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Dota 2

First release on record 09 Jul 2013 · real-time strategy, action

Platforms3
First year2013

Dota 2 is Valve’s free-to-play multiplayer action-strategy game, released on Steam for Windows, macOS, and Linux on July 9, 2013. Matches place two teams of five heroes against each other, with every hero available at no purchase cost. Steam lists the game itself as free, while the optional Official Soundtrack is sold separately for $9.99. Valve distributes Dota 2 through Steam and maintains the official Dota2.com site. The game suits players who want competitive online team matches, extensive hero choices, bot practice, and regular updates. It requires a broadband connection and 60 GB of storage on each listed desktop operating system. Steam marks it Playable on Steam Deck and lists 28 interface languages.

Researched from the official pages · Updated

At a glance
First releaseJuly 9, 2013 (Steam)
PlatformsWindows, macOS, SteamOS + Linux
Developer / publisherValve / Valve
Game price (US Steam)Free to play · checked 28 Oct 2026
Core match formatOnline 5v5 team clash
Steam languages28 interface languages
Age ratingUSK 12
PC storage minimum60 GB

When did Dota 2 release and where can I play it?

Dota 2 launched on Steam on July 9, 2013, and Steam supplies versions for Windows, macOS, and SteamOS + Linux. Valve is both developer and publisher. The official Dota site is the game's web hub and links players to Steam for download.

What does Dota 2 cost on Steam?

The standard Dota 2 game costs nothing on US Steam. Steam separately lists the Official Soundtrack at $9.99 and the Remixes EP as free; those are optional audio products rather than a paid game edition.

How does multiplayer work in Dota 2?

Dota 2 is built around online 5v5 team clashes. Steam also documents online co-op, co-op against bots, hero demo mode, and skill- and behavior-based matchmaking; the cited official pages do not list local split-screen, crossplay, or cross-progression details.

What PC requirements should I check?

Steam publishes minimum requirements but no recommended specification. Windows needs Windows 7 or newer, a dual-core 2.8 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, a supported DirectX 11 GPU, broadband internet, and 60 GB storage. macOS needs macOS 10.15 or newer, an Intel dual-core CPU, 4 GB RAM, a Metal-capable GPU, broadband internet, and 60 GB. Ubuntu/Linux needs Ubuntu 12.04 or newer, a dual-core 2.8 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, a supported AMD, NVIDIA, or Intel GPU, broadband internet, and 60 GB.

Is there paid DLC or an expansion?

Steam lists two paid or free add-ons tied to Dota 2: The Dota 2 Official Soundtrack, released February 10, 2020 for $9.99, and The Dota 2 Remixes EP, released the same date for free. The game page also advertises in-app purchases for optional content.

What age and content warnings apply?

USK rates DotA 2 at 12 and older. Steam's own content note identifies fantasy violence, alcohol use, and mild partial nudity, while its store metadata flags in-game chat, online interactivity, and chance-based in-game purchases.

Release dates by platform

PlatformDateRegionStatus
Windows, macOS, SteamOS + Linux09 Jul 2013Worldwide on Steam listingReleased

Prices and editions

StoreEditionPriceChecked
Steam (US)Dota 2 base gameFree28 Oct 2026
Steam (US)The Dota 2 Official Soundtrack$9.9928 Oct 2026
Steam (US)The Dota 2 Remixes EPFree28 Oct 2026

Prices change often; each is the store's own price on the day shown.

PC requirements

Minimum
OSWindows 7 or newer; macOS 10.15 or newer; Ubuntu 12.04 or newer
ProcessorDual-core Intel or AMD at 2.8 GHz on Windows/Linux; Intel dual-core on macOS
Memory4 GB
GraphicsWindows: NVIDIA GeForce 8600/9600GT or ATI/AMD Radeon HD2600/3600; macOS: Metal-capable AMD GCN or newer, NVIDIA Kepler or newer, or Intel HD 4000 or newer; Linux: AMD GCN+, NVIDIA Kepler+, or Intel HD 5000-series or newer
Video memory—
Storage60 GB
DirectXDirectX 11 on Windows

From the game's official store page, read 28 Oct 2026; summarised in our own words.

Modes and features

FeatureOn recordPlatforms
Online team match size5v5Windows, macOS, SteamOS + Linux
Co-op and bot practiceCo-op and co-op versus bots listedWindows, macOS, SteamOS + Linux
Local or split-screenNot stated on cited official pages—
CrossplayNot stated on cited official pages—
Cross-progressionNot stated on cited official pages—
Controller supportSteam Deck is marked Playable; controller details are not otherwise specifiedSteamOS + Linux
Cloud savesNot stated on cited Steam page—
Supported interface languages28Windows, macOS, SteamOS + Linux

DLC and expansions

NameReleasedPrice
The Dota 2 Official Soundtrack10 Feb 2020$9.99 · checked 28 Oct 2026
The Dota 2 Remixes EP10 Feb 2020Free · checked 28 Oct 2026

Age ratings

BoardRatingContent descriptors
USK12—

FAQ

Do I need to buy heroes?

Steam lists the game as free to play, and its core hero roster is available without a purchase.

Which desktop systems can run it?

The Steam page lists Windows, macOS, and SteamOS + Linux requirements, with 60 GB storage and broadband internet for each.

Is Dota 2 Steam Deck compatible?

Steam marks the game Playable on Steam Deck and notes that manual on-screen keyboard invocation can be needed for some text input.

What multiplayer options are documented?

The official site presents matches as 5v5 team clashes and Steam lists online co-op and bot practice; the cited pages do not state local split-screen support.

Our take

Choose the Steam version because it is the only official store listing cited here, it is free, and it covers Windows, macOS, SteamOS + Linux. Steam marks Dota 2 Playable on Steam Deck and lists 28 interface languages. Check that your computer meets the 4 GB RAM and 60 GB storage minimums, that your operating system and graphics hardware match the listed requirements, and that broadband internet is available. Matches are online 5v5, while the cited pages do not document local split-screen, crossplay, cross-progression, or cloud saves. Optional audio add-ons are separate purchases, with the Official Soundtrack listed at $9.99.

Best for: Players seeking free online team strategy; People who want a large hero roster and bot practice; Steam Deck owners.

Not for: Players needing documented local split-screen; Players without broadband internet or 60 GB storage.

Which version: Steam on Windows, macOS, or SteamOS + Linux; Steam Deck is marked Playable

Built only from the official facts above. We don't review games we haven't played, and nothing here is paid.

Sources

The record

Every line has its source and the day it was read
Dates on record
09 Jul 2013 Wikidata · read 26 Oct 2026
Developer
Valve CorporationWikidata · role not verified
Publishers on record
Valve Corporation, Perfect World Wikidata
Genres
real-time strategy, action game, multiplayer online battle arena Wikidata
Modes
multiplayer Wikidata
Age ratings on record
USK 12 Wikidata
Series
Dota Wikidata
Engine
Source 2, Source Wikidata
Platforms on record
WindowsmacOSLinux on Wikidata. A platform missing here is not proof it is absent.

Facts: Wikidata Q771541 (CC0), revision 2558693195, read 26 Oct 2026, researched by VGKami Games Research (VGK-WIKIDATA-CENTRE-20261028-V3d). Spotted a wrong fact? Tell us.

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