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DOTA 2 / HERO HISTORY

Slark changes

Balance notes across the versions listed by Valve. An unchanged patch is a small victory for your muscle memory.

Change record

52 patches with recorded changes · 118 of 118 listed patches readable.

Coverage: Feb 1, 2018 to Sep 15, 2026. This feed does not include every patch in Dota’s lifetime.

Inspect coverage by patch

Jun 4, 2026

Slark in 7.41d

  • Saltwater ShivCooldown decreased from 14/12/10/8s to 12/10.5/9/7.5s

Apr 7, 2026

Slark in 7.41b

  • TalentsLevel 20 Talent Essence Shift Duration decreased from +25s to +20s
  • Essence ShiftDuration decreased from 12.5s + 2.5s per level to 10s + 2.5s per level

Mar 27, 2026

Slark in 7.41a

  • TalentsLevel 20 Talent +1 Agility gain/stolen per Essence Shift Stack replaced with +25s Essence Shift Duration
  • TalentsLevel 25 Talent +35s Essence Shift Duration replaced with +1 Agility gain/stolen per Essence Shift Stack
  • Shadow DanceBonus Movement Speed decreased from 24/36/48% to 20/30/40%

Mar 24, 2026

Slark in 7.41

  • Essence ShiftDuration changed from 15s + 2.5s per level up to 12.5s + 2.5s per level
  • Essence Shift · ContextEffective values are not changed
  • Saltwater ShivStacks now have independent durations and don't refresh previous ones
  • Saltwater ShivCooldown increased from 10/8/6/4s to 14/12/10/8s
  • Saltwater ShivMana Cost increased from 20 to 25/30/35/40
  • Saltwater ShivCast Range is now Slark's attack range + 50
  • Saltwater ShivStack Restoration Steal increased from 2/4/6/8% to 4/8/12/16%
  • Saltwater ShivStack Regen Steal increased from 2/4/6/8 to 4/8/12/16
  • Saltwater ShivStack Speed Steal increased from 2/4/6/8 to 4/8/12/16
  • Saltwater ShivNow also modifies incoming healing
  • Saltwater Shiv · ContextAs a result of Health Restoration changes

Jan 21, 2026

Slark in 7.40c

  • Saltwater ShivStack Restoration Steal rescaled from 3/4/5/6% to 2/4/6/8%
  • Saltwater ShivStack Regen Steal increased from 2/3/4/5 to 2/4/6/8
  • Saltwater ShivStack Speed Steal increased from 2/3/4/5 to 2/4/6/8

Dec 23, 2025

Slark in 7.40b

  • Saltwater ShivDuration increased from 6/8/10/12s to 12s
  • Saltwater ShivStack Regen Steal rescaled from 3 to 2/3/4/5
  • Saltwater ShivStack Speed Steal rescaled from 3 to 2/3/4/5

Dec 15, 2025

Slark in 7.40

  • Removed Leeching Leash and Dark Reef Renegade facets
  • Removed Barracuda innate ability (effect moved to the Ultimate)
  • TalentsLevel 10 Talent Dark Pact Cooldown Reduction increased from 0.5s to 0.75s
  • TalentsLevel 15 Talent +50 Barracuda Regen replaced with +30 Shadow Dance Regen
  • TalentsLevel 25 Talent Shadow Dance Duration increased from +1.25s to +1.5s
  • Essence ShiftNow an innate ability. Passive, improves with Slark's level
  • Essence ShiftDuration rescaled from 15/35/55/75s to 15s + 2.5s each time Slark levels up
  • PounceNow applies 1/2/3/4 Essence Shift stacks when leashing an enemy hero
  • Saltwater ShivNew basic ability. Passive, auto-cast attack modifier
  • Saltwater ShivSlark slices the target with his salty shiv, stealing 3 Movement Speed, 3 Health Regen and 3/4/5/6% Health Restoration from them with each attack. Subsequent use of Saltwater Shiv refreshes the duration of all shiv stacks. Steal duration: 6/8/10/12s. Mana Cost: 20. Cooldown: 10/8/6/4s
  • Saltwater ShivNot Breakable. Disabled by Silence. Has no stack limit. Ignores attack backswing
  • Saltwater ShivEnemies with Health Restoration below -100% will not lose health from health restoration sources
  • Shadow DanceNow passively grants 24/36/48% movement speed and 60/90/120 health regen when unseen
  • Shadow DancePrevious Barracuda rules and mechanics unchanged
  • Depth ShroudDuration decreased from 3s to 2s

May 29, 2025

Slark in 7.39b

  • Barracuda: Health Gained per second decreased from 10/70/100/130 to 5/70/100/130

May 22, 2025

Slark in 7.39

  • Essence ShiftDuration decreased from 20/40/60/80s to 15/35/55/75s
  • Depth ShroudCast Range decreased from 600 to 400

Feb 18, 2025

Slark in 7.38

  • Dark Reef RenegadeBarracuda: Now causes Slark's attacks to apply non-stacking debuff that reduces the target's armor by 1/2/3/4 for 2s
  • Dark Reef Renegade · ContextDebuff is applied only when Slark is under the effect of Barracuda
  • Dark Reef RenegadeBarracuda: Linger Duration rescaled from 1.5/2/2.5/3s to 2s
  • TalentsLevel 20 Talent Shadow Dance Attack Speed increased from +90 to +100
  • TalentsLevel 25 Talent Essence Shift Duration decreased from +40s to +35s
  • Depth ShroudRadius decreased from 250 to 225

Jul 31, 2024

Slark in 7.37

  • Base Damage increased by 3
  • TalentsLevel 20 Talent Shadow Dance Attack Speed increased from +80 to +90
  • TalentsLevel 25 Talent Shadow Dance Duration increased from +1s to +1.25s

Jun 24, 2024

Slark in 7.36c

  • Dark Reef RenegadeBarracuda: Linger Duration increased from 0.5/1/1.5/2s to 1.5/2.0/2.5/3.0s
  • Dark Reef RenegadeBarracuda: Linger Search Radius decreased from 1000 to 900

Jun 6, 2024

Slark in 7.36b

  • Dark Reef RenegadeBarracuda: Linger Search Radius decreased from 1200 to 1000
  • Barracuda: Health Gained per second increased from 10/60/90/120 to 10/70/100/130
  • Shadow DanceCooldown decreased from 60/50/40s to 50/40/30s

May 26, 2024

Slark in 7.36a

  • Barracuda: Bonus Movement Speed increased from 4/24/36/48% to 6/24/36/48%
  • Barracuda: Health Gained per second increased from 8/60/90/120 to 10/60/90/120

May 22, 2024

Slark in 7.36

  • Innate AbilityNew Innate ability. Passive, levels up with Shadow Dance
  • Innate AbilityWhen not visible to the enemy team, Slark gains bonus +4/24/36/48% Movement Speed and +8/60/90/120 Health Regen
  • Leeching Leash · PounceApplies 1/2/3/4 Essence Shift stacks to enemy heroes caught by Pounce
  • Dark Reef RenegadeBarracuda: When revealed by enemies, Barracuda effect lingers for 0.5/1/1.5/2s when Slark is not within 1200 units of any allied heroes
  • Base Health Regen decreased from 1.75 to 0.25
  • TalentsLevel 15 Talent +50 Shadow Dance Regen replaced with +50 Barracuda Regen
  • PounceNo longer applies Essence Shift stacks by default
  • PounceAghanim's Scepter range decreased from 1000 to 900
  • Shadow DancePassive Movement Speed and Regen bonuses moved to Innate ability
  • Shadow DanceMana Cost decreased from 120 to 100
  • Shadow DanceCooldown decreased from 75/60/45s to 60/50/40s
  • Depth ShroudNo longer stacks with Shadow Dance

Feb 21, 2024

Slark in 7.35c

  • PounceCooldown increased from 22/18/14/10s to 24/20/16/12s

Dec 14, 2023

Slark in 7.35

  • Strength gain increased from 1.9 to 2.1
  • Intelligence gain increased from 1.7 to 1.9
  • TalentsLevel 15 Talent Shadow Dance Regen increased from +40 to +50

Oct 4, 2023

Slark in 7.34d

  • TalentsLevel 25 Talent Essence Shift Duration decreased from +50s to +40s

Aug 8, 2023

Slark in 7.34

  • Depth ShroudLinger Duration decreased from 0.5s to 0.01s

May 13, 2023

Slark in 7.33c

  • PounceAghanim's Scepter Distance decreased from 1100 to 1000

Apr 20, 2023

Slark in 7.33

  • TalentsLevel 20 Talent Shadow Dance Attack Speed increased from +75 to +80
  • Dark PactDamage decreased from 90/160/230/300 to 75/150/225/300
  • Depth ShroudCast Range decreased from 800 to 600

Mar 6, 2023

Slark in 7.32e

  • PounceCooldown increased from 20/16/12/8s to 22/18/14/10s
  • PounceAghanim’s Scepter Distance decreased from 1200 to 1100

Sep 27, 2022

Slark in 7.32c

  • TalentsLevel 10 Talent Dark Pact Cooldown decreased from -1s to -0.5s
  • Depth ShroudRadius decreased from 300 to 250

Aug 23, 2022

Slark in 7.32

  • Agility gain decreased from 1.7 to 1.5
  • Base Attack Speed increased from 110 to 120
  • TalentsLevel 15 Talent +1.5% Shadow Dance Regen per second replaced with +40 Shadow Dance Regen per second
  • PounceNo longer deals direct damage
  • PounceNow applies 0/1/2/3 stacks of Essence Shift
  • Shadow DanceHealth Regen per second rescaled from 5/6/7% Max Health to 60/90/120 Health

Jun 8, 2022

Slark in 7.31d

  • Base damage increased from 53-61 to 55-61
  • Essence ShiftDuration rescaled from 15/30/60/100 to 20/40/60/80

May 2, 2022

Slark in 7.31c

  • Dark PactMana Cost reduced from 75 to 65
  • Dark PactOutgoing Damage rescaled from 75/150/225/300 to 90/160/230/300

Feb 23, 2022

Slark in 7.31

  • Base Strength reduced from 21 to 20
  • TalentsLevel 10 Talent +8 Agility replaced with +0.5s Pounce Leash
  • TalentsLevel 15 Talent +50 Shadow Dance attack speed replaced with +1.5% Shadow Dance regen
  • TalentsLevel 20 Talent +0.8s Pounce leash replaced with +75 Shadow Dance attack speed
  • TalentsLevel 25 Talent +55s Essence Shift duration reduced to +50s
  • PounceNow deals 40 damage on contact
  • PounceLatch Radius increased from 95 to 120

Sep 10, 2021

Slark in 7.30c

  • Base Attack Speed reduced from 115 to 110
  • TalentsLevel 25 Talent +65s Essence Shift Duration reduced to +55

Aug 22, 2021

Slark in 7.30b

  • TalentsLevel 15 Talent +80 Dark Pact Damage reduced to 70
  • Dark PactMana Cost increased from 60 to 75

Aug 17, 2021

Slark in 7.30

  • TalentsLevel 10 Talent +9 strength replaced with -1s Dark Pact Cooldown
  • TalentsLevel 15 Talent +18% Lifesteal replaced with +50 Shadow Dance Attack Speed
  • TalentsLevel 15 Talent +20 Attack Speed replaced with +80 Dark Pact Damage
  • TalentsLevel 20 Talent +120 Dark Pact Damage replaced with +1 Agi per Essence Shift stack
  • Dark PactSelf damage reduced from 50% to 30%
  • Shadow DanceCooldown reduced from 80/65/50 to 75/60/45

Apr 9, 2021

Slark in 7.29

  • Reworked Shard upgrade. Grants Depth Shroud. Creates a 300 AoE cloud at the target location for 3 seconds. All allies inside the radius are hidden and have increased regeneration and movement speed. Cast Range: 800. Cooldown: 75. Manacost: 75
  • TalentsLevel 10 Talent increased from +7 Agility to +8
  • TalentsLevel 15 Talent increased from +15% Lifesteal to +18%
  • Shadow DanceMovement speed rescaled from 20/35/50% to 24/36/48%

Jan 10, 2021

Slark in 7.28b

  • Fish Bait shard attack speed bonus increased from 50 to 75
  • Fish Bait shard cooldown reduced from 12 to 9

Dec 21, 2020

Slark in 7.28a

  • Fish Bait shard manacost reduced from 100 to 50
  • Fish Bait shard cooldown reduced from 20 to 12
  • Fish Bait shard duration increased from 4 to 6 seconds

May 2, 2020

Slark in 7.26c

  • TalentsLevel 10 Talent increased from +5 Agility to +6
  • TalentsLevel 10 Talent increased from +8 Strength to +9
  • TalentsLevel 25 Talent increased from +0.8s Shadow Dance Duration to +1s

Mar 17, 2020

Slark in 7.25

  • PounceScepter distance reduced from 1200 to 1100

Jan 26, 2020

Slark in 7.24

  • TalentsLevel 15 Talent reduced from +30 Attack Speed to +25
  • PounceScepter replenish time increased from 20/16/12/8 to 10
  • PounceScepter range reduced from 1400 to 1200

Jul 28, 2019

Slark in 7.22f

  • Base damage reduced by 1
  • TalentsLevel 20 Talent reduced from +1.25s Pounce Leash to +1s

May 27, 2019

Slark in 7.22b

  • Essence ShiftLevel 4 duration reduced from 120 to 100

May 24, 2019

Slark in 7.22

  • Base attack speed increased from 100 to 120
  • Shadow DancePassive health regen rescaled from 3/5/7% to 5/6/7%
  • Shadow DanceScepter range increased from 325 to 425

Jan 29, 2019

Slark in 7.21

  • PounceNo longer does 30/60/90/120 damage

Dec 9, 2018

Slark in 7.20e

  • TalentsLevel 20 talent reduced from +1.5s Pounce Leash to +1.25s

Nov 30, 2018

Slark in 7.20d

  • Leash distance increased from 350 to 400
  • TalentsLevel 25 Talent reduced from +100s Essense Shift Duration to +80s
  • Shadow DanceMovement speed reduced from 30/40/50% to 20/35/50%

Nov 24, 2018

Slark in 7.20c

  • Agility steal now also occurs when an enemy dies within 300 units from you with the debuff, rather than only when you get the killing blow
  • TalentsLevel 10 Talent reduced from +8 Agility to +6 Agility
  • TalentsLevel 20 Talent reduced from +2s Pounce Leash to +1.5s
  • TalentsLevel 25 Talent reduced from +120s Essence Shift Duration to +100s
  • PounceDuration reduced from 2.75/3/3.25/3.5 to 2.5/2.75/3/3.25
  • Dark PactManacost from 55/50/45/40 to 60
  • Shadow DanceDuration from 4/4.5/5 to 4/4.25/4.5

Nov 20, 2018

Slark in 7.20b

  • Now only steals agility when he kills the enemy himself
  • TalentsLevel 20 Talent reduced from +3s Pounce Leash to +2s
  • PounceLeash duration from 3.5 to 2.75/3/3.25/3.5
  • PounceLeash range from 325 to 350
  • Shadow DanceCooldown increased from 60 to 80/70/60

Nov 19, 2018

Slark in 7.20

  • Turn rate improved from 0.6 to 0.7
  • A hero dying with Essence Shift debuff on them causes Slark to permanently steal 1 Agility
  • PounceNow applies a Leashed state to the target, disallowing teleportation and mobility based abilities
  • Shadow DanceDuration rescaled from 4 to 4/4.5/5

Jun 25, 2018

Slark in 7.18

  • TalentsLevel 10 Talent reduced from +10 Agility to +8

May 27, 2018

Slark in 7.16

  • PounceDamage reduced from 40/80/120/160 to 30/60/90/120

Apr 24, 2018

Slark in 7.14

  • Base HP regen increased from 2.75 to 3.25
  • Shadow DanceMove speed bonus increased from 30/35/40% to 30/40/50%

Mar 29, 2018

Slark in 7.12

  • Base HP regen increased from 1.5 to 2.75
  • Turn rate improved from 0.5 to 0.6

Mar 1, 2018

Slark in 7.10

  • Talent: Level 10 Talent increased from +8 Strength to +10

Source: Valve’s public Dota 2 data feeds. Notes belong to Valve. Dates use Bellevue time (Pacific).