Who Was the First Hero Added to Dota 2?

The first hero added to Dota 2 after its initial launch was Monkey King. This might come as a surprise to some, as many assume the heroes present at the game’s alpha release were the “originals.” However, the term “original” in the context of Dota 2 heroes refers specifically to those characters designed and implemented uniquely within the Dota 2 engine, rather than being direct ports from the original Defense of the Ancients (DotA) mod. Monkey King, along with a group of others, represents this new wave of heroes, making him a landmark addition to the game’s ever-evolving roster.

Understanding Dota 2 Hero Development

It’s essential to understand the distinction between the heroes available at Dota 2’s alpha launch and the ‘original’ heroes of Dota 2. When Dota 2 first became available in its alpha stage, it featured a selection of 24 heroes. These heroes were, for the most part, faithfully recreated versions of characters from the original DotA mod. Valve’s aim wasn’t to completely overhaul the game’s foundations immediately but to provide a seamless transition for the large existing community of DotA players.

The development of Dota 2 was an exercise in both honoring the past and forging a new future. The early versions were more about perfecting the transition and enhancing the game’s presentation. The true originality of Dota 2, in terms of hero design, began with heroes like Monkey King and a set of others, making them the “original” heroes, separate from the starting 24.

Monkey King’s Arrival

Monkey King’s release marked a significant turning point. Introduced as part of the 7.00 update, also known as the “The New Journey” update, in December 2016, he wasn’t merely a hero ported from the old mod. He was a fully realized creation within the Dota 2 ecosystem, with new abilities, animations, and a unique style. This release symbolized Valve’s commitment to building on DotA’s legacy while establishing Dota 2 as its own distinct entity. He was the first to truly break the mold, not being a character from Dota 1. This, then, is why Monkey King is the first true original hero in the game.

Why Monkey King Matters

Monkey King’s arrival was met with a combination of excitement and trepidation. His kit was unique, and he immediately shook up the meta with his deceptive mobility, powerful stuns, and potent damage potential. He was an entirely new hero, built with a deep understanding of the Dota 2 engine and its design possibilities. It was clear that with his arrival, the game was about to enter an era of newly conceptualized heroes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dota 2 Heroes

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of Dota 2’s hero landscape, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. How many heroes did Dota 2 have at the start? Dota 2 had 24 heroes at its alpha release. These were primarily direct recreations from the original DotA mod.
2. What is the total number of heroes in Dota 2 now? Over its decade-long existence, Dota 2 has expanded to include a large roster of heroes, currently standing at over 120 different characters.
3. Who are the other “original” heroes in Dota 2 besides Monkey King? The term “original” refers to 11 specific heroes created for Dota 2. These include Dark Willow, Pangolier, Grimstroke, Mars, Snapfire, Void Spirit, Hoodwink, Dawnbreaker, Marci, and Monkey King.
4. When was the last hero added to Dota 2? The latest hero, Muerta, was released on March 7th, as part of the 7.32e update, known as the Dead Reckoning Update.
5. Is Dota 2 based on the original DotA? Yes, Dota 2 is the spiritual successor to the original Defense of the Ancients (DotA) mod created for Warcraft III. Valve acquired the rights to create the standalone title.
6. How does Dota 2 compare to League of Legends (LoL) in terms of difficulty? Many believe that League of Legends champions are harder to master due to a higher reliance on skill shots (requiring good aim), while Dota 2 focuses more on strategic and tactical depth.
7. Which Dota 2 hero has 0 intelligence? Ogre Magi has 0 base intelligence, obtaining mana and mana regeneration from Strength.
8. Is the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) still active? No, the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) will not return in 2024. The 2023 season was its last.
9. When was Dota 2 most popular? Dota 2 reached its peak concurrent player count in March 2016, with nearly 1.29 million gamers playing simultaneously.
10. Who owns Dota? The Dota franchise is primarily owned by Valve Corporation, despite a history involving Blizzard’s opposition related to the original DotA mod’s ownership.
11. Who is referred to as the “King Dota”? Wraith King is often called “King Dota” due to lore, and his role as a powerful leader.
12. What was Necrophos’s original name? Necrophos’s original name was Necrolyte, which was changed, using the Greek word for light, “phos” into Necrophos.
13. Which is the most successful hero in Dota 2, based on win rate? As of July 2023, Omniknight had the highest win rate at 56.48%, closely followed by Abaddon at 55.4%.
14. Who are some of the most toxic heroes in Dota 2? Some of the most toxic heroes, known for their frustrating playstyles, are Outworld Devourer, Viper, Sniper, Tinker, and Arc Warden.
15. Which is considered the easiest hero for beginners in Dota 2? Ogre Magi is often recommended as the easiest hero due to their high health pool and straightforward skill set.

Conclusion

The release of Monkey King was a pivotal moment for Dota 2. It marked the start of an era where new, truly original heroes began to grace the game. He wasn’t just another hero; he represented a conscious shift toward new designs within the established framework of the beloved DotA universe. This approach paved the way for a steady stream of fresh faces, each adding their unique flavor to the already rich tapestry of the game. Understanding the distinction between the heroes at launch and these original creations helps appreciate the true evolution and design philosophy behind Dota 2. It demonstrates how Valve has successfully grown from its roots, creating a MOBA that continues to engage and surprise its players even after a decade of growth. The legacy of Dota 2, and of heroes such as Monkey King, will continue to push the boundaries of design and player experience in the years to come.