New Dota 2 hero Hoodwink added in Mistwood Update

Dota 2 fans have been squirrely about getting new content and Valve seems to have noticed.

The newest Dota 2 hero has arrived as part of the Mistwood Update, with Hoodwink joining the fray. The ranged hero has a variety of unique spells that are similar to those seen with other Dota 2 heroes but has a focus on using trees that makes her kit a bit more unique.

“Hoodwink's earliest years were spent in the idyllic expanse of green that once filled the edges of Krimwohl. But as that kingdom grew, rival timber barons raced to outpace each other in devouring the natural beauty of the border forests..." the official blog said of Hoodwink's lore. "Having learned the tricks of safe passage in the tangles of those very mistwoods, where most living creatures wisely fear to tread, Hoodwink now strikes out against any who dare try to further pacify the wilds, happily taking what she likes from their belongings, destroying what she has no use for, and helping guide any kindred survivors back to a life in the green once again.”

What is Hoodwink's abilities in Dota 2?

Hoodwink’s Q is Acorn Shot, a spell that functions similar to Witch Doctor’s Paralyzing Cask. It bounces back and forth between enemy units within a certain distance from each other, but can also be targeted to the ground to create a tree.

Bushwhack is Hoodwink’s W and it works like an AOE version of Windranger’s Shackle Shot. If a tree is within the AOE of Bushwhack, it adds a Dark Seer-style Vacuum effect that pulls the enemies together. This synergizes with Hoodwink’s Acorn Shot, both in terms of creating a tree at will and guaranteeing bounces.

Hoodwink’s E is Scurry, a passive ability with an active effect. It passively gives Hoodwink evasion from physical attacks and has an active effect that gives increased movement speed with the ability to phase through both units and trees.

Finally, Hoodwink’s ultimate is a souped-up version of Windranger’s power shot named Sharpshooter. It deals damage and a slow effect in a straight line from the target point, which increases in severity the longer Hoodwink charges for. Unlike Power Shot, it only impacts the first unit it hits.

Hoodwink comes alongside Dota 2 update 7.28 in Mistwood Update

Hoodwink comes alongside the Mistwood Update, a large patch that was dropped alongside Dota 2 update 7.28. The addition of Hoodwink is accompanied by a slew of balance changes to heroes and items and the addition of Aghanim Shards, which serve as a sort of purchasable talent that upgrade heroes’ spells in various ways.

When will the next Dota 2 hero arrive?

Valve previously stated that the next Dota 2 hero will arrive in early 2021. Though there’s plenty to be excited about with Hoodwink and the 7.28 update, fans won’t have to wait very long for the next Dota 2 hero, as Valve noted in October that it’s eyeballing early 2021 for the next addition to the game.

No other details are known about the hero, but hidden Dota 2 files outlined a few different possible heroes that are in development. Hoodwink closely aligned with one of these heroes, so it’s worth taking a look back on this leak to see who might be next.