Dota 2 is a multiplayer online game in the strategy genre with RPG elements. It is a continuation of the famous Dota map originally created for Warcraft 3. Dota 2 was developed by Valve using the Source engine and is connected to the Steam system. Additionally, in 2009, Valve hired IceFrog, the lead developer of Dota, allowing Dota 2 to maintain its identity.
The gameplay has largely remained unchanged. Players face the same map, with bases, citadels, towers, and barracks at opposite ends. There are three lanes through the center and sides of the map where towers hold back waves of enemies, with “creeps” attacking from everywhere, etc. It is still the same Dota, just more beautiful, improved, and optimized.
Each battle involves two teams of five. One, of course, is on the light side (The Radiant), and the other on the dark side (The Dire). The player controls a hero unit that they will manage during the fight. Throughout the battle, the hero gains experience and can level up. Furthermore, they earn gold, which can be used to buy various items and artifacts that enhance them in various ways. Gold continuously comes from their base, albeit in small amounts, while additional money is earned by killing monsters and heroes. Each team must protect their territory from constant waves of creeps while managing to destroy the enemy’s main building.
Players can also encounter many familiar faces. For example, the mage Crystal Maiden with the ability to freeze everything around, or the foul-smelling Pudge, or Storm Spirit, who can throw lightning in different directions. Heroes are loosely divided into melee fighters, ranged fighters (archers), and casters. However, unlike in the previous version of Dota, there is no strict specialization. Players can enhance their heroes by teaching them active and passive abilities. Additionally, at certain levels, particularly powerful abilities are granted. Dota 2 features many diverse heroes, and new ones constantly appear through micro-updates. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so there is no question of character homogenization.
What can be noted about the innovations? Dota 2 introduced a reconnect feature and the ability to replace players who have left the game. It is also worth mentioning that players in Battle.net could not connect to opponents located on another continent or in another territorial zone. With Steam's support, this has become possible. Additionally, it is now possible to join any game session as a spectator. Thanks to a special system for training new players, more experienced warriors can gain additional bonuses by training "noobs".
The graphics have become more appealing, yet remain easily recognizable, despite Dota 2 being built on an entirely different engine. Dota 2 can even be played on fairly weak computers.