Everything we know about Kez, Dota 2’s newest hero

Dota 2‘s roster of heroes is about to be expanded with its newest addition: Kez. The Bird Samurai himself comes to Dota 2 very soon, bringing with him the might of the Kazurai in the final battle against Queen Imperia’s tyranny. But what can we actually expect from Kez?

Kez, the Bird Samurai: What we know

Kez’s introduction to the Dota 2 universe was quite iconic. In the trailer, we can see Kez leading an assault through Skywrath, dashing through the scaffolding and perching up high, sword in hand. At first glance, Kez is a powerful Kazurai samurai, akin to the likes of Yurnero the Juggernaut. However, his story and how it ties into the larger Dota 2 universe as a whole goes back to the start of Crownfall.

As was told in the Crownfall comic, the Kazurai have been in a heated battle with Queen Imperia ever since she usurped the throne and killed her sister Shendelzare. Discrimination was afoot in the realm of Skywrath as the Kazurai were ostracized by Queen Imperia and shunned to live in obscurity. All of that changed when the goddess Scree’Auk resurrected Shendelzare as the Vengeful Spirit.

Now on a journey to dethrone Queen Imperia, Shendelzare and Dragonus scoured the lands in search of allies. While Shendelzare traveled to Icewrack, Dragonus made his way to Druud, where he recruited the Kazurai after a victory against Underlord’s demonic forces. The might of the Kazurai army is strengthened further with Kez at its helm, spearheading an attack on Imperia’s forces.

What type of hero will Kez be?

After Kez’s initial announcement, speculations have been rife about what his in-game role will be. So far, we have very little information about Kez’s hero type or what his primary attribute will be in Dota 2. Hero designs can be tricky to gauge at times, especially since several new hero releases in the last few years have transitioned to roles that they weren’t initially played in.

If history is to repeat itself, Kez will probably be experimented with in every role from carry to support until players find his niche. Valve teased the hero during the final day of TI13 during the tournament and on their social media pages.

Including Ringmaster’s sudden arrival, this would make two new heroes released in 2024. All we know for sure is that Kez will arrive with the launch of Crownfall Act IV, which is set to release imminently, so stay tuned for further updates.