Some of the most satisfying moments in Dota are found in the first stages of learning the game, as you begin to see intricate strategies take shape in the battles around you. However, there have also been some issues that caused unnecessary challenges for new players in the past. With today's update we're introducing two features designed to help new players face as few barriers as possible to enjoying Dota.

The first feature is a change to the hero selection system. To help new players, we are now restricting hero selection to a curated group of twenty heroes for their first twenty-five games. This introductory group consists of heroes that we've learned are very successful in helping new players learn and enjoy the game.

Today's update also introduces a feature that matches new players against players with consistently high behavior scores. It is especially important for a new player to have a good social experience while they are first trying to learn the game. The matchmaking system will now ensure that new players will play with and against appropriately-skilled players that also have a track record of good behavior.

The International is soon approaching, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Newcomer Stream!

Some of the most satisfying moments in Dota are found in the first stages of learning the game, as you begin to see intricate strategies take shape in the battles around you. However, there have also been some issues that caused unnecessary challenges for new players in the past. With today's update we're introducing two features designed to help new players face as few barriers as possible to enjoying Dota.

The first feature is a change to the hero selection system. To help new players, we are now restricting hero selection to a curated group of twenty heroes for their first twenty-five games. This introductory group consists of heroes that we've learned are very successful in helping new players learn and enjoy the game.

Today's update also introduces a feature that matches new players against players with consistently high behavior scores. It is especially important for a new player to have a good social experience while they are first trying to learn the game. The matchmaking system will now ensure that new players will play with and against appropriately-skilled players that also have a track record of good behavior.

The International is soon approaching, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Newcomer Stream!

* All owners of the International Compendium now have a custom visual effect for ironwood branch that changes its look depending on the phase the tournament is in.
* Added a new hero picking UI for spectators
* Added a new selectable style the “Evolving Progressive Shell” to Hermes the Hermit Crab. When selected, every 4 minutes Hermes will upgrade his shell to the next style you have unlocked.
* Fixed neutral creeps sometimes having creep aggro when hooked by Pudge to the middle lane

* All owners of the International Compendium now have a custom visual effect for ironwood branch that changes its look depending on the phase the tournament is in.
* Added a new hero picking UI for spectators
* Added a new selectable style the “Evolving Progressive Shell” to Hermes the Hermit Crab. When selected, every 4 minutes Hermes will upgrade his shell to the next style you have unlocked.
* Fixed neutral creeps sometimes having creep aggro when hooked by Pudge to the middle lane

* Fixed some cases where Magnetic Field could malfunction when multiple instances are in the area

Announcing a new exclusive physical reward available to all Battle Pass owners who reach Battle Level 2000, the Collector's Baby Roshan statue! Additionally, as a way to show off your achievement in-game, all Level 2000 players will have a custom version of Roshan replace his default form.

To claim your 8.5cm x 9cm, nickel silver-finished Baby Roshan at Level 2000, please ensure that you have visited the Collector's Aegis registration site to provide your shipping and contact information for the Level 1000 Reward. You will need to use your Steam account credentials in order to access the site, and the same shipping information will be used to send both the Collector's Aegis and Collector's Baby Roshan.

If you have a Level 2000 Battle Pass and previously registered for this year's Level 1000 reward, you're already set.

Deliveries are limited to one statue per registered account and will begin this fall. Registration is required to receive your Baby Roshan, so make sure to sign up before August 25th. Once registration closes, enrolled players will be contacted with more information regarding shipment and customer support.

Please note that all communication regarding your shipment will be sent to the email address you provide during registration, so make sure to provide accurate shipping and contact information.

Like the in-game Aegis effect, the custom in-game Roshan will expire on May 1, 2018.

Announcing a new exclusive physical reward available to all Battle Pass owners who reach Battle Level 2000, the Collector's Baby Roshan statue! Additionally, as a way to show off your achievement in-game, all Level 2000 players will have a custom version of Roshan replace his default form.

To claim your 8.5cm x 9cm, nickel silver-finished Baby Roshan at Level 2000, please ensure that you have visited the Collector's Aegis registration site to provide your shipping and contact information for the Level 1000 Reward. You will need to use your Steam account credentials in order to access the site, and the same shipping information will be used to send both the Collector's Aegis and Collector's Baby Roshan.

If you have a Level 2000 Battle Pass and previously registered for this year's Level 1000 reward, you're already set.

Deliveries are limited to one statue per registered account and will begin this fall. Registration is required to receive your Baby Roshan, so make sure to sign up before August 25th. Once registration closes, enrolled players will be contacted with more information regarding shipment and customer support.

Please note that all communication regarding your shipment will be sent to the email address you provide during registration, so make sure to provide accurate shipping and contact information.

Like the in-game Aegis effect, the custom in-game Roshan will expire on May 1, 2018.

* Fixed connection issues with spectating
* Fixed friend's list status not updating correctly
* Fixed upgraded blade color on Phantom Assassin's Arcana

Fixed a recent bug that caused creeps to path around Fissure rather than wait for it.

* Fixed a recent bug that caused creeps to path around Fissure rather than wait for it.