While Dota 2 may be free to play, that doesn’t mean spending money isn’t an option. The game features an extensive and fine-tuned system of cosmetics, much like TF2. However, where the monetization of that game stopped there, Valve went further with Dota 2. The result was Dota Plus, a subscription service that gives players convenient tools and extensive rewards. With the Battle Report update, the service has gained another new feature to entice players. So, is Dota Plus worth it? Well, it depends.
[Related: Dota 2 Patch 7.31D: What Players Need To Know]
Sizing It Up
Firstly, any player considering Dota Plus will want to know about the price. At $3.99 per month, it’s fairly cheap as subscriptions go, offering a low barrier to entry. It can even be purchased in individual time blocks for those who are unsure about buying in.
Even with such a low price, Dota Plus offers a surprising amount. Firstly, it lets players gain rewards by levelling up different heroes. At the end of every match, players get some XP for that hero. Each time they level up, they are rewarded. These rewards are mostly Reward Shards, which are used to buy cosmetics, but some levels give hero voice lines. There are also specific challenges for each hero, which grant bonus XP when completed. For players who want to track their progress in the long term, there are hero Relics. Once unlocked, these can be equipped to different heroes to track a player’s long-term progress in different categories.
The other main benefit of Dota Plus is the extra information it provides. This is presented through Plus Assistant, a helpful program only available to Dota Plus subscribers. Plus Assistant gives advice in-game on things such as ability order, item builds, and even hero selection. When off the battlefield, it also provides a vast amount of information about different tools, tactics, and trends.
The Battle Report
This is where the new Battle Report feature comes in. The Battle Report is Valve’s newest addition to Dota Plus, and it expands on Plus Assistant. At the end of every season, players receive a Battle Report, which tells them about their performance. It details things such as a player’s best role and hero along with highlights and match stats. Those looking to improve their play will find this invaluable, but more casual players can still benefit as well.
All this information might have gone to waste though, if not for the Battle Cup. The Battle Cup is a weekly tournament that runs automatically, pitting eight teams against each other until only one remains. While entry usually requires five Weekend Battle Cup Tickets, (one for each player), Dota Plus subscribers get in free. This further encourages them to hone their skills, and they even receive 20,000 Reward Shards if they win.
While Dota Plus provides a huge array of rewards for only $3.99 per month, it may not be for everyone. Dota 2 is perfectly playable without a subscription, and that is enough for many. But for those looking to dive deep the game, Dota Plus is hard to turn down. Firstly, Plus Assistant and the Battle Report are fantastic tools for improving play. Secondly, the bonus Reward Shards and cosmetics help players express themselves. Finally, free entry to the Battle Cup helps bridge the gap between casual and competitive players. Those unsure about competition may find it a great way to test the waters and up their game. So, is Dota Plus worth it? That is up to the individual to decide.
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