Valve’s decision to revamp Nature’s Prophet’s Facets has transformed him into one of Dota 2’s most powerful and contested heroes. Once considered a struggling pick after major nerfs and the introduction of new mechanics in Dota 2 patch 7.36, Nature’s Prophet is now back at the top, dominating both matchmaking and professional play. Let’s break down what changed, why these reworks backfired, and how the new meta has evolved around this iconic splitpusher.
Dota 2 patch 7.36 and the Facet revolution
When Dota 2 patch 7.36 dropped, it introduced the Facet system, giving Nature’s Prophet unique options like Ironwood Treant and Soothing Saplings. Initially, these changes seemed positive, but they quickly led to balance issues. The removal of Ironwood Treant and a series of tweaks to Soothing Saplings dramatically impacted his gameplay. Instead of weakening him, Valve’s updates inadvertently granted Nature’s Prophet even more strength, versatility, and global presence—especially notable in EWC 2025’s pro matches, where win and contest rates soared.
Soothing Saplings and Greater Treants: The core of the buffs
The Soothing Saplings Facet now boasts a strong healing aura and improved Sprout effects, enabling Nature’s Prophet to dominate lanes and offer tremendous team utility. The Greater Treants—thanks to reinforced stats and passive abilities—tank waves and siege towers far more efficiently than before. Together, these buffs have turbocharged his laning phase and made him a late-game threat in any role, from support to core.
How Valve’s vision enhanced the Dota 2 meta
Valve intended the Facet rework to refresh hero diversity, but Nature’s Prophet’s innate strengths—fast attack speed, excellent base stats, and game-altering global teleport—made him particularly ripe for a meta shift. His transition to a Universal hero expanded his item options, increasing the power of builds like Spirit Vessel and Blademail and enhancing overall item synergies. This versatility fuels both ‘rat Dota’ splitpushing and fierce teamfight contributions, directly impacting game outcomes at all skill levels.
Professional play and Nature’s Prophet’s dominance
Competitive tournaments like EWC 2025 further highlight the hero’s new-found dominance. Elite players such as miCKe and Satanic have demonstrated how the Prophet’s strengths translate into high-impact plays, abusing his splitpushing, unmatched map control, and sustained pressure. The pro scene’s adaptation cements these buffs as more than statistical outliers—they are fundamentally shifting how Dota 2 is played and drafted at the highest level.
Universal hero and item synergy: The key to versatility
Nature’s Prophet’s change to a Universal hero opened access to a broad item pool, making core builds like Spirit Vessel and Blademail both viable and deadly. His ability to pivot between damage, utility, and survivability makes him unpredictable and hard to counter. These item synergies, combined with powerful Facets, allow him to adapt to virtually any game state, enhancing his impact from early-game laning to late-game sieges.
Splitpushing and map control: The return of ‘Rat Dota’
The old “rat Dota” strategies—focused on sneaky splitpushing and relentless pressure—are back in style. With beefy Greater Treants fast-clearing lanes and Nature’s Prophet able to global teleport at will, teams are forced to respect his presence and allocate resources accordingly. This strategic depth rewards players with strong macro skills and keeps matches dynamic and unpredictable.
What this means for Dota 2 fans and players
For newcomers and veterans alike, the Nature’s Prophet Facet rework is a case study in how subtle changes can reshape an entire meta. The rework didn’t just revive an old favorite—it forced pros and pub players alike to adapt to a new powerhouse, emphasizing the ever-evolving dance between hero design, itemization, and competitive strategy in Dota 2.
Frequently asked questions about Nature’s Prophet Facet rework (FAQ)
What caused Nature’s Prophet to become so strong after the Facet rework?
Buffs to his Soothing Saplings Facet, stronger Greater Treants, and the shift to a Universal hero with wider item synergies made him more versatile and powerful, increasing his presence in all Dota 2 matches.
What is the Soothing Saplings Facet and why is it impactful?
Soothing Saplings grants a healing aura and buffs Sprout, greatly boosting laning sustain and survivability, making Nature’s Prophet harder to dislodge and stronger in prolonged fights.
How did Dota 2 patch 7.36 change Nature’s Prophet’s playstyle?
Patch 7.36 introduced Facets like Soothing Saplings and removed Ironwood Treant, pushing the hero towards a more supportive or splitpushing role with greater sustainability and map impact.
Why do professional players favor Nature’s Prophet after these changes?
His flexibility, strong lane presence, and unmatched splitpushing pressure, along with synergy with crucial items, make him an ideal pick for shaping and controlling competitive matches.
Can Nature’s Prophet be easily countered in the current meta?
While not invincible, his strengthened early game, flexible builds, and global utility mean counters have to be carefully drafted and executed to contain his wide-reaching impact.
Sources to this article
Valve. (2024-2025). Dota 2 Updates and Patch Notes. https://www.dota2.com/patches
EWC 2025 Official Statistics. (2025). [Event Data]
Pro Player Interviews. (2025). [Coverage from Dota 2 EWC 2025]
