Timbersaw and Sniper in unranked matches to understand their new strengths
- Avoid picking Phantom Assassin in serious matches until meta shifts or buffs occur
- Study the new Roshan and Tormentor mechanics in demo mode
- Analyze your replays focusing on itemization choices against the current meta heroes
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