Dota 2 Update - 1/30/2026

3/5 Moderate

This update addresses several hero-specific bugs and introduces significant performance optimizations for network traffic and cosmetic rendering.

All Changes

⚔️Hero Fixes(5)

fixClinkz: Fixed Skeleton Archers dealing excessive damage to buildings.
fixSlark: Corrected Depth Shroud failing to apply move speed and health regen to allies.
fixSpectre: Fixed Shadow Step duration extending incorrectly with attack range items.
fixMuerta: Fixed Gunslinger bonus damage talent scaling incorrectly on illusions.
fixLargo: Fixed Croak of Genius damage proccing unintended abilities like Sticky Napalm.

⚙️Performance & Technical(3)

fixNetwork: Optimized network encoding to substantially reduce server hitch frames.
changeCosmetics: Restructured cosmetics to use zero network bandwidth after game start.
fixPerformance: Fixed a bug where cosmetic items were recreated on every hero spawn, causing performance degradation.

🛠️General(2)

fixTurbo: Fixed a bug in Turbo mode deducting 2 gold after the ban phase.
changeUI: Ability effect slot items no longer appear equipped on heroes in post-game screens.

Summary

The patch fixes unintended interactions for Clinkz, Slark, Spectre, and Muerta while resolving a performance leak related to cosmetic item spawning. Technical improvements include restructured network encoding to reduce server hitches and minimize bandwidth usage for cosmetics after the game starts.