Kez is the latest hero to take flight in Dota 2. Announced on Sep. 15 during The International 2024 Final, this new birdlike hero is expected to shake up the already rich tapestry of playable characters. According to the debut trailer, Kez is the head of the Kazurai order and the leader of the flightless, with his arrival marking not just the addition of a new hero but also the continuation of the gripping Crownfall saga.
Naturally, Kez's introduction was met with huge excitement from the Dota 2 community, especially given the hints and datamined information that had been circulating for months. From what we've gathered, Kez's design hints at a character that might excel in melee combat, possibly leaning towards a carry or mid-lane role due to his samurai-like attributes.
While specific abilities haven't been fully disclosed, the trailer (and speculation from players) suggest that Kez's kit will offer mobility and evasion, similar to that of Pangolier. The leaked abilities like "Avian Assault" and "Plumage Parry" suggest a kit focused on movement, positioning, and high burst damage, aligning with his thematic background.
Kez's integration into the Crownfall storyline also positions him as a pivotal character in the narrative against Queen Imperia. And here's the kicker: despite being unveiled within weeks following the debut of Dota 2's Ringmaster, Kez is set to be playable with the release of Crownfall Act IV, which has a tentative release window around mid-October 2024.
In fact, players and analysts are already theorizing how Kez might shift team compositions and strategies, especially given his presumed role as a core hero. As players gear up to master Kez, the excitement around his capabilities and the impact he'll have on the Dota 2 meta is undeniable. Having said that, you can undoubtedly expect Kez to soar as a top-tier hero in the next update.