Dataminers have once again struck gold in the Dota 2 files, uncovering details about a possible upcoming hero known only as Bard Frog. What’s interesting isn’t just the hero’s quirky name, but the fact that Bard Frog may arrive with a special mechanic that puts them in the same league as Invoker, Ringmaster, and Kez.
According to code strings found in the client and posted on the Dotastepana Telegram channel, Bard Frog has something called “LuteHero” attached to their abilities. This isn’t just a normal skill set, it points to the hero getting an extra ability panel, a feature only three other heroes in the game currently have.
Image Credit: dotastepana on Telegram
For those who aren’t deep into Dota’s mechanics, an additional ability panel means the hero has more options to juggle than your average character. Invoker has his iconic spell cards, Ringmaster uses Souvenir cards, and Kez, released after The International 2024, fights with Weapon cards. Bard Frog seems set to follow in those footsteps, but with its own twist.
That suggests Bard Frog won’t be the type of hero you just pick up and play casually. Like Invoker or Kez, mastering this amphibian will probably demand strong game knowledge and quick decision-making. If the “LuteHero” name is any hint, the kit could be themed around music or bard-like support skills, possibly revolving around team buffs or enemy disruption.
This isn’t the first time Bard Frog has cropped up in leaks either. Back in late 2024, dataminers noticed “bard_frog” listed in the game files, sparking speculation that Valve was already working on the character. Later discoveries and unused Kez voice lines mentioning another unnamed hero only added fuel to the fire.
Nothing official has come from Valve yet, but with The International 2025 around the corner and a Compendium release expected soon, the timing feels right for a reveal. If true, Bard Frog could become the fourth hero in Dota 2’s history to break away from the standard skill system and challenge players with a deeper, more complex toolkit.
For now, we’ll just have to wait and see if Valve turns these leaks into reality, but one thing’s for sure: Bard Frog is shaping up to be more than just a funny name in the files.