Nerfs to Io, Lich, and Keeper of the Light arrive with Dota 7.21b
Valve has released a new Dota 2 patch bringing some interesting tweaks to popular heroes.
While the 7.21 patch brought in a new ranking system and its own hero changes, 7.21b provides small tweaks to bring further balance to the game.
Several nerfs and buffs have been delivered to different heroes in the current meta. The patch also delivered an increase in experience points from denied creeps, boosted from 25% to 30%.
The Hand of Midas gold bonus was reduced to 180, and is the only item being adjusted in this patch. The worthiness of Hand of Midas purchases is often contentious, and this change should see the item queued up a bit less frequently.
Some heroes received notable nerfs, including Keeper of the Light, Lich, and Visage.
The second cast of Keeper of the Light’s ultimate ability Will-O-Wisp will now follow the same tick interval as the first.
Players should expect a decline to the Refresher Orb itemization for Keeper of the Light that has become a staple for the hero in recent weeks.
Lich received reductions to its movement speed and Sinister Gaze duration, making the hero easier to catch. Visage’s strength was reduced to 22 + 2.8, while the attack damage of Summon Familiars is reduced to 20/40/60.
Meanwhile, small buffs were made to Crystal Maiden, Anti-Mage, Leshrac, Lycan, Night Stalker, Riki, Slark, and Omniknight. This consists mostly of an increase in their basic attributes or an increase in armor.
Notably, IO received several changes in this patch. Tether no longer renders heroes unable to be slowed. The Spirits ability no longer has toggle cooldown and no longer does a micro animation interruption when it is first cast.
IO’s Overcharge damage reduction was drastically reduced, from 15/20/25/30% to 5/10/15/20%, a dramatic nerf to the hero’s survivability aid. Some of the hero’s talents were also revamped.
The quick update to the 7.21 patch indicates that regular changes to gameplay will be back to the original two-week release windows announced by Valve.
Read Also
Dota 2
Every Dota 2 International Champion in History: The Complete Winners List
Ben Boland
If you know a thing or two about esports, “The International” should ring a bell. TI is Dota 2’s yearly tournament and is one of the most prestigious tournament series in all of esports. It’s best known for its million-dollar prize pools, and every edition tells a different story. Below, we list all the winners of Dota 2’s The International. Every year, Valve hosts an iteration of The International, with ...
Kick
ESL FACEIT Group announces Kick partnership, here’s what we know
Khizar Mundia
ESL FACEIT Group and Kick have signed a partnership that will allow the platform to distribute and broadcast select official CS2 and Dota 2 tournaments. Esports broadcasting rights are an important element for major streaming platforms, as popular tournaments draw millions of viewers. The esports broadcasting network is substantially fragmented as no one platform holds exclusive rights for major tournaments. Kick has been trying to get into the esports scene ...
Dota 2
Best Dota 2 Players in 2026
Owen Harsono
In 2026, pro Dota 2 players are on another level, with a bunch of them even passing 17,000 MMR. However, not all of them can prove themselves on the big stage. Below we have ranked the top 10 best Dota 2 players in 2026 who have championship qualities. We have ranked the top 10 Dota 2 players in the world right now. We primarily considered individual skill and overall contribution ...
Dota 2
Best Dota 2 Teams in 2026
Owen Harsono
We're currently in one of the most competitive eras in Dota 2, as many teams have the potential to win an event. But, even though the playing field is very even right now, some squads still manage to win out more often than others. Below are the top 10 best Dota 2 teams this year, including details on their recent successes and any question marks that remain. NAVI went for ...
Dota 2
Dota 2 Rich List 2026: Top 10 Richest Dota Pro Players
Conn Mc Gillion
Dota 2 has fast become one of the most lucrative esports in terms of prize money. It may not have as many viewers as League of Legends or even CS2, but all top-tier tournaments have a prize pool of over $1,000,000. As you will see, this means that the top 10 richest Dota 2 Players have managed to earn some serious winnings. This article will dive deep into the top ...
Dota 2
ESL One Birmingham 2026 Outright Odds and Teams Analysis
Owen Harsono
ESL One Birmingham 2026 is right around the corner, and it’ll be the first arena Dota 2 tournament in 2026. The previous tournaments this year were mostly played online or in studios, so this will feel a little different. These are the best Dota 2 teams to look out for at this event. Popular esports betting sites have these top three Dota teams coming into this event as clear favorites: ...
Esports Betting
Team Liquid vs BetBoom Team: PGL Wallachia Season 7 Predictions
Owen Harsono
Team Liquid will take on the BetBoom Team in the lower bracket final of PGL Wallachia Season 7. The winner will book a date with Team Yandex in the grand final and contend for the trophy. Here are our PGL Wallachia S7 Team Liquid vs BetBoom Team predictions. Tournament: PGL Wallachia Season 7 Stage: Lower Bracket Final Game: Dota 2 Format: Best of 3 Betting tip: Team Liquid have not ...
