Dota 2

The International Team and Talent Bundles launched on August 19, 2025, introducing new supporter bundles that contribute to the prize pool, alongside the Dota x Monster Hunter Crossover Event on November 10, which brought a wealth of new content, including items and a crafting system. Additionally, the game welcomed Largo, the Bard Hero on December 16, expanding the roster with unique abilities.

• New Content:
  • Largo, the Bard Hero joined the game with unique abilities on December 16.
  • Dota x Monster Hunter Crossover Event featured new sets, pets, and a hunt system on November 10.
  • Expedition Pack launched on November 10, introducing usable Monster Hunter monsters and crafting materials.
  • New Cosmic Heroes' Hoard Treasure released on September 16, adding 17 themed item sets.
  • New Palico Courier and Pet Poogie introduced on November 10, enhancing gameplay with new companions.
• Gameplay Changes:
  • Regional Qualifiers Format Change merged Eastern and Western Europe qualifiers into a single European qualifier on May 26, 2026.
  • Ability Draft Innate Ability Inclusion allowed all heroes to have their innate ability when drafted on March 24, 2026.
  • Consistent Item Recipe Ordering improved predictability in crafting item recipes on March 24, 2026.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The International 2025 began on September 11, featuring a double elimination tournament.
  • Three-Month Hunt Event started on November 10, allowing players to earn new items.

• Balance Changes:
  • A ban wave targeted over 75,000 accounts engaged in win trading and smurfing on August 19, 2025.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Overhead Indicator for Consumable Item Use was added on March 24, 2026, enhancing item usage clarity.

Crownfall Act IV: The Spires of Skywrath launched on November 8, 2024, bringing a massive new overworld map and the final act of the Crownfall epic, along with the introduction of Kez, a new playable hero. Players also experienced the release of Crownfall Act III: The Frosts of Icewrack earlier in the year, further expanding the game's narrative and content.

• New Content:
  • Crownfall Act IV: The Spires of Skywrath introduced a new map and a final boss battle against Imperia.
  • Kez, New Playable Hero debuted with unique abilities, enhancing gameplay options.
  • Crownfall Archive Launch on February 6, 2025, provided access to all minigames and comics from the Crownfall event.
  • Direct Invites for The International 2025 were announced, inviting eight teams to compete.
  • Madstone Resource was introduced for crafting unique neutral items.

• Gameplay Changes:
  • Medusa Rework aimed to improve her overall gameplay experience.
  • Gameplay Mechanics Revamped for Nest of Thorns, introducing a shared clock for player engagement.
  • New Amphibious Creeps were added to the river, introducing evolving challenges.
  • Ability Draft Token and Scrap Adjustments modified token rewards after matches.

• Seasonal Events:
  • Frostivus Event began on December 19, 2024, featuring festive gifts and new mechanics.
  • Crownfall Event Extended to January 15, 2025, allowing players more time to explore its content.

• Balance Changes:
  • Kez's Abilities Adjusted, including cooldown increases and damage reductions for specific skills.
  • Difficulty Scaling Adjustments ensured a challenging experience across matches.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Courier Delivery of Locked Items allowed couriers to deliver items locked for combining.
  • Improved Hero Build Variety enhanced gameplay diversity based on hero selection.

Crownfall Act II launched on May 23, 2024, introducing a new overworld map set in the deserts of Druud along with new characters and minigames. This update was part of a significant content expansion that also included the release of two new Arcana and a new player behavior and reporting system aimed at enhancing the gaming experience.

• Crownfall Act II: The second part of the Crownfall narrative introduced new characters and a fresh map.
  • New characters joined the roster, expanding gameplay options.
  • New minigames were added to enhance engagement in Crownfall Act II.
• Major Gameplay Patch: Update 7.36 was released, bringing a host of gameplay changes that affected hero balance and mechanics.
• New Systems: The introduction of Dota Labs allowed players to experiment with new features, including an Overlay Map and high-visibility hero health bars.
• Special Events: The International 2023 crowned Team Spirit as champions, while the 2024 event was announced to take place in Copenhagen from September 13-15, 2024.
• New Features: The introduction of a built-in Steam Game Recording Beta allowed players to easily record and share gameplay clips.

The 2022 Battle Pass launched on September 1, 2022, introducing new Arcana items, Personas, and a Prestige set, followed by the release of Battle Pass: Part II — Diretide on November 3, which featured the new Diretide game mode and additional rewards. Other notable changes included the introduction of the new hero Muerta on March 6, 2023, and the major New Frontiers and Patch 7.33, which shifted focus away from Battle Pass-centric development.

• Battle Pass Updates:
  • 2022 Battle Pass: Launched on September 1, 2022, featuring new content and rewards.
  • 2022 Battle Pass: Part II — Diretide: Released on November 3, 2022, introducing the Diretide game mode.
• New Hero:
  • Muerta: Joined the roster on March 6, 2023, bringing unique abilities to the game.

• Major Gameplay Changes:
  • Patch 7.33: Released on June 19, 2023, focusing on diverse features and content, enhancing overall gameplay.
  • Map Size Increase: Increased by 40% on April 20, 2023, altering the strategic landscape of matches.

• Supporters Clubs:
  • Launch: Introduced on May 10, 2023, allowing fans to join their favorite teams with various perks.
• Seasonal Events:
  • Lima Major Tournament: Announced for February 22 to March 5, 2023, showcasing top teams globally.

• Balance Changes:
  • Major Balance Adjustments: Implemented on April 20, 2023, to refine gameplay and hero performance.

Nemestice 2021 Collector's Cache launched on July 22, 2021, featuring new item sets from the Dota 2 Workshop, marking a significant content drop in the year. Additionally, Marci joined as a new hero on October 28, 2021, bringing fresh gameplay dynamics to the battlefield. Players also saw the Aghanim's Labyrinth Battle Pass launch on December 15, 2021, introducing a new event mode with unique rewards.

• New Hero: Marci made her debut as a playable hero on October 28, 2021, enriching the roster and gameplay strategies.
• Gameplay Updates: Patch 7.31c released on May 4, 2022, introduced various gameplay adjustments, while Patch 7.31d followed on June 9, 2022, further refining hero mechanics.
• Seasonal Events: The International 2021 began on October 6, 2021, featuring a $40 million prize pool, while the International 2022 was announced for Singapore on June 1, 2022.
• Balance Changes: A multitude of hero adjustments occurred, including significant changes to Lina's abilities on March 1, 2022, and updates to Marci's talents and abilities following her introduction.
• New Features: The Battle Report feature was added on June 9, 2022, providing players with insights into their match performance, specially tailored for Dota Plus members.

The International 10 Collector's Cache Volume II launched on August 14, 2020, featuring full sets for various heroes, including Rare, Very Rare, and Ultra Rare sets. Additionally, the release of a new Battle Pass on June 23, 2021, introduced rewards like the Dragon Knight Persona and Spectre Arcana, alongside the Nemestice event mode, which also debuted on the same day.

• New Hero: The Mistwoods Update introduced a cunning new hero on December 17, 2020.
• New Player Mode: A new player-friendly mode launched on March 25, 2021, featuring a limited hero pool to help new players learn without penalties.
• Supporters Clubs: Introduced on May 11, 2021, this feature allows fans to support teams by purchasing bundles, alongside three available bundles for various tiers.
• MMR Reset Option: Players gained the option to reset their Matchmaking Rating (MMR) at their discretion starting May 11, 2021.
• Overwatch System: A new reporting mechanism for disruptive behavior was implemented on January 27, 2021, allowing players to report negative actions during matches.

• Seasonal Event: The Diretide Halloween game mode launched on October 29, 2020, featuring candy collection mechanics and Roshan.
• Gameplay Adjustments: Significant balance changes included banning smurfing to improve matchmaking fairness on March 25, 2021, and the introduction of a streamlined shop experience for new players on the same date.

The International 10 Battle Pass launched on May 25, 2020, introducing seasonal features and rewards for players. This was followed by the Collector's Cache, which released on July 3, featuring community-voted item sets. The year also saw the addition of new heroes, Snapfire and Void Spirit, enhancing gameplay diversity.

• New Heroes: Snapfire and Void Spirit were added on November 26, 2019, bringing fresh strategies to the battlefield.
• Battle Gauntlet Feature: A new daily competitive feature launched on May 25, 2020, allowing players to engage in quick, competitive matches.
• Guilds Introduced: Players could create Guilds and undertake group assignments starting May 25, adding a social layer to the game.
• Gameplay Update: The 7.23 update released on November 26, 2019, included numerous gameplay changes, enhancing overall balance and experience.
• Collector's Cache Items: The International 10 Collector's Cache became available on July 3, 2020, showcasing the top 18 item sets as voted by the community.

• Matchmaking Improvements: Fast Queue for ranked matchmaking was introduced on November 2, 2019, allowing players to find matches more quickly.
• Quality of Life Changes: New features included customizable hero grids and improved warding suggestions, enhancing user experience.
• Seasonal Events: The International 10 was delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting community events and engagement.

The International 2019 Battle Pass launched on May 7, 2019, introducing new features like living towers and exclusive rewards. This year also saw the release of two new heroes, Mars and Grimstroke, expanding the roster significantly.

• New Heroes:
  • Mars, god of war, joined the battle on March 6, 2019.
  • Grimstroke, an arcane guardian, became available on August 25, 2018.

• Major Content Drops:
  • Planetfall, an Arcana for Earthshaker, released on May 23, 2019, featuring a new model and over 500 voice lines.
  • A new game mode, Jungle Expedition, was introduced on May 7, 2019, along with the Wrath of the Mo'rokai custom game.
  • Immortal Treasure III, featuring new items for various heroes, launched on July 31, 2018.

• Gameplay Mechanics:
  • The Mo'rokai Essence Gathering mechanic allowed players to enhance abilities by gathering essence from slain enemies, introduced on July 6, 2019.
  • A points system for the New Bloom event rewarded players for victories, launched on February 1, 2019.

• Seasonal Events:
  • OG was crowned champions at The International 2018 on August 27, 2018.
  • The Wrath of the Mo'rokai event launched on July 6, 2019, enabling Battle Pass owners to face ancient guardians.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Players could now spectate friends' live games without broadcast delay, added on July 11, 2018.
  • Email verification was implemented for first-time workshop submissions on April 3, 2019, to reduce scams.

The International 2018 Battle Pass launched on May 8, 2018, bringing new game modes, Immortal Treasures, and exclusive rewards for players. Additionally, the Dota Plus Subscription Service debuted on March 12, introducing features like Hero Leveling and real-time build suggestions to enhance gameplay.

• New Heroes: The introduction of Dark Willow and Pangolier heroes expanded the roster, providing players with fresh gameplay options.
• Pudge Arcana: The Pudge Arcana: The Feast of Abscession released on April 3, featuring custom animations, effects, and voice responses.
• Game Modes: The Underhollow Game Mode was introduced, allowing Battle Pass owners to navigate a new labyrinthine environment with unique challenges.
  • Cavern Crawl was also added as part of the Battle Pass, offering players a new feature to explore.
• Ranked Changes: A new Ranked Season launched on June 6, 2018, implementing a calibration period of ten games to adjust player ranks significantly.
• New Currency System: The introduction of Shards provided a new way for players to earn rewards through Hero Leveling, enhancing progression in matches.

The International 2017 Battle Pass launched on May 5, 2017, bringing new features, rewards, and a cooperative multiplayer campaign called Siltbreaker: Act I. This period also introduced the Monkey King hero, adding a new dynamic to gameplay, along with the Juggernaut's Arcana: Bladeform Legacy, which enhanced the hero's visuals and abilities.

• New Content:
  • Monkey King debuted as a new hero on December 13, 2016.
  • Juggernaut's Arcana: Bladeform Legacy was released on March 15, 2017, featuring unique animations and effects.
  • Siltbreaker: Act I, a multiplayer campaign, became available on June 8, 2017, allowing players to earn in-game artifacts.
  • Collector's Cache items were introduced on May 26, 2017, exclusively for Battle Pass owners.

• Gameplay Changes:
  • Hero Talent Trees were implemented on December 13, 2016, allowing players to customize their heroes further.
  • The 7.03 Gameplay Update was released on March 15, 2017, introducing various balance adjustments and gameplay mechanics.
  • A new Qualifying Points System was established for tournaments, impacting invites to The International 2018.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The Dark Moon event ran from January 26 to February 6, 2017, where players defended Selemene's temple against the Dark Moon Horde.
  • The International 2016 Tournament included a prize pool contribution of 25% from Battle Pass sales, aiming to surpass previous records.

• User Interface Improvements:
  • A redesigned in-game interface was launched on December 13, 2016, enhancing user experience.
  • A new Captains Mode interface was introduced on March 15, 2017.

• Balance Changes:
  • Adjustments were made to matchmaking behavior, including new penalties for low-priority matches, implemented on April 20, 2017.

The International 2016 Battle Pass launched on May 16, 2016, introducing new objectives, features, and exclusive rewards for players. This update also marked the release of the Immortal Treasure II, which featured items for several heroes including Windranger and Undying. Additionally, the Winter 2016 Battle Pass launched earlier in January, providing seasonal content and features for players.

• New Heroes: The game introduced Arc Warden on December 16, 2015, adding a new character to the roster.
• Gameplay Updates: The 6.87 Gameplay Update released on April 25, 2016, brought significant changes to Ranked All Pick mode and introduced a minimap Scan ability.
• In-Game Features: The implementation of in-game Quests and Community Challenges provided new ways for Battle Pass owners to engage with the game, launching alongside the International 2016 Battle Pass.
• Seasonal Events: The Shanghai Major took place from February 25 to March 6, 2016, featuring a competitive bracket and significant community engagement.
• Balance Changes: The 6.88 Gameplay Update released on June 13, 2016, included various minor balance tweaks to prepare for upcoming tournaments.

Dota 2 Reborn Beta launched on June 17, 2015, marking a significant overhaul with a new engine and interface. The International 2015 Compendium also debuted in May, allowing players to contribute to the tournament's prize pool and unlock exclusive items. Additionally, the introduction of Custom Games expanded gameplay possibilities, letting players create and share their own game modes.

• New Engine: The game engine was fully replaced as part of the Dota 2 Reborn Beta, enhancing performance and visuals.
• Custom Games: Players gained access to a feature allowing them to create unique game experiences within Dota 2.
• International 2015 Compendium: Launched on May 1, this compendium enabled contributions to the prize pool and included new challenges and rewards.
  • Collector's Cache: Released on June 5, this cache contained community-created Mythical sets available exclusively to Compendium owners.
• New Hero: Winter Wyvern was introduced on February 11, adding a new character to the roster with unique abilities.
• Year Beast Brawl Event: This event launched on February 12, allowing players to engage in battles with the assistance of a Year Beast.

The International Compendium launched on May 10, 2014, allowing players to contribute to the tournament's prize pool while earning rewards for their predictions. Additionally, the game introduced three new heroes: Ember Spirit, Storm Spirit, and Earth Spirit on November 14, 2013, enhancing the roster significantly. Players also gained access to the Live Rewind feature on July 1, 2014, which allowed them to pause and rewind live games while spectating.

• New Heroes: Introduced three new heroes—Ember Spirit, Storm Spirit, and Earth Spirit—on November 14, 2013.
• Live Rewind Feature: Launched on July 1, 2014, enabling players to pause and rewind live games during spectating.
• Public Leaderboards: Added on March 26, 2014, showing players with the highest solo MMR across four geographic divisions.
• Fantasy Dota: Introduced on February 27, 2014, allowing players to create Fantasy Leagues based on pro players' performances during DreamLeague Season 1.
• Coaching Feature: Implemented on November 14, 2013, to assist players in improving their gameplay.