Valve has released Patch 7.39d for Dota 2, bringing with it a series of balance adjustments, gameplay refinements, and, most notably, a surprise reward system that grants players a free Arcana item through gameplay progression.

The update, which follows the sweeping changes introduced in Patch 7.39 earlier this year, focuses on fine-tuning several overperforming heroes and items in the aftermath of the Dota 2’s segment of the 2025 Esports World Cup, which saw Team Spirit cap off an inspired run after beating down Team Falcons in a 3-0 sweep of the Grand Finals.

Just one month before TI14 in September, Valve has rolled out Patch 7.39d, a hotfix update on top of the broader Patch 7.39 “Spring Forward 2025” ecosystem change. While the patch tightens up hero and item balance, it also introduces Quartero’s Curios, a new progression event that rewards players with free cosmetics – including rare Arcana items.

Free Arcana for Everyone?

The true standout of Patch 7.39d is Quartero’s Curios, a milestone‑based event running until November  5, 2025. Players earn 1,000 XP per level by playing matches – weighted by mode/result (e.g. 650 XP for a win, 250 XP for a loss)

At specific levels (5, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100), players unlock Quartero Rarities, which include random historical cosmetics, up to Arcana and Immortal rarity items. Even better – all cosmetics are entirely free, with no purchase necessary. Professional players will now need to adapt quickly to the patch’s adjustments. While many meta heroes remain viable, small changes to core items and abilities could tilt team strategies heading into the tournament.

This marks a major shift in Valve’s reward system. While previously, players could only pick a single Arcana of their choice via Swag Bag promotions tied to Battle Passes – and small weekly drop RNG chances at maybe 0.3 % per reroll – now there’s an explicit road to a free Arcana based purely on gameplay progression.

Bigger Expectations

Patch 7.39d is a statement: Valve is refining the competitive balance while democratizing cosmetic access. Nerfed overpowered tools, tighter hero/item tuning, plus a direct way to earn Arcana via progression signal a new era of fairness and gameplay-first incentives.

For casual and competitive players alike, Quartero’s Curios offers a clear, achievable path to premium rewards. If you play and win, you could unlock Immortal or Arcana items – legendary cosmetics that once required either luck or deep pockets.

“This is a major shift in how Valve rewards its player base,” said esports analyst Jordan Reeves. “For the first time in years, casual players have a guaranteed, grindable path to some of the game’s most coveted items.”

Community reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many lauding Valve’s new approach to accessibility and progression. On Reddit, one user commented, “This feels like a return to form – rewards based on commitment, not cash.”

As TI14 looms, the patch sets the stage not only for elite competition but also for a player base rewarded simply for showing up. Until November 5, you can climb the Curios ladder and possibly add a non‑tradable Arcana skin to your collection – no purchases required, just Dota matches played.

The timing of Patch 7.39d is strategic, arriving just before regional qualifiers conclude and final team rosters are locked in for The International 2025, set to take place in Singapore this September.