Patch date: . Guide reviewed 2026-11-03. Historical changes can be superseded; use current definitions for a match today.
How this guide was prepared: AI-assisted analysis with a separate source-check pass against archived official notes. Practical decisions are reasoned suggestions, not player-tested results or measured win-rate evidence. A small hotfix receives a short guide rather than a reconstructed full build.
Original update sources
Recorded topics: Heroes, Items, Gameplay, Fixes. Dates refer to the update named in the notes; a mirrored post can be published later.
Recheck mid-map approaches
What changed: The mid-temple area and its upper approaches were reworked, with more entrances and added juke spots. Bridges are wider and have higher side walls that reduce extended line of sight. Powerups now spawn on bridges, and the long unsecured-soul trail was removed so it no longer gives away a hero's position while juking or hiding.
How to adapt: Before repeating a familiar rotation, check the changed approaches and bridge powerup locations in a match; the new entrances and cover may alter routes, but the notes do not establish which route is safest.
Account for tougher objectives and changed combat cues
What changed: Guardian health increased by 10%, mid-lane Walker health by 12%, and weakened Patron health by 20%. Mid Boss starting health rose from 4500 to 5000, and its per-minute health gain rose from 200 to 275. The Rejuvenator drop time changed from 12.5 seconds to 9 seconds. Mid Boss now makes a global sound at 35% health. Walker stomp covers a larger area and can no longer be dodged with a double jump.
How to adapt: Allow for the stated health increases when judging how long an objective may take, and do not rely on double-jumping to dodge Walker stomp; use the Mid Boss sound as a cue, without assuming it alone makes an attempt safe.
Recheck item prices and active-item timing
What changed: Tier 2 item costs rose from 1200 to 1250, while Tier 4 costs fell from 6500 to 6300. Rapid Rounds is a new Tier 1 Weapon item with +12% Fire Rate and +1 Sprint, at a cost of 40 HP. Vampiric Burst now adds 50% to the clip once on cast, including interrupting a reload, and its cooldown increased from 24 to 35 seconds.
How to adapt: Check the revised tier prices before planning a purchase. Consider Rapid Rounds only if its listed bonuses suit your priorities despite the health cost; account for Vampiric Burst's reload interruption and longer cooldown when choosing when to activate it.
Test the specific hero changes
What changed: Grey Talon's Charged Shot base damage fell while its Spirit scaling increased. Haze's Fixation Tier 1 and Tier 2 upgrades swapped, and its damage per stack fell. Lash's Death Slam cast range increased while its throw distance decreased. Kelvin's Arctic Beam Tier 3 can hit up to two additional targets. McGinnis's Spectral Wall cooldown increased, and segments touching the Rejuvenator are destroyed.
How to adapt: If you play one of these heroes, review the changed upgrade path and test the named ability before relying on old damage, reach or objective setups; these adjustments alone do not establish a matchup result or build.
Follow the affected decisions
- Grey Talon build and counter guide
- Haze build and counter guide
- Kelvin build and counter guide
- Lash build and counter guide
- McGinnis build and counter guide
- Rapid Rounds item reference
- Vampiric Burst item reference
Verify your match build · How current recommendations are checked
Earlier and later records
Archive coverage currently ends 2026-10-30; sources last successfully checked 2026-11-01. A source check does not establish a post-patch win rate.