Dota 2, a highly acclaimed multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, has experienced fluctuations in its player base over the years. Initially released in 2013, Dota 2 garnered a strong following, reaching its peak in 2016 with an average of 709,000 concurrent players. However, as of 2024, Dota 2 has observed a decline, with an average monthly player count of around 435,000 players.

The game’s trajectory changed notably in 2023. Unlike the previous year’s International 2022, where Valve offered a free Arcana skin to all players, the 2023 season was more modest. Valve announced a strategic shift from focusing on exclusive Battle Pass features to providing broader, more consistent gameplay updates. This approach aimed at appealing to a wider player base, many of whom do not purchase the annual Battle Pass.

This strategy, however, resulted in a reduced prize pool for The International 2023, totaling only $3.3 million. Despite this, the game received three significant updates in 2023. The New Frontiers Patch in April, the Summer 2023 Update in August, and the Frostivus 2023 event in December brought temporary surges in player numbers, with peaks reaching up to 855,000 players.

Dota 2 Player Count in January 2024 (Image credit: Dota 2 Steam Charts)

Dota 2 Player Count FAQ

Is Dota 2 still popular in 2022?

While Dota 2’s current player count is lower than its 2016 peak, it remains a prominent title within the esports genre. The decision to forego the Battle Pass in 2023 has been controversial, but the introduction of substantial gameplay updates has helped maintain a consistent player base.

Is Dota 2 losing players?

There has been a noticeable decline in Dota 2’s player base, attributed to perceived inattention from Valve towards the game. Despite Valve’s commitment to more frequent gameplay updates over cosmetic additions, the actual frequency and variety of updates have been limited, resulting in reduced player engagement.

Is Dota 2 bigger than LoL?

As of December 2023, Dota 2 boasts about 800,000 concurrent players, while League of Legends averages 150 million monthly players. This substantial difference highlights League of Legends’ larger player base, though it does not necessarily reflect the active playtime or engagement levels in either game.

Is Dota 2 going to end?

Dota 2 shows no signs of discontinuation. Its consistent player base over the past decade suggests a stable future, diverging from the trajectory of some former MOBA rivals.

Is Dota 2 still toxic?

Online games often face challenges with toxicity, and Dota 2 is no exception. However, the community and developers are actively working to improve the gaming environment. The introduction of the Overwatch feature, similar to that in CS 2, allows players to review and report toxic behavior, contributing to a more positive experience.

Is Dota 2 more popular than Counter Strike

In terms of player reach, Counter Strike surpasses Dota 2. While belonging to different genres, Counter Strike’s sustainable esports segment and skin economy give it an edge in player numbers, even compared to newer FPS games like Valorant.

Will Dota 3 happen?

There are no indications of a Dota 3 release. Despite the success of previous Valve games, the company has historically not pursued third installments. Dota 2’s player count saw a resurgence with the introduction of custom games like Dota Auto Chess, although the original developers eventually moved to a standalone mobile version.

The unusual Dota 2 custom game once revived the Dota 2 player count to its former glory back in January 2019.

How long will Dota 2 last?

As long as there are online players, Dota 2 will continue to be a beloved game. And with a strong Dota 2 player count, it looks like it’ll be around for a while.

The longevity of Dota 2 depends on ongoing player engagement and Valve’s commitment to evolving the game. With a robust player base and potential for further development, Dota 2 is poised to remain a significant game in the MOBA genre.

In conclusion, Dota 2 has shown resilience and adaptability over the years, with player counts reflecting the game’s evolving dynamics and Valve’s strategic decisions. Its prominent standing in the MOBA genre, alongside significant tournaments like The International, ensures its continued popularity and relevance in the gaming community.