Dota 2
Action
Strategy
Free To Play
Multi-player
Co-op
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Workshop
SteamVR Collectibles
In-App Purchases
Camera Comfort
Color Alternatives
Custom Volume Controls
Valve Anti-Cheat enabled
Steam Timeline

Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.

Developers: Valve
Publishers: Valve
Release Date: Jul 9, 2013
Price (USD): Free
Current Players: 500k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(88%)
strategic depth
addictive
consistent updates
complex mechanics
learning curve
competitive community
player experience
toxic community
flawed matchmaking
report system
time sink
The general sentiment about Dota 2 is highly mixed. While the game receives praise for its strategic depth and replayability, it is also heavily criticized for its toxic community and flawed matchmaking systems. Despite these issues, the game's addictive nature and consistent updates keep players engaged. However, the steep learning curve and time investment required remain significant barriers for new players, contributing to a highly varied experience based on individual player interactions.

Positive Points

  • Dota 2 is recognized as a strategic and complex MOBA with a wide variety of heroes and playstyles that offer a different experience each match.
  • Many players find the game addictive, with some noting its deep mechanics and the satisfaction of mastering them over time.
  • Dota 2 has a vibrant community and offers consistent updates and new content, maintaining players' interest.
  • Some players have long-term positive associations with the game, citing it as an integral part of their gaming history.
  • Negative Points

  • The game is often criticized for a toxic community, which can be off-putting to new and existing players alike.
  • Matchmaking issues are a significant point of contention, with claims of unbalanced games due to smurf accounts and mismatched player skills.
  • The behavior and report system is described as flawed, with reports of automatic punitive measures that can be unfair or unreviewed.
  • Some players find the game to be a substantial time sink, leading to stress and a negative impact on personal life.
  • Mixed Points

  • Dota 2's steep learning curve is both a challenge and an attraction, providing deep satisfaction upon mastery but overwhelming new players.
  • While the game's complexity and strategic depth are praised, they can also lead to frustration and high tension during matches.
  • Community engagement is noted both positively for its size and negatively due to its sometimes negative behavior.
  • Common Themes

  • The game's complex mechanics and diverse hero pool provide a variety of strategic options and playstyles, appealing to different types of players.
  • There is a recurring sentiment about the game's community, with frequent mentions of toxicity and its impact on the overall experience.
  • Matchmaking and ranking systems are a subject of frequent dissatisfaction, with many players feeling they are not reflective of individual skill or fair play.
  • Despite its criticisms, Dota 2's longevity and consistent updates contribute to its status as an OG MOBA, retaining a dedicated player base.
  • Updated 9/23/2025, 12:02:35 AM UTC