TT2 Less Tapping?

So, from being a TT1 player and just recently starting TT2, I've noticed a few key dynamics in the early levels with the biggest being that tapping doesn't really do much and your heroes and pets do all the work. is that basically how the game will be for end game as well? Or do the "x% tap damage from heroes" skills play into effect later in the game as I unlock more heroes and level them up?