DOTA 2 or Defense of the Ancients 2 is a free-to-play real-time strategy game that is the spiritual sequel to the original and genre-defining DOTA game. As one of the heralds of the multiplayer online battle arena genre, Blizzard’s DOTA mod paved the way for the likes of League of Legends and Heroes of Newerth. DOTA 2 replicates the engrossing gameplay of the original with improved graphics and upgraded mmo multiplayer features. Players begin a DOTA 2 game just like before, which is to choose a hero to control in a battlefield. Each hero starts at level 1 as a member of one of two competing factions called the Radiant and the Dire. Heroes can gain additional levels as well as powerful items by defeating enemy heroes and mobs, with the ultimate objective of destroying the other faction’s base. The leveling and itemization system in DOTA 2 is similar to what one can find in rpg games, but the difference is that levels and items do not persist after a given match.

DOTA 2 continues the basic map design of the DOTA with three lanes dotted with defense bases leading up to the main base of each faction. Only the outermost bases are vulnerable at any given time, so players must first bring those down and work their way in up to the main stronghold towers and defenses. Heroes earn gold throughout the match in two ways, either through the passage of time or by striking the killing blow on an enemy. The latter is the more dependable method of earning gold, which can then be spent to equip powerful stat-boosting items or useful combat consumables. Random NPCs are also scattered throughout the map which offer experience points and gold to those defeat them.

One of the biggest improvements in DOTA 2 is on the matchmaking system that determines who you get to battle. The system is now more finely tuned to pair comparatively skilled players against each other for a more balanced match. DOTA 2 also offers the option for unranked practice matches which allow you to hone your skill without the extra competitive pressure. DOTA 2 runs a cash shop store which mainly sells rpg cosmetic armor sets to customize the look of your hero characters. The game also hosts one of the highest-paying cash tournaments in gaming, with a six-man team from Ukraine earning a cool $1 million for topping the international championship cup.