Dota 2 Hits 10-Year Low – Can Valve Save It?

Dota 2 is a pretty tough game to get into if you're new. Over the years, Valve has tried to make it more accessible for newcomers introducing the “Beginner’s Stream” for TI and faster, less time-consuming game modes like New Player Mode, Turbo, and All Pick. If you're looking for a way to ease into it, maybe this simple guide we published a while ago can help.

Still, Dota 2 wouldn’t be where it is today without a steady influx of new players. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, the 24-hour peak player count was at its lowest since November 2013 (657,780).

Why Is Dota 2 Losing Players?

There are plenty of reasons why things have reached this point. The player base has aged, leading to a decline in active participation especially among those in their 30s. Meanwhile, accessibility issues are pushing new players toward other games.

The gaming and esports landscape was vastly different a decade ago when Dota 2 was at its peak. There’s far more competition now, especially from mobile and more accessible games that aren’t tied to PCs. The shift away from LAN cafés to solo online play has also changed the experience, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, where gaming culture was built around in-person communities. Playing alone just isn’t the same.

The International: Once the Crown Jewel, Now Just Another Tournament?

The International has also lost some of its prestige. The prize pool has plummeted from $40M in 2021 to just $2.5M in four years. Once the crown jewel of esports, TI no longer commands the same level of hype. The dip in viewership is also more than noticeable.

Esports as a whole has grown but it’s also more fragmented. With the rise of streaming platforms and social media, competition for players’ free time is fiercer than ever.

Valve’s Role: Did They Drop the Ball?

Valve’s decisions haven’t helped either. Questionable patch changes, the removal of the Battle Pass, and their stance that they don’t need The International have all impacted the community’s morale.

Dota 2’s Future: Is There a Way Back?

I still remember how I got into Dota 2. As a Call of Duty (1, 2 & 4 MW) player, I mostly skipped CS. I was on the other side of the FPS divide. When LoL came out, we played it casually. Eventually, my friends who played Dota 2 were so convinced it was the better game that I had to try it. Not long after, we went to the Dota PIT tournament in Split. Since then, I’d say I’ve been a casual Dota 2 fan. I follow the big tournaments and news, but I barely play. If there is a way for me to start playing actively again I’m not aware of it.

Riot Games made League of Legends break into the mainstream, similar to what Epic Games did with Fortnite. LoL Worlds songs are global hits, Arcane is one of the best animated series of all time, multiple partnerships with global brands… All of that helped LoL to reach new audiences and raise awareness. Valve had some similar attempts but nothing even came close.

Maybe it’s just the cycle of life. Or maybe Valve can make something that would bring Dota 2 on a new different path. What do you think?