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Dota 2 is the second iteration of the legendary Warcraft 3 mode. The game was made by Valve and officially released in 2013, although it was in development since 2009 and in closed beta since 2011.
Now modernized with a Source game engine, Dota 2 revolutionized e-sports. Its International tournament became the staple for all other organized gaming events. In fact, The International 2011 was the first e-sports tournament that awarded the winner 1 million dollars. The latest event, The International 2021, featured a prize pool of a whopping 40 million dollars.
Gameplay
Dota 2 has a very complex system that takes months and even years to master. The game is classified as MOBA or Multiplayer Online Battle Arena. During the game, two teams with five players are pinned against each other. They will battle through enemy defenses as they try to reach the enemy base and ultimately destroy their main structure, the Ancient.
The most alluring thing about the game is its complexity. A player can choose between 121 heroes, each with its own set of spells and abilities. As teams battle against each other and computer-generated units called creeps, they will gain levels and items that will help them beat the opponent’s team.
Like with many other MOBA’s, the dynamic of the game has changed over time. Whenever new items and heroes are introduced, this potentially leads to balancing issues. Depending on the current iteration of Dota (better yet, patch), certain heroes will feel stronger, while others will feel weaker.
At the same time, these introductions make the game relevant despite the fact so much time has passed since its inception. When you get bored of certain heroes constantly being picked over and over again, Valve mixes things up, making for a fresh restart.
Tier Ranking Explanation
Our list will focus on Dota 2 heroes. Although meta changes all the time, and certain heroes become less or more popular, some of them were constantly good due to their innate abilities. So, this list is not necessarily based on what’s trending right now, but the heroes who were solid over 10 years of Dota’s existence.
I will categorize all these heroes in 5 tiers ranging from S to D. The S tier is reserved for some of the most constant heroes that have provided excellent results throughout different patches and metas. D tier, on the other hand, is reserved for characters that were never particularly popular.
Keep in mind that the list mostly focuses on public games. In other words, it takes into consideration the overall win and pick rate throughout patches, though billions of Dota 2 games. There is a major discrepancy between high tier, professional games, and average Dota 2 games. So, you might see Io and Furion as some of the lowest-ranked heroes on the list despite the fact they’ve been picked for years and years in pro games.
- S tier is the best of the best. Even when a patch is unfavorable for them due to numerous nerfs, you can see them every now and then.
- A tier are heroes that are generally good and always offer something to their team. However, during some patches, they will be picked less frequently as there are some other options that would provide a higher win rate.
- B tier who are generally mediocre. There are some patches when they are hot stuff and others when they are barely picked. These heroes might excel at one thing but can also feel lackluster due to certain inhibitions.
- C tier is reserved for underperformers. Most of these heroes are picked occasionally or might have shorter stints during which they shine. Some of them might have unreliable spells or are hard to execute.
- D tier are heroes that have never been good. In fact, they might feel lackluster even in patches when they are strong. Or, they might require certain team composition to make an impact. However, these heroes rarely win games for you, regardless of the current meta.
S Tier
- Omniknight
- Abaddon
- Necrophos
- Zeus
- Spectre
- Wraith King
- Underlord
- Warlock
- Ursa
- Centaur Warrunner
- Crystal Maiden
- Riki
- Vengeful Spirit
- Lich
- Silencer
A Tier
- Spirit Breaker
- Ogre Magi
- Undying
- Luna
- Jakiro
- Treant Protector
- Dazzle
- Elder Titan
- Sven
- Shadow Shaman
- Venomancer
- Drow Ranger
- Chaos Knight
- Mirana
- Bloodseeker
- Slardar
- Tidehunter
- Pudge
- Witch Doctor
- Axe
- Enigma
- Troll Warlord
- Ancient Apparition
- Earthshaker
- Clockwerk
- Night Stalker
- Viper
- Juggernaut
- Marci
- Disruptor
B Tier
- Medusa
- Phoenix
- Lycan
- Brewmaster
- Dawnbreaker
- Phantom Assassin
- Slark
- Bristleback
- Dark Willow
- Sand King
- Weaver
- Sniper
- Void Spirit
- Death Prophet
- Dragon Knight
- Dark Seer
- Phantom Lancer
- Hoodwink
- Nyx Assassin
- Keeper of the Light
- Faceless Void
- Lifestealer
- Lion
- Shadow Fiend
- Beastmaster
- Razor
- Mars
- Techies
- Skywrath Mage
- Legion Commander
- Winter Wyvern
- Snapfire
- Leshrac
C Tier
- Terrorblade
- Grimstroke
- Windranger
- Bounty Hunter
- Kunkka
- Huskar
- Outworld Destroyer
- Storm Spirit
- Invoker
- Monkey King
- Anti-Mage
- Clinkz
- Doom
- Visage
- Meepo
- Pangolier
- Pugna
- Gyrocopter
- Alchemist
- Timbersaw
- Naga Siren
- Arc Warden
- Bane
- Tinker
- Templar Assassin
- Tiny
- Magnus
- Tusk
- Morphling
- Lina
D Tier
- Rubick
- Queen of Pain
- Ember Spirit
- Shadow Demon
- Nature’s Prophet
- Batrider
- Puck
- Enchantress
- Chen
- Oracle
- Lone Druid
- Earth Spirit
- Broodmother
- Io
FAQs
Question: Is Dota 2 free?
Answer: Dota 2 is a free game, and it always has been. However, players have the option of purchasing various in-game cosmetics. Among others, they can buy interactive compendiums that would allow them to fulfill daily challenges and have even more fun with the game.
Question: Which is better between Dota 2 and League of Legends?
Answer: Gamers often compare Dota 2 and League of Legends. This makes sense, given that these are the two most influential MOBA titles. Whether you like Dota 2 or League of Legends comes to personal preferences. Generally speaking, League of Legends is faster to pick up but has slower gameplay, while Dota 2 is much faster and much more chaotic.
Question: Which community is more toxic between Dota and League of Legends?
Answer: According to official data, 65% of League of Legends players have reported in-game harassment compared to 78% of Dota 2 players. However, if you play either game long enough, you will probably get flamed by your teammates even if you’re one of the best players in the world.
Dota 2 Tier List: Last Considerations
Despite a steep learning curve and unforgiving community, Dota 2 is a very fun game to play. The fact you need too much time to master it will always drive you to play more. Dota 2 tests your reflexes, knowledge, nerves, and team coordination.
If you wish to get some easy wins in your public games, you can always refer to this list. As mentioned, S tier heroes are some of the most popular and successful in Dota 2 history, and they should provide good results regardless of current trends.