'Dota 2' TI12 Battle Pass Datamine Teases New Visual Novel: Are Vengeful, Skywrath Mage Arcanas Coming?

Joseph Henry, Tech Times 22 September 2023, 12:09 pm

'Dota 2' TI12 Battle Pass Datamine Teases New Visual Novel: Vengeful, Skywrath Mage Arcanas Coming?

(Photo: Valve) TI12 is fast approaching, but "Dota 2" fans are still waiting for a new battle pass. While it's certainly not coming anytime soon, the replacement can entice you to test out new features and arcanas.

Dota 2's most prestigious event, The International 2023 (TI12) is already making waves, but Valve is taking a different approach this time, stepping away from the traditional battle pass model.

While they're keeping things under wraps, a recent data leak has given us some intriguing insights into what to expect in this revamped battle pass-like feature.

Dataminer Reveals Visual Novel and New Arcana in TI12 Battle Pass

In a Reddit post dated September 9, data extracted from an August update revealed a new file format called "NOVELDEF" nestled in the game's backend.

Interestingly, it bears a striking resemblance to the "eventdef" subclass, which typically stores data for elements like battle passes and ongoing events-such as the 10th Anniversary.

Coupled with the mention of a "visual novel" in the leak, this suggests that Dota 2 might embrace a new form of storytelling as part of the TI12 update.

What's more, it could signify an ongoing narrative experience rather than a one-time event.

Leaked Arcanas For Vengeful Spirit and Skywrath Mage

For the past years, we have seen many arcanas in "Dota 2." So far, we have 22 arcanas in total, but fans notice that support heroes deserve to have more future arcanas.

Dot Esports reports that the TI12 battle pass data mine finds about "crownfall." When combined with other clues, it hints at the possibility of Skywrath Mage and Vengeful Spirit receiving Arcanas or special upgrades in this upcoming update.

Beyond the core revelations, the leak has uncovered more treasures awaiting Dota 2 enthusiasts. Some of the potential content in the leaked battle pass are the "Road to TI," Fantasy Gems, a Hoodwink Immortal set, and much more.

For set collectors, the Collector's Cache could make an appearance, featuring iconic heroes like Dragon Knight, Lone Druid, Lycan, Night Stalker, Ogre Magi, Phoenix, and others.

When Will TI12 Start?

As we inch closer to TI12, set to kick off starting October 12 to 29, we're still in the dark about several aspects of the event. The most awaited competition in Dota 2 is returning to Seattle this time.

Valve has yet to reveal details about the content update they promised or how the prize pool will function.

While we know the base contribution remains at $1.6 million, the crowdfunding mechanism, or possible additional contributions without a battle pass, remains uncertain.

The conclusion of DreamLeague Season 21 on September 24 could spark more announcements from Valve about the upcoming Battle Pass.

All Qualified Teams For TI12

According to Dexerto, 20 teams will vie for the most coveted trophy in Dota 2, along with a million-dollar prize. 12 of them were directly invited by Valve while the other eight will be determined through the regional qualifiers across Southeast Asia, South America, China, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and North America.

Direct Invite