Dota 2

Dota 2 is a complex multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game.

Developed by Valve, it serves as a standalone sequel to Defense of the Ancients (DotA). DotA was originally a community-created mod for the game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. In Dota 2, two teams of five players compete in a strategic battle. Each team must defend its own fortified base while attempting to destroy the enemy's Ancient. The Ancient is a large, durable structure located at the center of each base. The first team to destroy the opposing Ancient wins the match.

Each match begins with a pre-game drafting phase. During this phase, players select their characters, which are known as heroes. There are 127 playable heroes, each featuring unique designs, strengths, and weaknesses. Once a hero is selected, it is removed from the drafting pool. This means no other player in that match can choose the same hero. Players must discuss strategies and matchups during this stage to prepare for combat. After drafting, the game enters real-time combat using standard real-time strategy controls.

Heroes are categorized into two primary roles: cores and supports. Cores, also called carries, typically begin the match as weak and vulnerable. However, they gain significant power as the game progresses, eventually "carrying" their team to victory. Supports generally lack heavy damage abilities. Instead, they provide utility, such as healing and buffs, to assist their cores. Every hero possesses at least four unique abilities. As players gain experience points (XP), they can level up from level one to a maximum of level 30. This allows them to unlock new abilities or improve existing ones. At level six, every hero unlocks their most powerful ability, known as an "ultimate."

Managing resources is a vital part of the gameplay mechanism. Players use a magic system to prevent the overuse of abilities. Activating an ability costs mana points, which regenerate slowly over time. Abilities also enter a cooldown period after use. To grow stronger, players must collect gold through a process called "farming." This is achieved by killing enemy heroes, destroying structures, or killing computer-controlled creatures called creeps. To get the most gold from a creep, a player must land the final blow, a skill called "last hitting." Players can also "deny" allied units to prevent the enemy from gaining full experience. This gold is spent at shops to purchase items that provide special abilities.

The game map is divided into two sides, the Radiant and the Dire. A river splits the map in half, and three paths called lanes connect the bases. These lanes are guarded by defensive towers. Small groups of creeps spawn periodically from buildings called barracks. The map also contains a jungle area filled with neutral creeps. These creatures are hostile to both teams but only attack if provoked. One unique boss, named Roshan, resides in the jungle. Defeating Roshan provides special items, such as an item that allows a one-time resurrection. The map also features a day-night cycle and a "fog of war" that hides enemy movements.

Dota 2 has a massive professional competitive scene known as esports. Valve organizes a premier annual tournament called The International. This tournament uses a crowdfunded prize money system. This system has resulted in prize pools exceeding 40 million dollars. This makes Dota 2 one of the most lucrative esports in existence. Professional matches are broadcast via internet streams and sometimes on television. On-site staff provide commentary and analysis, much like traditional sporting events.

Many people watch these matches in large arenas and stadiums.

The game's influence extends far beyond the digital arena. It has inspired merchandise, comic books, and an anime series. The community can also contribute through the Steam Workshop, creating custom maps, game modes, and cosmetics. For example, the community-made "Dota Auto Chess" mode became so popular it led to the development of the standalone game Dota Underlords. Furthermore, Dota 2 has been used for advanced scientific research. A team of bots called OpenAI Five successfully used machine learning to defeat professional human players. This demonstrates the incredible depth and complexity of the game's systems.