Dota 2 Ascension Night: 4 act of Crownfall, New Hero and Mini-Games Overview

Esports and Dota 2 fans had been eagerly awaiting the release of a new hero and patch, and it has finally happened. Following an announcement on Dota 2’s main website on November 7, an update called Ascension Night appeared in the game on November 8, in which Valve released everything they had prepared over the past few months: Act 4 of Crownfall and a new hero. Players were thrilled, as this event had started back in the spring, and the final part has finally been released. But is everything really as great in this update? In this article, we’ll dive into Ascension Night, look at how successful Act 4 of Crownfall turned out to be, review the new hero and mini-games, and see just how good this patch truly is.

The Long-Awaited Release of IV Act of Crownfall

Let’s start our story with Crownfall and a review of Act 4, which has become one of the most anticipated events of the year in esports. This year, Valve launched an event called Crownfall, bringing something new to Dota 2 and attracting a lot of attention within the gaming community. In it, players complete various quests and tasks to earn tokens and progress across the map, unlocking rewards. This event was divided into four acts, each with its own theme, but it wouldn’t be Valve if everything went smoothly.

After the release of Act 1, they postponed Act 2; after Act 2, they postponed Act 3, and after Act 3, unsurprisingly, they postponed Act 4. But finally, it has been released. In it, players can access 59 levels if they purchase the full version, or 42 levels if they opt for the free version. A unique feature of this act, which sets it apart from the other Crownfall acts, is the option of three different starting characters. In this part of the event, you can begin as Vengeful Spirit, Skywrath Mage, or the new hero, Kez. Overall, the mechanics of Act 4 are similar to the previous parts: you play games, earn tokens, progress across the map, read lore, and play mini-games along the way. It’s worth mentioning that progressing through the levels can yield some great prizes, so we recommend all Dota 2 fans to participate in this event.

Catacombs and Mini-Games

Let’s highlight this section, as Crownfall Act IV has introduced a lot of interesting content. In addition to offering three starting paths through the catacombs, it features many events, hero lore, and mini-games that players must complete to progress. The mini-game mechanics have been well-received by Dota 2 players since nothing like this existed in the game before, and players eagerly tackled these challenges in the previous parts of the event. Here are the mini-games available in Crownfall Act IV:

• Castle Carnage – You’ll shoot at enemies and fortifications with a cannon, with mechanics similar to Angry Birds.
• Spleen Sweeper – A take on the classic Minesweeper game, but in Dota 2 style.
• Spoon Man – A Dota 2 version of the well-known Bomber.

Overall, it seems Valve focused on reimagining popular games in a Dota 2 style. This approach allows players to intuitively understand how to play the mini-game while adding extra excitement and immersion.

New Hero Kez Release

Another major event in Dota 2’s Ascension Night is the release of a new hero named Kez. This hero was first announced after The International 2024, which took place in September, with the promise that he would be released alongside Act 4 of Crownfall. Kez turned out to be quite an intriguing hero, and here are his main features:

AppearanceKez is a bird samurai from the Kazurai clan. He has blue feathers and wears pants and a kimono with a cloak.

WeaponsKez wields three types of weapons. His primary weapon is a large katana, which he uses to cut down enemies with ease. The second weapon consists of two daggers, which he skillfully handles to deliver quick strikes.

SkillsHere’s where things get interesting: while an average Dota 2 hero has 4 abilities (with some exceptions), Kez has as many as 9. The first 4 abilities are used when he wields his katana, the next 4 when he has his daggers, and the final ability lets him switch between weapons. Here’s a quick overview of his abilities:

• First Abilities: The first set of abilities, in both forms, are used for closing distance and dealing damage. In the first version, called Echo Slash, Kez strikes with his sword and moves closer to the enemy, and shortly after, his illusion repeats the strike. In the second version, called Falcon Rush, he rushes toward an enemy, dealing damage as he approaches.
• Second Abilities: Named Grappling Claw and Talon Toss, these abilities have similar mechanics to other Dota 2 skills. With Grappling Claw, Kez throws a hook at an enemy and pulls himself toward them, while Talon Toss has him throw a dagger at an enemy, dealing damage and applying silence.
• Third Abilities: These are also noteworthy. In the first form, the ability is passive and called Kazurai Katana, which reduces enemies' health regeneration and deals periodic damage. In the second form, the ability is called Shodo Sai and acts as a shield for Kez.
• Ultimate Abilities: The most exciting abilities are, of course, his ultimates, called Raptor Dance and Raven’s Veil, respectively. When using Raptor Dance, Kez performs a powerful swing of his katana after a brief delay, dealing massive area damage. With Raven’s Veil, he releases a smoke wave that renders him invisible for a short period.

This is the new hero, Kez. How would you rate him?

Crownfall Store, Best and Worst Items

Traditionally, with the release of a new Crownfall act, a store is added where you can buy a wide variety of items. In it, you can purchase Arcane sets for Skywrath Mage and Vengeful Spirit, the Collector’s Cache, coin and candy packs, and much more. With the release of Act 4, the Crownfall store introduced the Skyras Explorer Kit, which includes:

• Tower skins designed in the Crownfall style, though unfortunately without animations, which disappointed fans.
• A sticker capsule
• Immortal items for Batrider and Bloodseeker
• Crownfall chests
• Coins and candies

Overall, it’s a nice addition that can enhance your gaming experience and bring a few new items to the game. We also recommend checking out our other articles, such as The International 2024. General Information , Dota 2 Collector's Cache 2 Details and Dota 2 New Hero Ringmaster , which will be useful and enhance your knowledge of Dota 2.