Agahnim’s Labyrinth might be gone from Dota 2, but Primal Beast, the limited-time game mode’s final boss, is here to stay.
Valve has delivered a giant patch with the Dota 2 7.31 patch, which includes a Techies rework, three new neutral creeps and items, and possibly a more balanced roster.
The centerpiece of the entire patch is the game’s latest strength hero, Primal Beast, who comes with an intriguing backstory, and a new set of hero abilities that make him a formidable offlaner.
Here’s everything you need to know about Dota 2’s newest hero.
Who is Primal Beast?
Dota 2’s newest hero was first seen in Aghanim’s Labyrinth as the limited-time game mode’s final boss.
According to Valve’s lore, Primal Beast was hatched as an existence devoid of all feelings except hunger and pain. The creature was supposed to be trapped in the Gleipnir but was freed by the Continuum Device.
Players speculated that the Aghanim’s Labyrinth final boss could function as a secondary neutral objective, handing out Aghanim’s Shards and blessings after a tough fight. Instead, he became Dota 2’s 123rd hero.
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How to play Primal Beast
Looking at the strength hero’s abilities, he seems suited for the offlane. The character can charge into teamfights without picking up a Blink Dagger by using Onslaught (Q). Pairing that ability with his Trample (W) that deals area of effect damage, the combo could do serious damage at the start of a clash.
The Uproar ability also gives him a fighting chance to hold the offlane by himself. After taking multiple hits, Primal Beast can activate Uproar which increases his attack damage and armor, based on how many stacks he’s gained from his passive ability.
Lastly, his Pulverize is a great teamfight ultimate, if it isn’t stopped by the enemy team. Primal Beast grabs an enemy hero and slams them to the ground repeatedly, dealing damage and a mini-stun to those caught in the area of effect.
As Primal Beast, you’re looking to use his Onslaught to get behind enemy lines and target the other team’s support heroes. Let them use their crowd control abilities on you and try to tank as much damage as possible, while your team focuses down on the enemy core heroes.
For items, picking up an early Soul Ring should allow you to use up all of your abilities in a teamfight if needed. while buying the brand-new Boots of Bearing should give your team the advantage on attack and movement speed when the item is activated.
The strength hero will need a Black King Bar to make sure he can channel his ultimate without being disrupted. As the team’s initiator, Primal Beast could also pick up an Aghanim’s Shard, which will unlock his Rock Throw area of effect stun that can be thrown from a far distance.
Screenshot by Nigel Zalamea/ONE Esports
Expect to see different variations of how to play Primal Beast once he’s picked in professional games. While the hero is best suited as an offlaner, he can also fill the midlane role with his ability to flash farm using his Onslaught and Trample.
The strength hero can also play the support role, since he doesn’t need to farm for a Blink Dagger, but is still capable of disabling the enemy team.
Read all about Primal Beast’s hero abilities on Dota 2’s official website. Check out the full Dota 2 7.31 patch notes on Valve’s website.
Dota 2 7.31 patch has plenty more changes that will affect the game’s meta. Make sure to follow ONE Esports’ Facebook page for more Dota 2 news and hero guides.
READ MORE: Techies rework in Dota 2 7.31: Are they better or worse?
