Dota 2 is Valve’s free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. Two teams of five players each pick a hero from a roster of more than a hundred and try to destroy the other team’s base. The Steam description says all heroes are free. The only official way to get Dota 2 is through Steam.
Who it suits
- Players who like long-term strategy games with a high skill ceiling.
- People who want a competitive team game that does not lock characters behind payments.
Dota 2 has a steep learning curve. Expect to spend many matches learning heroes, items and map control. The Steam page says the game includes fantasy violence, use of alcohol and mild partial nudity.
How to get the official version
Install the free Steam client, then add Dota 2 on Steam. Steam lists Windows, macOS and Linux. There is no official Dota 2 for Android or iPhone; mobile games using the name are not Valve’s.
Cost and purchases
Dota 2 is free to play and all heroes are free. Steam lists in-app purchases, mainly cosmetic items. The Steam description says all heroes are free and that everything you need to play is included.
Requirements
Steam’s minimum requirements:
- Windows: Windows 7 or newer, dual-core Intel or AMD at 2.8 GHz, 4 GB of memory, NVIDIA GeForce 8600/9600GT or ATI/AMD Radeon HD2600/3600, DirectX 11, 60 GB of storage.
- macOS: macOS 10.15 or newer, dual-core Intel, 4 GB of memory, a Metal-capable GPU, 60 GB of storage.
- Linux: Ubuntu 12.04 or newer, dual-core 2.8 GHz, 4 GB of memory, AMD GCN+, NVIDIA Kepler+ or Intel HD 5000-series or newer, 60 GB of storage.
The Steam client itself now needs 64-bit Windows 10 or later, so Windows 7 is effectively not usable for new installs.
Age rating
The Steam store listing does not show an ESRB or PEGI rating for Dota 2. It shows ratings from other systems, such as USK 12. Check your own region’s store page.
Safety notes
Fake item-trading sites and “free Arcana” offers are used to steal Steam accounts. Install only through Steam, enable Steam Guard, and never sign in through a link sent in chat.
Questions
Is Dota 2 pay-to-win?
No hero or gameplay advantage is sold. Purchases are cosmetic or optional extras.
Does Dota 2 run on Mac?
Yes, through Steam on macOS 10.15 or newer with a Metal-capable GPU.
Is there a Dota 2 mobile app?
No. Valve publishes Dota 2 on PC through Steam only.
