When will next update release in Dota 2? Patch 7.38 possible release date and time (updated)

Update, January 29: Valve developers have refreshed the test client environment, which historically serves as a reliable precursor to major updates. Based on established patterns, Patch 7.38 will likely deploy on January 30 or January 31. The most frequent deployment window occurs approximately between 1:00-2:00 AM Central European Time.

Original context: Early November witnessed the introduction of Kez, the newest Dota 2 hero, alongside the concluding chapter of Crownfall’s narrative arc. Despite these content additions, no substantive gameplay modifications accompanied these releases, with the most recent balance update being 7.37d from October 4. The player base anticipates 7.38 to deliver comprehensive mechanical adjustments and systemic improvements.

Valve maintains its characteristic silence regarding imminent patch deployments, providing no official announcements or transparent timelines. However, consistent activity on experimental servers typically indicates forthcoming releases. Should this pattern hold, version 7.38 could arrive during standard workdays spanning November 19 through 22.

The predominant schedule for substantial updates typically aligns with Thursday evenings or pre-Friday timing in European timezones. Anticipated deployment occurs within the range of midnight to 2:00 AM CET, though occasional early releases do materialize.

Advanced Timing Insight: Veteran players should note that major patches often deploy in coordinated global waves, with European servers typically receiving updates first, followed by American and Asian regions within approximately 30-60 minutes. Server maintenance typically precedes the actual patch availability by 15-20 minutes.

Consistent with established practices, development teams will implement comprehensive hero rebalancing, specifically targeting meta outliers and performance extremes. Ringmaster will likely enter Captain’s Mode eligibility given the three-month post-release waiting period has elapsed. Additionally, he may receive his specialized Facets system and Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade. The recently added hero Kez possesses Scepter functionality but currently lacks the Facets customization framework.

Meta Analysis Preparation: Competitive players should prepare for potential nerfs to currently dominant heroes like Phantom Assassin and buffs to underperforming picks such as Chen. Item balance adjustments, particularly to recently problematic artifacts like Mage Slayer, represent another likely modification area.

Systemic Changes Anticipation: Beyond hero-specific adjustments, expect potential economy modifications to comeback mechanics, neutral item distribution tweaks, and map geometry adjustments affecting key jungle and Roshan pit areas.

Proactive Adaptation Framework: Successful transition to new patches requires systematic preparation. Begin by analyzing your current hero pool’s vulnerability to balance changes, then identify 2-3 alternative heroes that complement your playstyle. Monitor community resources and professional player streams immediately post-release for rapid meta identification.

Common Strategic Errors: Avoid immediately abandoning previously mastered heroes—subtle changes may not invalidate their effectiveness. Similarly, resist overcommitting to seemingly overpowered new picks before understanding their counters.

Technical Readiness: Ensure your client is updated and consider watching patch note analysis from trusted community figures. Practice new mechanics in unranked matches before implementing them in competitive environments.

Advanced Player Considerations: High-level competitors should focus on understanding the underlying design philosophy changes rather than just specific number adjustments.

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