Dota 2 players are expressing concern over a sense of stagnation, as the last major gameplay update, patch 7.37, was released on July 31, 2024.

The current patch, 7.37e, has been in place for about two months, leading to growing restlessness among players who are eager for new content.

Community feedback indicates a strong desire for patch 7.38 to refresh the current meta, which many perceive as stale, particularly with heroes like Lina and Shadowfiend dominating the competitive scene.

While the ongoing Crownfall and Frostivus events are appreciated, players believe that a new patch is essential for revitalizing the competitive landscape as tournaments approach.

The introduction of facets and innate abilities in May 2024 has significantly altered gameplay dynamics, with players particularly eager for new features for heroes like Tinker.

There are unconfirmed theories circulating that Tinker may receive the Heat Seeking Rockets ability in the anticipated patch 7.38.

Speculation among players suggests that a new patch may not arrive until March or April 2025, which could result in a lengthy nine-month wait for significant updates.

Despite the patch drought, Dota 2 has maintained a robust player base, recently peaking at nearly 720,000 players, indicating ongoing interest in the game.