Since its release, Dota 2 has continued to grow through balance updates, system changes, and steady hero releases. The word “new” is used loosely here, since many years have passed, but Valve’s additions after 2014 have changed how the game is played across all skill levels.
These heroes were not added just to increase numbers. Many of the Best New Heroes in Dota 2 introduced mechanics that did not exist before, tested new design ideas, or connected the game with outside media. Some became standard picks in professional matches, while others reshaped how players approach fights and map movement.
Best New Heroes in Dota 2 Since Its Initial Release
Monkey King (2016)
Monkey King was released with Patch 7.00, one of the most important updates in Dota 2 history. He was also the first hero designed entirely for Dota 2, rather than being carried over from Warcraft III DotA, which made his release meaningful for the game’s future.
Image via Valve Corporation
His tree-jumping mechanic was something the engine had not supported before, changing how heroes could move around the map. Monkey King also received a cinematic trailer, which was uncommon at the time.
Even years later, Monkey King remains relevant. He is played as a carry, mid, and sometimes as a position four. His lane pressure and teamfight presence keep him useful in both pub games and competitive drafts.
Marci (2021)
Image via Valve Corporation
Marci was added after appearing in the Netflix series DOTA: Dragon’s Blood. After the show aired, many players wanted her added to the game, and Valve introduced her in 2021.
Her release helped connect anime viewers with the main game, but her gameplay impact mattered more. Marci quickly became a contested hero due to her mobility and damage output. By 2025, she had a high pick and ban rate in professional matches.
At certain points, she even functioned as a carry hero, especially when paired with items like Helm of the Dominator. Marci proved that crossover heroes can still fit competitive Dota without feeling out of place.
Also Read: Overwatch 2 Crosshair Settings: How to Change and Customize
Pangolier (2017)
Image via Valve Corporation
Pangolier arrived in Patch 7.07 alongside Dark Willow. His abilities introduced mechanics that had not appeared before, such as vector targeting through Swashbuckle.
His ultimate ability, Rolling Thunder, gave him a magic immune and absolute freedom over his movements which in turn influenced the whole fight. Pangolier’s abilities demand perfect positioning and timing which makes his use more difficult.
In the professional scene Pangolier has been playing an important role ever since he was released. He was a must-have mid-lane pick and in the composition of Tundra Esports, the TI11 winner, he got his spot in Dota 2’s Best New Heroes list.
Underlord (2016)
Image via Valve Corporation
The introduction of Underlord brought to an end the movement of Warcraft III heroes to Dota 2. He was the last hero from the original DotA to be included, thus his release being very much symbolic.
Through Dark Rift, players could deliver commanders to unexpected locations around the map which completely changed the way people fought and managed objectives. Later the ability was changed to Fiend’s Gate but the main idea was still intact.
Compared to many other heroes, Underlord is fairly simple to learn. However, he still is in the profession’s game mostly when the team wants to control the movement of the map.
Mars (2019)
Image via Valve Corporation
Mars razed the area control at the top notch with his ultimate, Arena of Blood. The ability became not only the most powerful spell of the game but also one of the most recognizable spells shortly after its introduction.
Landing the Spear of Mars in the Arena was a tough task for the non-expert players in the early game, and only the experienced ones were able to do it consistently. Later, Valve changed the mechanics and made the combo more user-friendly.
Mars is still a favorite offlane pick and an eternal character in Dota’s narrative. The turn has been played by Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf, who, together with the superhero, has been working at the top level to make the character more popular.
Kez (2024)
Image via Valve Corporation
Kez, the latest addition to the roster, has taken the total number of heroes to 126. The predominant characteristic of this hero is the dual-stance system that enables him to alternate between the modes Swift and Heavy.
There is a huge difference between fighting each of the stances, thus the decision-making during the brawls is increased. For this reason, Kez is a hard hero to master. He has been included in the Captain’s Mode but still is a mystery to the teams. Currently, his position is mainly as a dealmaker but it might change in the future. Kez indicates that Valve is still in the experimenting phase, and this might influence the characteristics of the future Best New Heroes in Dota 2.
Valve’s hero releases have played a key role in shaping modern Dota. Each addition introduced mechanics or playstyles that changed how the game is played at every level. The Best New Heroes in Dota 2 are not just new picks, but long-term influences on how Dota continues to evolve.
