Valve and I definitely have different interpretations of “early 2024,” but that’s all in the past now because the new Dota 2 Ringmaster hero has finally arrived. After being announced at last year’s TI, he has been added to the game. It’s been quite some time since a new support hero has been introduced, so here’s everything you need to know about Ringmaster.
Credit: Dota 2
Dota 2 Ringmaster Abilities
Ringmaster is primarily a support hero, with nuking and escaping capabilities. He comes with 5 abilities, including one that is quite unique and has not been seen before in Dota. Every other hero still has their patch 7.37b effect at the time of his release.
Tame the Beasts
His Q ability is straightforward but requires some practice to master. Ringmaster channels this ability, winding up his whip for 1 second to deal damage in an AoE and inflict Fear status on units. The longer the ability is channeled, the more damage it deals and the longer the Fear status lasts.
Escape Act
This ability, similar to Undying’s Shard, allows Ringmaster to move himself and an ally into a box, granting phased movement, slow resistance, bonus magic resistance, and bonus movement speed.
Impalement Arts
This skill shot ability deals damage over time and briefly slows enemies upon hitting them. Missing the enemy provides additional vision.
Wheel of Wonder
This ultimate ability may not feel as powerful as expected, but it has potential to be impactful in patch 7.37. It involves Ringmaster rolling a wheel to a chosen location, dealing DoT and slowing enemies. Looking at the wheel for more than 0.5 seconds draws enemies towards it, triggering an explosion after a set time.
Dark Carnival Souvenirs
Ringmaster’s innate ability, since he doesn’t have a facet yet, provides a unique way to enhance gameplay.
When an enemy dies near Ringmaster, he gains a charge with 3 different effects: Funhouse Mirror, Strongman Tonic, and Whoopee Cushion.
Dota 2 hero, Ringmaster (Image credit: Dota 2)
Will Ringmaster be at The International?
We may not see Ringmaster at The International anytime soon because Valve typically doesn’t release new heroes into Captain’s Mode until much later. While now is a great time to test him out in pubs, don’t expect to see him on the mainstage at TI just yet.
