Valve announced a change of format for the release of patches for Dota 2. The developers' announcement appeared on the official website of the game.
Previously, the updates were different in content and would not only add cosmetic items to Dota 2, but also client features and game mechanics. In 2013, Valve also decided to introduce "The Interactive Compendium of The International," which later became a battle pass with a mini-game or an Arcana item. However, according to the developers, most players skip this activity.
So in 2022, some of the money from the Battle Pass was spent on new upgrades. The reaction of the community to the patch 7.33 called "New Horizons" pleased the developers. Valve noted that work on the upcoming major updates is still underway. However, the developers will not introduce a battle pass for The International 2023. It will be replaced by another event.
We're excited for the future of Dota and for what these changes allow us to do. We're already working on the next updates, and a host of new cosmetic items — and we've already started conversations with venues for TI 2024. By freeing Dota's update and content cycle from the timing and structural constraints of the Battle Pass, we can go back to making content in the way we know best: by coming up with fun ideas of all scales and shapes, and exploring them with you.
Valve
The 7.33 patch became available on April 21. Then, the developers have expanded the map by 40%, introduced new objects and artifacts, and updated the balance of the heroes and items.
On the night of June 15-16, Valve introduced a new update 7.33d for Dota 2. Developers have redesigned the balance of items and changed the characteristics of abilities of Abaddon, Arc Warden, Batrider, Beastmaster, Bloodseeker, Bounty Hunter, Broodmother, Clinkz, Crystal Maiden and others.