You read that right, our friend Drakonis browsed through the files of the Dota 2 Beta and found a few interesting models. He also discovered that you could equip those on the models of certain heroes. There is data that mentions item-slots similar to those in TF2. There are even voice and animation-taunts to spice up the competitive atmosphere. And if that wasn’t enough for your poor cosmetics-hating heart, brace yourself because we have something else that will make the forums explode with QQ-threads as far as the eye can see:
This pastebin show a dozen more customisable hero-parts, even alternate couriers and reveals that the “Shitty Wizard” lines are an interesting hex:
“Converts an enemy into the most hated being in the known universe: the wizard.\nWhen equipped, this item replaces your hex animal with a horrible wizard that would never make it into wizard school because he is the worst, I hate him so much.”
But the pastebin also suggests that there will be an in-game store (remember that “place-holder” icon?) and it mentions something about premium status.
// Store UI
“Store_New_Items” “New!”
“Store_Bundles” “Bundles”
“Store_Gear” “Gear”
“Store_Tools” “Tools”
“Store_Effects” “Effects”
“DOTA_Trial_UpgradeItem” “DOTA Premium Upgrade”
Okay, take your pills and listen: It may only be an idea that could be scrapped in the future BUT considering the success of TF2′s and Portal 2′s in-game-stores…it should make sense to anyone. Don’t worry, there is no pay2win BS. These are only cosmetics that also fit the setting, I might add. The Premium status probably means nothing more than the ability to trade your items via Steam like in TF2. It does suggests that the game might be F2P but does not confirm it. And even if the game will be F2P, there is nothing wrong about that business model itself unless there are gameplay-advantages for sale which VALVe has never done. For example, there are five different ways to receive an item in TF2 and only one of them involves money. For more information I advise you to read VALVe’s F2P FAQ and watch this Extra Credits episode about micro-transactions. Also remember, there will be skill-based matchmaking so you do not need to worry about less skilled players “ruining” your fun.
That was my attempt at calming the inevitable shitstorm that is going to break lose but let’s look at the cosmetics that were available.
Axe already has two different sets of armor he can put on consisting of a helmet, shoulder-pads and a belt each. One of the even features its own axe!
Windrunner got herself a hood to cover her red-haired head.
Dazzle shows off a big necklace made of bones.
Enigma has bracers similar to the ones his old model had.
Our newest friend Juggernaut has another mask to wear.
Beastmaster’s got an additional shoulderpad.
The model of Kunkka is not even available yet but we still see a bandana called “Pride of the crew”,
a pegleg,
the “Royal Admiral’s Bicorne”,
alternatively the “Tricorne of the Drowned”
a necklace
and a harpoon caleed “Wavecrester” for him.
Thanks to Cyborgmatt for the names. He also found text-strings for team-communication such as gank mid, checking bottom rune etc. A very useful feature that has been suggested before. He also found something about keybindings for special taunts. You can check out the rest of his findings on reddit.