Dota 2 patch 7.33 and Muerta release date confirmed by Valve

Dota 2 patch 7.33 finally has a release date, and the first pro games will start just six days later.

After months upon months of waiting, Dota 2 developer Valve has finally confirmed the release date for both patch 7.33 and the likely release of new hero Muerta. The announcement comes after the longest patch in Dota 2 history, with 7.32 to last a total of 195 days. Here’s the release date that Valve plans to release the patch and everything likely to be included.

The release date for Dota 2 patch 7.33 is officially confirmed as March 6, 2023. That date was revealed in an official blog post regarding the Lima Major, which begins on February 22. The post was primarily focused on that event, with reiterated details on the format and start dates. The reveal of the next major Dota 2 patch’s release date was a simple sentence at the end.

The blog post also announces a sale on Supporters Clubs packages with all time-limited content now 75% off. It also explains the changes that will be made to the fantasy system now that the tour has reached the major stage. Expect both features to return with minor changes for the 2023 DPC Spring tour starting March 12. 

The qualifiers for the spring season will also be the first pro event to take place on Dota 2 7.33, beginning less than a week after it drops. If included, Muerta will likely not be enabled in captain’s mode and will therefore be banned by default.

What will be included in Dota 2 patch 7.33?

There are two major factors that indicate that Dota 2 patch 7.33 will include several massive changes to the game.

First, this patch will be the first major change to the game since the end of The International 2022. Post-TI patches are usually the biggest adjustment made to Dota 2 all year.  2023’s has been notably delayed, with even the Lima Major taking place on the old patch. With so much time to gather play data and think of ideas, the next patch will target several major aspects of the game. 

The second is the alleged return of IceFrog, Dota 2’s mysterious lead developer. Multiple pro players and personalities have claimed that the frog took a break from Dota 2 development starting around the onset of travel restrictions in early 2020. They have also claimed that he has returned for 7.33. While Dota 2 has had multiple big changes since then, including the addition of flagbearer creeps and Wraith Pact, hero reworks and map changes have become scarce. With those two factors in mind, expect Dota 2 patch 7.33 to introduce massive changes to heroes and the map on its March 6, 2023 release date. 

Muerta release date likely confirmed for Dota 2

Valve occasionally hypes up certain changes by dropping hints to players in advance, such as with the Techies rework almost exactly one year ago. However, the accompanying blog post is basically devoid of hints. One thing we do know is that the patch will almost assuredly include new hero Muerta, who was teased at The International 2022. 

There’s still basically zero information about Muerta’s character and abilities, but the Dia de los Muertos-themed gunslinger will likely interact with the rare ethereal status effect. The recently-added item Revenant Brooch bears her aesthetic and allows heroes to attack ethereal targets for magic damage. That likely paints her as a magical burst damage dealer, but only Valve knows for sure.

As for other Muerta details, her guns likely indicate that she is ranged. The end of her trailer shows her on a cliff before glowing in front of an aurora sky. This could indicate some kind of powered-up state related to the ethereal status. As for position, Muerta’s appearance indicate that she’s intended to be played as a core, but which lane she’ll favor is still up in the air. In traditional Dota 2 fashion, expect to see her in every position once 7.33 releases on March 6, 2023.