Christmas came early! The International Swag Bag brings free goodies for Dota 2 players cover image

Christmas came early! The International Swag Bag brings free goodies for Dota 2 players

The International Swag Bag – One month free Dota Plus, 24 Battle Pass levels and a free Arcana? It’s an early Christmas for all Dota fans!

Valve has just made an unprecedented move in the many years of Dota's existence. This is possibly the most generous gift they have ever given to the Dota community thus far. As of October 26, "The International Swag Bag" has landed. In it, you will find a one month Dota Plus membership, 24 Battle Pass levels and a free Arcana set of your choice!

The International Swag Bag list of free gifts (Image via Dota 2 client)
The International Swag Bag list of free gifts (Image via Dota 2 client)

Access to one month of Dota Plus and 24 Battle Pass levels

Dota Plus is a subscription service that Valve offers to improve your Dota experience. With Dota Plus, you will be able to earn in-game currency called Shards which are used to purchase items, accolades, hero sets and more. Furthermore, the most incredible features of Dota Plus include:

  • The ability to avoid players who you did enjoy playing with
  • Post-game statistics to analyze your and your team team's performance
  • In-game interface shows you neutral creep pull timers

Dota Plus costs $3.99 per month, $22.99 per six months (six percent discount), or $41.99 annually (12 percent discount). Once you activated the one month free access to Dota Plus, your subscription will be renewed after 30 days which you will have to pay for. As for the Battle Pass gift, there's nothing more to it. The 24 levels worth $9.99 and will give you a great boost toward the milestones. Are you getting closer to that Faceless Void Arcana?

Dota Plus shards shop (Image via Dota 2 Client)
Dota Plus shards shop (Image via Dota 2 Client)

The cherry on top: A free Arcana!

Speaking of Arcanas, do you recall a time Valve has ever given one away for free? It sure sounds like a pipe dream. Yet here it is--a free Arcana for the taking. And no, you don't have to rely on Rylai's Battle Blessing wheel of fortune this time to try your luck for a free Arcana. This is a straight-up, no strings attached free Arcana where you get to choose from a list of Arcanas that are currently sold in the Dota 2 store. Arcanas that can only be acquired via Battle Pass such as the Faceless Void Claszian Apostasy.

International Swag Bag - Free Arcana set (Image via Dota 2 client)
International Swag Bag - Free Arcana set (Image via Dota 2 client)

You don't need a Battle Pass to claim your freebies

An Arcana set will cost you around north of $30. In other words, the total value of The International Swag Bag, in US dollars, nets a total savings of around $44. That's a lot! No one can say for sure the reasoning behind Valve's sudden generosity. Maybe it's Valve's way to apologize for Gaben's absence throughout TI11. Or maybe this is a way to hype up the community for the very much anticipated TI finals weekend. Whatever it is, no one is going to complain about freebies. Thank you Valve!

TI11 is around the corner! Only two days before we re-enter the stage. Be sure to follow all updates and news surrounding TI11 on esports.gg.