The anticipation leading up to The International, Dota 2`s pinnacle event, is often a journey marked by patches, pro-player drama, and crucially, the release of the Battle Pass or Compendium. These content drops traditionally ignite the community, offering a wealth of cosmetics, features, and direct contributions to the prize pool. However, the recent unveiling of patch 7.39d has left many players, including prominent figures like Team Yandex captain Aleksey “Solo” Berezin, scratching their heads and posing a straightforward question: “Didn`t get it, where`s the Compendium?”
Patch 7.39d: A Balancing Act, Not a Spectacle
In the quiet hours of August 6th, Valve rolled out patch 7.39d. True to its designation, it was a minor balance update, featuring the standard adjustments to hero strengths and item efficacies. While these tweaks are essential for maintaining competitive integrity and refreshing the meta, they are typically not the primary catalyst for pre-TI hype. The community, historically conditioned by Valve`s release patterns, had been expecting something far more substantial, a grand prelude to the world championship.
“Didn`t get it, where`s the Compendium?”
— Aleksey “Solo” Berezin on the 7.39d patch
Solo`s succinct query, posted to his Telegram channel, encapsulates a widespread sentiment. With The International 2025 less than a month away, the absence of a Battle Pass or Compendium is a significant deviation from Valve`s customary pre-TI content strategy. For years, these comprehensive packages have served as the core mechanism for engaging the player base, funding the colossal prize pool, and building momentum for the tournament.
“Quarto`s Curiosities”: A Different Tune
Instead of the highly anticipated Battle Pass, Valve introduced an event titled “Quarto`s Curiosities.” This new system allows players to earn free in-game items simply by playing the game, accumulating experience, and progressing through event levels. While the prospect of free cosmetics is undeniably appealing to some, it stands in stark contrast to the depth and engagement offered by a full-fledged Battle Pass. The latter typically includes:
- Extensive cosmetic collections (Immortal treasures, Arcanas, Personas)
- Unique game modes and challenges
- Interactive features tied to the professional scene (Fantasy League, predictions)
- A direct contribution system to The International`s prize pool
The “Quarto`s Curiosities” event, while a welcome addition for casual play, feels more like a minor seasonal offering than the cornerstone of a multi-million-dollar esports spectacle. It lacks the long-term progression, competitive elements, and, perhaps most importantly, the direct connection to the funding of The International that players have come to expect.
The Compendium`s Enduring Legacy
The Battle Pass and its predecessor, the Compendium, are more than just cosmetic vendors; they are integral to the Dota 2 ecosystem. They provide a continuous revenue stream that directly benefits the professional scene, funding not only The International`s prize pool but also various tournaments throughout the year. Beyond the financial aspect, they foster a unique sense of community investment. Players feel a direct stake in the tournament`s success, cheering not only for their favorite teams but also for the growth of the prize pool they helped build. Their absence leaves a notable void in the pre-TI excitement cycle.
Valve`s Enigmatic Strategy: A Waiting Game?
The question on everyone`s mind is why Valve has chosen this unusual path. Is it a deliberate shift in strategy, moving away from the traditional Battle Pass model? Are they planning a delayed, even more impactful release closer to the event? Or is this a cautious exploration of alternative monetization and engagement strategies? Valve has historically operated with a degree of deliberate opacity, often surprising its community with unannounced releases or significant directional changes. This current situation, however, has less of the `surprise` element and more of the `where is it?` element. One might almost infer a touch of irony in Valve`s seemingly calm approach to pre-TI content, as the community buzzes with a mixture of anticipation and mild bewilderment.
The Road to The International 2025
As The International 2025 draws nearer, the Dota 2 community remains in a state of curious expectation. While “Quarto`s Curiosities” offers a pleasant distraction, it has yet to fill the strategic void left by the absent Battle Pass. The collective query from players like Solo echoes across forums and social media: will Valve unveil a comprehensive, TI-focused content package before the grand stage lights up? Or are we witnessing a fundamental shift in how the largest esports tournament in the world builds its hype and engages its dedicated player base? Only time, and perhaps another surprise announcement from Valve, will tell.
Finley Holt