The new Dota 2 update is forcing veteran players to re-learn the game like they were newbies. The changes brought about by the update has such a huge effect that Dota 2 has almost become like a whole new game, a sequel even.

According to gaming website GameSpot, Valve has released the historically significant version 7.00 update of Dota 2. The changes it brings are so sweeping that veteran players are still trying to cope with the playfield being turned upside-down.

Since Valve took control of the Dota ecosystem with Dota 2, they have been constantly updating the game over the years. The previous updates brought minor changes that were still within the comfort zone of the community.

Gaming website Kotaku reports that even minor changes still had significant effects that veteran players had to make vital changes to their gameplay in order to adjust. In comparison, the version 7.00 update adds entirely new mechanics that essentially invalidates all the knowledge and experience of the veteran players. This update seriously upended the Dota 2 community.

According to gaming website PC Gamer, it took more than a decade to reach version 7 from version 6. With the massive changes that were a decade in the making, it is a whole new era for the Dota 2 community. The game they knew is no more.

There are enough changes in the game to warrant it to be called Dota 3. The game is instead called Dota 2 version 7.00. Valve seems to have an aversion for the number 3. So far there has been no third game in any of its franchises. There still is no Half-Life 3, Left 4 Dead 3, and Portal 3.

This is an important period in the history of Dota 2 and the history of one of the most influential mods in PC gaming history. It is a large-scale overhaul of Dota 2 with the changes to its map, its interface, and its other vital systems.