Download Dota 2 today and get straight into the action with our guide to getting setup. We’ve included links to which heroes to start out with!

Dota 2 is one of the most popular multiplayer MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) on Steam. So we're here to get your Dota 2 download sorted so you get straight into the action. The gameplay itself has the features of an RTS genre with more focused action gameplay. You, as the player, manage a single strong unit on a field that is filled with dozens or even hundreds of AI units.

The objective of each is to traverse across the map, utilize team tactics and precise Hero-specific moves, to outclass the opponents and destroy their central structure called the throne, all the while protecting your own. This is all with two five-man teams competing against one another.

The Dota 2 heroes list creates a unique gameplay that makes Dota 2 one of the best games of all time. This is why it has been so popular since 2013. It continues to grow to this day.

image credit: dota2.com
image credit: dota2.com

With all that in mind, you have decided to give Dota 2 a shot, but you don’t know where to start? Let’s get into how you can download Dota 2 and get right into the games.

Dota 2 Download

Valve is the developer who made Dota 2 back in 2013. Valve is also the parent company behind Steam. As such, you will need to have a steam account and install the Steam client in order to play Dota 2. Luckily for you, the download process is incredibly easy.

Once you have registered and downloaded the client you need to go back to the store tab and search for “Dota 2” to get to its store page. Just click on the “Play Now”-button to launch the game and start the download.

  • Dota 2 is incredibly lightweight on your system and has very low-end requirements:
  • OS: Windows 7 or newer
  • Processor: Dual-core from Intel or AMD at 2.8 GHz
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 8600/9600GT, ATI/AMD Radeon HD2600/3600
  • DirectX: Version 9.0c
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Storage: 15 GB available space
  • Sound Card: DirectX Compatible

After you successfully downloaded Dota 2 on your computer, you’ll click the library tab on Steam. From there you’ll click Dota 2 before hitting play to officially launch the game.

Time to Play

As the game finally finishes launching, you will find yourself in the main menu. You could start playing right away by hitting the “Play Dota''-button on the lower right. While that may be a fun idea, it is highly recommended that you start out with the tutorial before venturing into a multiplayer game.

image credit: dmarket.com
image credit: dmarket.com

To start the tutorial, you’ll want to navigate to the “Learn”-Tab from the main menu. Within that category click on the “Tutorials” tab. Here you will find an introduction to the mechanics of Dota 2 along with several short missions to help ease you into the game. If you need tips on which heroes to start with, check out our Dota 2 heroes for beginners guide.

Just like that, you are ready to play. While the tutorials can teach you a lot, the best way you will learn the mechanics of the game is to actually play. Start in single-player against bots or even watch videos to learn. The internet offers plenty of guides like these. If you follow them enough, you will become better at the game.

While the material is important, playing the game regularly is just as important when starting out. The best way is for you to grab four other friends to play together as they can also help you on your long road to becoming a better player. For more Dota 2 news visit our Dota 2 page.