Dota 2 Patch 7.40c Brings Largo Into Captain's Mode!

Dota 2 Patch 7.40c Brings Largo Into Captain's Mode!

Otomo

22 Jan, 2026, 02:04

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Last updated: 22 Jan, 2026, 02:15

Dota 2 patch 7.40c is here and it brings a multitude of changes. The biggest impact of the new update is the introduction of Largo into Captain's Mode. Dota 2's main competitive mode. This is one of the fastest introduction's of a hero from release into the competitive scene.

Aside from Largo, several other heroes have been tweaked, so let's dive into the latest update!


The biggest changes of Dota 2 patch 7.40c

Clinkz, Timbersaw, and Jakiro recieve sizable nerfs

Timbersaw big winner in Dota 2 patch 7.35
Oh boy, someone in Falcons is unhappy. (Credit: Valve)

Several heroes have been running rampant across the competitive scene. Valve has taken steps to address a few of those. Clinkz does significantly less damage to buildings now, Timbersaw starts with three less strength, and Jakiro lost one int and has a lower duration on Ice Patch.

Since this is a letter patch, we didn't expect massive buffs or nerfs to any hero. These are likely to make their impact felt. Other heroes also received significant downgrades. Viper will be less punishing to kill, while countering Treant Protector's shard will be more rewarding now.

Khanda can now be disassembled

Tiny Dota 2
Crash Landing needs some nerf ASAP. (Credits: Valve)

Only two items received changes in this patch. Phylactery provides slightly less stats than before. It remains viable for the heroes who benefit from it. It's upgrade, Khanda, received a buff in return.

Khanda can now be disassembled. This allows players to reuse the Soul Booster to make an Octarine Core or Bloodstone instead. This is a solid late-game option, as often heroes that rush Khanda such as Tiny, do so for the burst damage. Later they can disassemble it and make an Octarine core to lower the cooldown of their spells and other items. In games where Break is not needed, this is a very nice option to have late-game.

Largo is in Captain's Mode

Largo is Dota 2's newest addition to the hero pool.
His small froggy friends are part of his charm. — Credit: Valve

As mentioned before, the biggest shake up to the game is you can now use the frog bard in competitive games. Whether the hero should be used is another question.

The hero's winrate is on the low side, only 45% across all brackets. He can be played as an offlaner or support, though which suits him best is yet to be defined.  You can check out our guide on how to best play the hero here.

Pango and Monkey King are Back! (maybe)

Pangolier continues his dominant run in the Dota 2 meta.
Can you pick a real hero bro? (Credit: Valve)

Two heroes that have been a staple in tournaments, yet absent recently are Monkey king and Pango.

Pango lost his facets at the start of the patch, and his skills were reworked, while his ulti nerfed to have less speed at the start. This killed his momentum and removed him from the game.  Monkey King wasn't hit as badly, but new cores such as Clinkz took his spot as roaming high damage carries.

Pango didn't get a facet, but his innate is 25% better. It's still very situational, only good vs proc-based abilities but it's a step forward at least. Swashbuckle also has a shorter cooldown. Monkey King got damage buffs all around, very nice for any core.

Dota 2 patch 7.40c aims to bring changes to the game now that the patch has been out for a while. You can check out what impact these will have in the ongoing Fissure Universe Episode 8 tournament, happening right now.

READ MORE: $75 Million Prize Pool Announced for Esports World Cup 2026

Featured Image Source: Valve

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