Dota 2 offline mode: How to play with bots or on LAN?

Dota 2, a successor to the original DotA, has largely been developed with an online gameplay experience in mind. It operates through Steam and requires an internet connection to connect to Valve’s servers. But, there’s a way to play Dota 2 in offline mode as well. +

This setup has made playing Dota 2 in an offline mode somewhat challenging and relatively obsolete since matchmaking requires an internet connection. However, it’s still possible to enjoy Dota 2 offline, perhaps when you don’t have internet to play. Whether you’re looking to battle against insane-level bots or engage in local area network (LAN) matches with friends, here’s the guide on how to play Dota 2 in offline mode.

Launching Dota 2 in Offline Mode

Steam, the platform through which all Valve games operate, typically requires an internet connection to check for updates upon launching. Therefore, to understand how to play Dota 2 in offline mode, you must first know how to launch the Dota 2 client without an internet connection.

This involves starting the game using a shortcut, which will prompt an authorization window. Since Steam cannot connect to its server, it will offer you the option to retry or to start in offline mode. Choosing offline mode will allow you to start the game without an internet connection.

Playing Dota 2 with bots offline

For those times when online isn’t an option, learning how to play Dota 2 in offline mode against bots is handy. The process is straightforward:

Launch Dota 2.
Click the “Play” button.
Select “Training with bots.”
Choose the AI difficulty level.
Pick a side.
Begin the match.

This feature is particularly useful for practising your skills or familiarizing yourself with new heroes in a low-pressure environment.

How to play Dota 2 offline mode on LAN with friends?

If you’re interested in how to play Dota 2 in offline mode with friends over a local area network (LAN), the process involves a few more steps. The prerequisite for this, however, is that each computer must be connected to the same network and have Steam installed.

Then, to set up a LAN game, you’ll need to:

Start the game and access the console on one of the computers.
Enter a series of commands in correct order into the console to configure the game for LAN:

sv_lan 1
dota_bot_set_difficulty 3
dota_force_gamemode 1
dota_start_ai_game 1
map dota

Once you have loaded the Dota 2 map, you can select a hero and write either “jointeam good” or “jointeam bad”. This depends on which side of Radiant or Dire you want to join.
The other players can join by connecting to the host’s IP address and port number by typing the command “connect ip: port”, where the ip is IP address of the first player (host) and the port is the port number. Similarly, the other players must pick a side too using the same command in step 3.
If you don’t have enough players for a full 5v5 Dota 2 match, enter “dota_bot_populate” to add the bots.

This setup allows for engaging in team battles or enjoying the full 5v5 Dota 2 experience without an internet connection.

FAQ

How to start Steam without Internet?

Understanding how to play Dota 2 in offline mode also involves knowing how to start Steam without an internet connection. This requires selecting offline mode when Steam fails to connect to its servers. Ensuring that the “Remember password” option has been selected beforehand is crucial for a smooth start because, well, Steam would need to connect to their server to verify your login if you hadn’t enabled the option.

How to run Dota 2 without Steam?

Officially, running Dota 2 without Steam is not supported, as the game is tied to the Steam platform. Attempting to launch the game directly from its installation folder is not typically recommended or effective for licensed versions of the game.

Can a group of 10 players play Dota 2 without the internet?

For those wondering if a group of 10 players can enjoy how to play Dota 2 in offline mode together, the answer is yes. By setting up a LAN game, a full 5v5 match can be organized, allowing for a complete Dota 2 experience without the need for an internet connection.

In summary, while Dota 2 was designed with an online-first approach, options for offline play are available. Whether you’re practicing against bots or hosting a LAN party with friends, understanding how to play Dota 2 in offline mode can enhance your gaming experience beyond the restrictions of an internet connection.