Pugna Is The New King: FISSURE Universe Episode 6 Meta Recap

Now that FISSURE Universe Episode 6 is over, we have a new angle to go on our Dota 2 meta recap. Despite the relative closeness to the Esports World Cup, almost everything seems to have changed. We now see Pugna as the new king of the hill, along with some returning heroes and a few fresh additions.

Let’s break down how things look in this small peek at the metagame ahead of The International 2025. While the limited scope of FISSURE Universe might affect the data, there’s still plenty of opportunity to adjust expectations — especially when it comes to taking a closer look at Team Spirit.

Will we see a post-Topson Pugna return? – Credit: Fissure

FISSURE Universe Episode 6 Dota 2 Meta Recap

Pugna Is King

First, let’s take a look at the five most popular heroes during FISSURE Universe Episode 6. Starting from the bottom, we have Batrider in 5th place. He’s in a solid spot right now, and his win rate reflects that: 57.14%, the second-highest among the Top 5.

In the middle of the list are Disruptor, Dawnbreaker, and Puck, with win rates ranging between 29% and 40%. Dawnbreaker sits at the bottom with just 29.41% in 17 matches. On the other hand, Pugna surged to the very top, achieving a massive 65% win rate in 20 matches out of the 56 total games played.

Shadow Shaman is gone. Pugna is my new best friend. – Credit: dota2hq

A Small Sample Size With a New Shadow Meta

If we follow the usual “10% match participation” rule, FISSURE Universe Episode 6 revealed an unusual “shadow meta.” Four heroes stood out as potential hidden power picks, each with an 80%+ win rate across at least six games:

• Lycan: 7 matches – 85.71% WR
• Mars: 6 matches – 83.33% WR
• Monkey King: 11 matches – 81.82% WR
• Sand King: 11 matches – 81.82% WR

This Shadow Meta feels like offlane meta. You should consider testing these heroes in the offlane. – Credit: Valve

Bane and Earthshaker also posted solid results, with double-digit appearances and win rates hovering around 70%. Most of the Shadow Meta fits best in the offlane, but some could find room as soft supports depending on team strategy.

Team Spirit Can Bleed

The biggest news from FISSURE Universe Episode 6 is that Team Spirit fell to Team Falcons in the Grand Finals. The key to defeating Spirit seemed to be controlling teamfights and accelerating the pace of the game before they could fully prepare. This was especially clear in Games 2 and 3, where Dragon Knight’s Corrosive Dragon facet paired with Pugna made for devastating fast-push strategies.

If this approach proves consistent, Lycan also gains an edge in the Shadow Meta. His wolves and Aghanim’s Shard upgrade — which adds an extra wolf to every creep wave — allow him to push lanes quickly, generate passive gold, and pressure towers relentlessly.

Have we finally found a way around Team Spirit’s near-flawless Dota 2? – Credit: Eric de Oliveira

This could set a trend for The International 2025: fast pushing as a central theme. Leshrac has already been highlighted as a strong midlaner by TorteDeLini. Pugna and Corrosive Dragon Knight shined at FISSURE Universe, and Lycan is quietly building momentum from the shadows.

Closing Thoughts

For now, that’s all we have — but it’s already plenty. Team Spirit’s rivals proved that they can bleed, and as the saying goes: “If it bleeds, it can die.” Blood is in the water, and the tank is full of sharks eager for a bite as The International 2025 looms on the horizon.

Meanwhile, teams like Team Falcons have revealed the cracks in Spirit’s armor, showing that even the favorites are vulnerable. Stay tuned to the Strafe news section to keep up with all the shifts in the Dota 2 pro scene, hero guides, and coverage of the biggest tournament of the year!

Featured Image Source: Liquipedia and Dota2HQ