Dota 2 temporarily deletes popular hero before launching huge Dark Carnival update

Michael Hassall Published 25/06/2026

If you were an Axe player in Dota 2 earlier this week, you’d have found yourself out of luck when you tried to pick the stalwart Oglodi warrior, as the hero was straight up removed from the game on June 23.

The hero was completely missing from All-Pick and his hero model was replaced with a missing poster. Axe couldn’t even be demoed or picked in a custom game for a full day.

Then on June 24, Axe returned, but there was something a little… different. Now sporting clockwork features and a puppet-like appearance, it seems Axe had been kidnapped and replaced – just like in the Ringmaster reveal video several years ago.

Image Credit: Win.gg/Valve

Now, just moments go (June 25), Valve has unveiled the Dark Carnival event, something teased and rumored about for years. Axe and four other heroes have received incredible new Automaton Personas and a huge new event has taken over Dota 2 ahead of The International. Here’s what we know:

The Dark Carnival descends on Dota 2

A brand new narrative event called the Dark Carnival has been launched focusing on Hoodwink and Legion Commander as they attempt to escape the mechanical monstrosity they’ve been imprisoned within. Taunted by Ringmaster at every turn, the pair advance a players earn tickets to the next section of the caravan.

Image Credit: Win.gg/Valve

Tickets are earned in standard Cavern Crawl fashion, with various heroes unlocking different reward and routes. Each step on the crawl gives you rewards.

The story is currently split up into three parts, with a staggered release, with parts two and three launching in 14 days and 28 days respectively.

Beyond this there’s a new Axe, Oracle, Morphling, Legion Commander, and Bristleback Automaton Personas. These uniquely animated and designed personas revamp the heroes entirely. We think the Morphling one is especially fantastic, as it showcases the potential of what’s widely regarded as one of the worst models in the game.

The Dark Carnival event screen. Image Credit: Win.gg/Valve

There’s also 20 new sets available under the Treasure of Wonders, the Secret Rooms Pack, which unlocks extra story and reward (similar to Crownfall), and lots of other rewards available.

The Dark Carnival update is available to play now and it’s definitely one of the largest Dota 2 events in years. While it’s early days, this definitely has a similar potential to Crownfall, and we’re looking forward to seeing how deep the story and rewards run.

Featured Image Credit: Win.gg/Valve.

Michael Hassall

About Michael Hassall

Michael is a eight-year veteran of the games writing space, but has being playing them for as long as he can remember. With bylines across the internet, he’s used his expertise to cover esports, prediction markets, mainstream gaming, streamers, and more besides.

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