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 but an all-time low of 400,000 players in 2023.
However, Dota 2 has once again observed a tremendous surge in players, achieving a 750,000 peak player count each day and 500,000 as the average.
Dota 2 Player Count Trends in 2025
Fans spent a lot of time talking about the crippling state of their beloved game and the Dota 2 dev team’s lack of support in 2023. Little did we know that we are in for a massive surprise.
Crownfall 2024 revived the Dota 2 playerbase
We have to give credit where it’s due. Despite the delay of Crownfall 2024, the event’s quality and content-heavy quests made it a delightful experience for many Dota 2 players. It was well-thought out from the Dota 2 dev team, who more often than not, gets too much hate from the Dota 2 community for the lack of consistent updates.
Nevertheless, Crownfall’s long duration and various Acts that could plausibly last till August, just in time for the International 2024 (TI13). Note that only Act 1-2 have released as of June 2024, so we can’t wait to see what the Crownfall 2024 Update has in store for the upcoming Acts.
Crownfall 2024 (Image credit: Dota 2)
The best part was that Crownfall is enjoyed by all players, both free and paying ones. The various progressive quests, discounts and redeemable Arcana skins make the whole event worthwhile. Rewards aside, the Crownfall quests are also challenging enough to give even the smartest Dota 2 players a run for their money. However, nothing a little discussion on Dota 2 Reddit can’t solve the toughest of quests, such as how to get the candle token or how to win Omexe Daily Duel.
Dota 2 regained lost players from 2023
Comparing this against the game’s downhill trajectory in 2023, Dota 2 has truly revived. For the unwary, last year, 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 merely received three significant updates in 2023. Sure, 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. But Crownfall is clearly the Dota 2 dev team’s best produce since Battle Pass 2020.
Dota 2 Player Count in June 2024 (Image credit: Dota 2 Steam Charts)
Dota 2 Player Count FAQ
Is Dota 2 still popular in 2025?
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, such as Crownfall.
Is Dota 2 losing players?
There has been a noticeable decline in Dota 2’s player base, especially in 2024, attributed to perceived inattention from Valve towards the game. However, with the Crownfall 2024 event and the expansion of Dota 2 mechanics in recent updates, it’s evident that Icefrog has no shortage of gimmicky yet fun tricks up his sleeves.
Is Dota 2 bigger than LoL?
As of January 2025, Dota 2 still boasts around 1 million peak monthly 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.