The best support heroes for patch 7.38b

There are many types of support heroes in Dota 2. However, despite playing one of the most crucial roles in the game, supports are often overlooked and undervalued.

In patch 7.38b, a fresh lineup of support heroes are redefining the current meta. Once dismissed or rarely considered, these heroes are now proving their worth—not just as traditional supports but as dynamic playmakers capable of making the game-winning play as the match progresses.

In this article, let's take a look at the best Dota 2 support heroes in patch 7.38b and what makes them stand out in this meta.

Ancient Apparition

With the rise of tanky cores in the current meta, it’s no surprise that Ancient Apparition has emerged as one of the best support heroes in patch 7.38b. Thanks to his ultimate ability, Ice Blast, AA might just be the perfect pick in the meta.

He was one of the few heroes to receive tweaks in Patch 7.38, changes that have brought him out of hibernation. AA’s itemisation already includes several powerful utility items, such as Glimmer Cape, Rod of Atos, and Force Staff. He also excels with Solar Crest, and with its recent cost reduction, AA has finally stepped into the spotlight.

The Ice Boy is back.

Between AA’s two facets, Bone Chill is the more popular choice. It allows his abilities to weaken enemy Strength heroes, making it especially valuable in this patch. This facet currently boasts a 65% pick rate and a 53% win rate.

His other facet, Exposure, applies Cold Feet in an area based on his ultimate’s level, Ice Blast. While less commonly chosen, it still holds a respectable 35% pick rate and a 54% win rate.

Disruptor

It’s been a while since Disruptor has been a staple in the Dota 2 meta. However, thanks to his buffs in Patch 7.38, we might start seeing him make a return in our pubs again.

Disruptor’s toolkit is excellent for kiting meta safelane heroes like Slark and Ursa. His second ability, Glimpse, is a perfect counter to one of the strongest meta carries, Nature’s Prophet.

Disruptor's Glimpse takes skill to escape.

Disruptor is already a support hero who frequently picks up Glimmer Cape in his item build. With Solar Crest’s recent cost reduction, it has become an even better fit for his toolkit. But what truly makes him invaluable is his Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade.

This upgrade lets him mute his opponents’ spells and items when they are caught in his ultimate, Static Storm. In late-game skirmishes, this can often be a game-winning play.

Disruptor’s go-to facet is Thunderstorm, boasting a 91% pick rate. When played as a hard support, this facet maintains a solid 52% win rate.

Disruptor is steadily climbing the ranks and becoming the best support hero in patch 7.38b.

Shadow Shaman

Shadow Shaman was already an annoying support hero before Patch 7.38. But in typical Valve fashion, they made him even more frustrating—and arguably overpowered—in patch 7.38.

Thanks to his new facet, Chicken Fingers, we can now often see chickens trading with him during the laning stage.

My prayers are answered.

This facet has been Shaman’s go-to choice since its introduction, and in Patch 7.38b, it solidifies him as one of the best support heroes to play. During the laning phase, it allows him to win trades effortlessly and harass the enemy core without overextending.

At level 15, he can also choose the Hex Breaks talent, which synergizes well with this facet. This talent allows his auto-attacks to break enemy passives, making him one of the most overpowered supports—perhaps even one of the strongest support heroes in the current meta.

Shadow Shaman also received an Aghanim’s Scepter rework in Patch 7.38. With Aghs, Shackles now causes the bound unit to release an Ether Shock every 0.9 seconds, hitting all nearby enemies with full damage. Even more interestingly, Shaman can now Shackle his teammates, and the upgrade will still take effect. This opens up a lot of new combos for the hero.

Currently, the Chicken Fingers facet has a 98% pick rate, and Shadow Shaman boasts a 53% win rate with it.

Mirana

Mirana received two new facets in Patch 7.38. Additionally, her innate ability received a buff. However, it's her ultimate, Moonlight Shadow, that saw the biggest improvement—it now deals 15% more damage at max level.

One of the coolest skins of Mirana in Dota 2.

Mirana is already elusive for meta heroes to lock down, thanks to her leaps and itemisation. The buff to her ultimate ability allows her to not only kite opponents but also turn the fight in her favour.

Among the two new facets, Starstruck is the more popular choice. It allows her first ability, Starstorm, to deal more damage with its second meteor and also blinds the target. This facet boasts a 97% pick rate and a 53% win rate.

These are currently the best support heroes to play in Dota 2 patch 7.38b.