Dota 2 Shifting Snows Update Adds New Items And Balance Tweaks

Dota 2's Shifting Snows update, a "small gameplay update" with adjustments meant to "augment your strategies," is out now.

According to the Dota 2 website, the update brings a winter theme to the MOBA in lieu of a canceled Frostivus event, plus new items on the Dota store.

These include the new Treasure of the Frosted Flame chest, which can reward players new armor for the Drow Ranger, Shadow Shaman, Sniper, Luna, or Legion Commander. There's also a small chance of receiving a set for Tiny or Hexgill the Lane Shark courierA massive changelog for patch 6.83 available on the Shifting Snows page outlines some gameplay tweaks, bug fixes, and several adjustments to the game's items and heroes.

For instance: illusions now do 25% less damage against structues, and rune spawns are now always Bounty Runes that give double the gold and experience. Healing Salve now costs 110 instead of 115.

Sniper's shrapnel is now ineffective against buildings, but costs 50 in mana instead of 120, with an increased duration from 9 to 10, and techies and Bloodseekers were both added to Captain's Mode.

For a full list of changes, check out Dota 2's Shifting Snows page