Monkey King: NERF or Not? The Ongoing Debate in Dota 2

The debate over whether or not Monkey King should be nerfed in Dota 2 continues to rage. Supporters and detractors alike voice their opinions, stirring up a flurry of excitement and discussion within the community.

Balance Considerations

One argument suggests that Monkey King is not an Overpowered (OP) hero. While he does have high nuke damage, it is argued that he is easily countered by heroes like Timbersaw, Sniper, and Warlock. Additionally, his squishiness can be a significant disadvantage. The ability to counter him with heroes like Bounty Hunter (BountyH) or Slardar makes it easier for teams to manage his presence on the battlefield. However, selecting the armor talent tree can enhance his survivability, but at the cost of overall damage output. As a result, many believe that Monkey King is currently balanced.

Night Isn't Over Yet

Another argument posits that Monkey King will be nerfed, just like Underlord. The theory is that while he was significantly overpowered at the beginning of his release, he will eventually be nerfed to align with the more stable and balanced state of the game. This suggests that while Monkey King may currently be dominant, the developers are actively working to even the playing field.

Alternative Options

Some players, such as fans of Anti-Mage, argue that another hero might be more interesting. They suggest focusing on Anti-Mage, especially with the use of Auraghan's Scepter (Aghs). This alternative hero offers a different playstyle but remains a strong choice in the current meta.

The Balancing Act

It might be too early to determine the extent of the nerf. For now, the developers and the community are encouraged to let the heroes be tested in the wild for a few days. As experienced players suggest, our beloved Ice Toad is waiting in the wings, carefully adjusting the swing of his nerfhammer to hit the precise spot. Every patch and new hero can disrupt the balance, but this is a familiar cycle in the ever-evolving world of Dota 2. The most recent patch, 7.00, was already balanced to create a stable meta. The next patch, 7.10, is expected to maintain this stability, despite the issues with the new talent tree. Until then, spam Monkey King and relish the current period of balance and fun.

The ongoing debate over whether Monkey King should be nerfed is a testament to the ever-changing and dynamic nature of Dota 2. Whether you align with the current balance or support a potential nerf, one thing is clear: the community remains engaged and passionate, driving the evolution of the game.