August 5, 2025 · 13 hours ago
If you play Dota 2, you most likely know about Dota Plus already – but if not, we are here to help you understand how to use Dota Plus in Dota 2, what is it all about, and more. Dota 2 is like having a coach, stylist, and stat nerd all rolled into one - and this addition to Dota 2 is great for both newbies and pros. It’s packed with various features that will improve your Dota 2 gameplay experience, so stay with us to find out how to get the most out of it.
What Exactly is Dota Plus?
Dota Plus is a monthly subscription service built right into the Dota 2 client. For about $4 per month (or less if you grab a 6-month or 12-month plan), it offers a treasure trove of tools: Hero progression, real-time analytics, build suggestions, exclusive cosmetics, and more. Think of it as your personal Dota 2 assistant, which helps you improve your gameplay while sprinkling in some fun rewards. It was introduced in 2018, and since then, it has evolved with updates and various additions. Dota Plus is not reserved only for pros, and anyone looking to enhance their gameplay experience can benefit from it.
However, Dota Plus is not one-size-fits-all, because beginners can get guidance with lane and item suggestions, while pros can geek out over post-game analysis. Besides, having a Master-tier badge in a match is like wearing a badge of honor.
How to Subscribe to Dota Plus
Getting started with Dota Plus is as easy as landing a last hit. Here’s how you do it:
- Launch Dota 2 and head to the home screen.
- Spot the “Plus” button in the header.
- Click “Subscribe Now” (the bright yellow button in the top right).
- Choose your plan: $3.99 for one month, $22.99 for six months (6% discount), or $41.99 for a year (12% discount).
- Complete the payment through Steam’s secure popup.
- Boom! You’re now a Dota Plus subscriber, with access to all its features.
Want to gift it to a friend? That’s not a problem, you can simply select the “Gifting” option in the subscription menu, pick your buddy, and send them the gift of Dota 2 greatness. Keep in mind that there’s no auto-renewal option, so you won’t get surprise charges when your subscription ends.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Dota Plus is loaded with features, but let’s focus on the heavy hitters that can transform your game.
Hero Progression: Your Path to Glory
Every hero you play gets an XP bar, and winning matches or completing challenges levels them up. Here, you will earn 50 XP per match (Plus 50 more for a win), and challenges can get you 250-500 XP, depending on the difficulty tier. If you reach levels like 6 (Silver), 12 (Gold), or 25 (Master) you will unlock badges, chat wheel lines, and shards. To level up faster, select one of the three challenges shown during hero selection. This might be “Get 10 kills” or “Stack 5 camps”, for example, and completing them in a winning match will get you extra XP. Keep in mind that Turbo Mode only counts for first-tier challenges, so make sure to stick to standard modes for the big rewards.
Gameplay Assistance: Your In-Game Coach
Dota Plus is like having a pro player whispering tips into your ear. During hero selection, it suggests counters based on the enemy lineup, and recommends lanes for your team. Once in-game, it also offers item and ability build suggestions, which are tailored to the match. For instance, if you are struggling against Phantom Assassin, Dota Plus will suggest a Monkey King Bar. In addition, its real-time analytics will track your performance, showing when youre falling behind or surging ahead.
Post-game, the analytics graph is a goldmine, and it breaks down your gold, healing, and key moments, helping you pinpoint where you shined or stumbled.
Rewards: Shards, Cosmetics, and More
Shards are one of the key elements of Dota Plus rewards, and you can earn them by leveling heroes, winning Battle Cups, or completing seasonal quests. You can spend them in the Plus Store on exclusive sets. During events like Frosthaven 2025, subscribers get double rewards, like extra treasure chests, boosting your chances for rare items like the Golden Baby Roshan courier.
Bonus Perks: Battle Cups and More
Dota Plus subscribers get free entry to the weekly Battle Cup, a $0.99 ticket for non-subscribers of Dota Plus. Winning will get you 20,000 Shards and a Golden Cup on your profile, which allows you to have bragging rights. In addition, you can also tip 25 shards to teammates or enemies for stellar players, a fun way to spread good vibes. The Dota Pro Circuit app keeps you plugged into tournament schedules, and lets you wager shards on match outcomes for extra rewards. Seasonal terrains, like the Autumn 2025 map, add a visual treat to your games.
Is Dota Plus Worth It?
Here’s where things get personal - at $4 per month, Dota Plus is a steal if you play regularly. The analytics and suggestions can shave hours off your learning curve, and the cosmetics keep your inventory fresh. But if you’re a casual player playing once now and then, the benefits might not justify the cost. It’s like buying a gym membership, and then not hitting a gym.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don’t let these trip you up, because forgetting to complete challenges in a winning match means no XP, so always check your progress. Some players miss out on Battle Cup rewards by not joining the weekly tournament, so make sure to set a Saturday reminder! In addition, hero levels pause at 5 without Dota Plus, but your past progress resumes when you resubscribe, so you won’t start from scratch. Lastly, don’t hoard shards, instead, spend them on sets or relics to keep your game lively.
Why Dota Plus Keeps You Hooked
Dota Plus is not only about stats or skins, it’s about making every Dota 2 match feel rewarding. It’s akin to CS2 Prime in Counter-Strike 2, where players can subscribe and get a lot in return. The thrill of unlocking a new chat line, the satisfaction of a well-timed tip, or the edge from a smart item suggestion, that’s what Dota Plus can offer, among many other things.
