The TI9 hype continues as Valve treated Dota 2 fans to a surprise release of a new in-game item - Planetfall Earthshaker arcana.

The TI9 Battle Pass was released earlier in May and is in the process of setting record sales figures. And now Valve has given Dota 2 fans another incentive to part with their money with the release of the new Planetfall arcana for Earthshaker.

Planetfall Earthsaker arcana features

The new Planetfall arcana has some features that have excited fans, not least the 500-plus new voice lines for Earthshaker.

New Model and Pedestal

Earthshaker's model and loadout pedestal have been redesigned from the earth up, reflecting the celestial gifts he has received, and the toll such bestowal required.

Custom animations and effects

Features all-new animations, combo counter, new Echo Slam effects, a custom death effect for heroes killed by Echo Slam, new ambient effects, enhanced Aghanim's Echant Totem effects, custom Blink Dagger effect, and a custom stun effect.

Custom Hero Assets

Includes an all-new Hero Portrait, Ability Icons, and a Minimap Icon for both styles.

Exclusive voice lines

The Planetfall arcana includes 500-plus exclusive voice lines.

Second Burning Descent style

Earthshaker's new arcana can be unlocked to reveal Burning Descent style with 500 kills or assists with Echo Slam.

Planetfall Earthsaker video

As usual, the new arrival was announced by Dota 2 community man Wykrhm Reddy, who tweeted a short clip of the new arcana in action.

The announcement of Planetfall Earthshaker was, perhaps predictably, greeted with excitement from Dota 2 fans.

The lore

The Planetfall arcana release statement says: "He who was one with the spirit of this earth has now merged with a fragment from another world.

"Flooded with distant memories of a shattered land, Earthshaker has already encountered one interstellar traveler—defeated at great cost—that had sought to eradicate the reborn power of the world awakening inside him, and he senses more dark forces will soon arrive intent on completing the task.

"For the first time in his life, he feels a longing to look towards the heavens, to somehow understand the apocalyptic end that found his sister earth...and do whatever it takes to avenge her passing."