Another Frostfall has arrived, which means that Skeleton Frost has awakened from his slumber beneath the wine-dark Seas of Blood that surround Frost's castle.

The time has come once again for the chilling celebration of Coldryzhestvo, and that means the infamous Skeleton Frost has awoken from his slumber beneath the dark, wine-like Seas of Blood that surround his icy castle. With a flourish of his bony fingers, he has dispatched legions of goblin children, whom he had captured, into his toy mines to gather gifts for the festive season. These mischievous little creatures, with their beady eyes and nimble fingers, scurry through the labyrinthine tunnels, shoveling glittering treasures and whimsical toys into overflowing sacks. Meanwhile, the Skeleton Frost himself has harnessed the power of his fearsome twin wolves, Lumpo and Rupertus, their eyes glowing a bright crimson as they pull his skeletal sleigh through the swirling snow and biting winds. As the chilling wind howls outside, you may suddenly hear the faint sound of jingling bells. It’s the unmistakable sound of the Skeleton Frost making his descent onto the roof of your home, or perhaps even sneaking in through an open window. His arrival is heralded by a flurry of frost that creeps across the floor, leaving a trail of icy patterns behind. The atmosphere in your home shifts, and a sense of both excitement and trepidation fills the air. Will he leave delightful gifts, or will his presence bring a more sinister surprise? Children whisper tales of the Skeleton Frost—some say he possesses a heart made of ice, while others believe he is simply misunderstood, bringing both joy and fear in equal measure.

As the night deepens, you might catch a glimpse of his gnarled silhouette moving silently through the shadows, adorned in tattered robes that seem to flutter like ghostly banners. The flickering candlelight dances on the walls, casting eerie shapes that seem to come alive, as if the very spirits of the season are joining in the celebration. The goblin children, ever so industrious, have been working tirelessly, their laughter echoing through the toy mines. They’ve crafted fantastical dolls, intricate puzzles, and even magical trinkets infused with spells of joy and merriment. Each item they create holds a piece of their playful spirit, a testament to the joy that this season can bring, despite its chilling origins. Yet, amidst the cheer, there lies an undercurrent of caution. The tales warn of the Skeleton Frost’s trickery, of gifts that may come with a twist, or of unexpected encounters that could turn the merry night into something far more thrilling—perhaps even frightening.

Celebrate Coldryzhestvo: New Updates and a Call for Fair Play!

If you’ve behaved well this year, prepare to deck your halls with new and classic Coldryzhestvo-themed decorations, as well as a plethora of client upgrades, exciting new premium sets for Dota Plus, and the much-anticipated 7.35 update. The festive spirit is alive, and with it comes the promise of fresh content that will enhance your gaming experience and bring joy to your gameplay. However, for those who have strayed into the darker corners of the gaming community, we have both good news for everyone else and bad news for you. This year, we’re in for a bloody reckoning. You may recall that back in September, we wielded the ban hammer and permanently blocked 90,000 smurf accounts. Since that day, we have not only kept a watchful eye on player behavior but also utilized automated systems to analyze actions within the game. In recent weeks, we have launched yet another, more aggressive wave of bans, resulting in tens of thousands of accounts being blocked today alone. This isn’t just a seasonal clean-up; it’s a commitment to maintaining the integrity of our community.

At The International, some professional players discussed their smurfing practices with us. Those conversations have continued, and a consensus has emerged among professionals: banning smurf accounts improves the Dota community. This isn’t merely a matter of fairness; it’s about ensuring that everyone plays by the same rules. And smurfing isn’t the only questionable behavior. Some players ruin games for others and lose their integrity, only to hire others to help them regain it. Regardless of what transgressions you’ve committed, we’ve been keeping tabs on you (though, of course, not on how you sleep). Today, we are taking strict action. All of the aforementioned violations will be subject to penalties, including a reduction in matchmaking integrity, and in the most severe cases, the banning of primary accounts. As we’ve mentioned, smurfing (and other negative behaviors) spoils the game experience, and we want to ensure that as we approach the New Year, gameplay is more enjoyable than ever. Therefore, we wish everyone a Happy Coldryzhestvo update! Everyone, that is, except for smurf accounts, who are unlikely to enjoy their well-deserved gifts.

The festive season is a time for community, camaraderie, and fair play. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements we’ve made together and to look forward to a brighter future within our gaming environment. We believe that by taking these necessary actions, we can foster a healthier atmosphere for all players, where everyone can enjoy the game to its fullest without the frustration caused by unfair practices. In the spirit of the season, we are also excited to introduce a range of new features and improvements with the 7.35 update. Players can expect a host of enhancements, including game balance adjustments, new heroes, and more engaging gameplay mechanics that encourage teamwork and strategy. The updates are designed to enrich your experience and keep the game fresh and exciting. As you gather around your virtual Christmas tree to celebrate Coldryzhestvo, take a moment to reflect on the year gone by. This is not just about receiving new items and upgrades; it’s about strengthening our community and fostering a culture of respect and fair play. We encourage players to spread kindness and positivity, helping to build an environment where everyone can thrive.

New premium sets for Dota Plus will bring a splash of color and creativity to your heroes, allowing you to express your unique style on the battlefield. Whether you prefer fearsome warriors or whimsical tricksters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And don’t forget the classic accessories that remind us of the rich history of Dota, celebrating the game we all love. As we close the chapter on this year and look toward the next, let’s embrace the spirit of Coldryzhestvo together. Let’s play fair, support one another, and make the gaming community a better place for everyone. There are many adventures ahead, and we can’t wait to experience them with you. So, as you hang your ornaments and prepare for the festivities, remember that each game is an opportunity to uplift your teammates, challenge your skills, and immerse yourself in the magic of Dota. Happy Coldryzhestvo to all—may your matches be filled with joy, excitement, and the true spirit of the season! And for those who have wandered off the righteous path, consider this an invitation to change your ways; after all, the new year brings new beginnings.