Dota 2, short for Defense of the Ancients 2, is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game developed and published by Valve Corporation. It is a sequel to the original Dota, which was a community-created modification for Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and its expansion pack, The Frozen Throne.

In Dota 2, two teams of five players each compete against each other, with the objective of destroying the enemy team’s Ancient, a heavily guarded structure located at the opposing ends of the map. Each player controls a unique character, known as a hero, and works together with their teammates to outmaneuver and defeat the opposing team.

As a free-to-play game, Dota 2 generates revenue through the sale of cosmetic items such as skins, which allow players to customize the appearance of their heroes. However, these items do not offer any gameplay advantages and are purely cosmetic.

Dota 2 has a dedicated and passionate community, with players around the world competing, spectating matches, and discussing strategies. The game’s complexity, depth, and ever-evolving meta make it a challenging yet rewarding experience for both casual and competitive players alike.