Patch 6.86 likely improves Dota 2 Action RTS playability.
Patch 6.86 likely improves Dota 2 Action RTS playability.
This discussion won't focus on the game mechanics themselves, but users might enjoy exploring them. Many people appreciate this kind of conversation. While some may assume it's a "MOBA," the reality is that League, Smite, Heroes of Newerth, SOADA, and similar titles closely mirror League across many aspects. In fact, LoL was essentially adapted from League through significant changes, often driven by legal concerns. I only bring this up when others group these games together, even though League originally set the standard for its genre. It's also protected by patents. Still, Dota 2 functions similarly to a mod of Warcraft III, especially before its official release. The main differences came from Blizzard’s copyright actions at the time. Honestly, it's much closer to Warcraft III with elements of CS2 unit management (though lacking mass units). TL;dr – clearing misconceptions about Dota. It's completely free, requires only about 7.1GB, and offers a free open beta for testing. There are plenty of reasons to give it a shot in a few hundred matches to become comfortable with it. Compared to campaign titles like Just Cause or TLoU, it stands out as a more balanced experience. In 6.86, many groundbreaking changes were introduced—features that wouldn't have been present in Dota during its early testing phase. It keeps the strong balance from patch 6.85, with only a couple of questionable heroes and some undiscovered strategies. Overall, it's similar to Starcraft but designed for broader accessibility without being overly simplistic. I'm not pushing anyone to play; the game is thriving on its own merits. The esports community will likely evolve, but this could spark interest among newcomers if they watch or read more. Regardless, my goal is simply to clarify aspects of the game without ruining Dota's unique charm. Hopefully, this could inspire more casual players and encourage them to give it a try. Even seasoned gamers remain hopeful, despite some issues. But it's just a game, and definitely worth exploring.
Remaining significantly better than LoL in every aspect. Prior to Dota 2, I played LoL which was so poor I abandoned it and switched to Dota 1. Dota 2 simply fixes all the issues I dislike about Dota 1 and LoL.
It varies based on how you approach it. Play it as a regular game, even if it’s been around for a while—it can feel casual. In MMORPGs, especially team-based ones with captains, the challenge is real and requires effort. This isn’t about the update; it’s about your playstyle. Professional teams often have distinct strategies, with some engaging in intense battles and others focusing on precise tactics. LoL tends to be more straightforward overall, and many players focus on earning money by releasing new heroes, hoping people will pay for them later.
6.83, in all honestly, is not the gamebreaking and game-destroying patch. It started in 6.81b and 6.82. The balance changes are absolutely abysmal, and they were only done because of chinese dominance (think LoL esports, or SC). These players took non-aggression to the absolute maximum level, focusing on efficiency and opportunity. There was still tons of aggression, but now dying is more forgiving. Less-so now than then. I still agree this is a huge downfall of Dota in terms of enjoyability on a higher level. I am only afraid of Valve slowly devaluing the game to the point where they are Blizzard. They will never be like Riot for a number of reasons.
Some interesting tidbits and background: Did you realize that two key figures behind Riot Games are responsible for the rise of many other MOBAs? They took over content from the official Dota site long ago by shutting down servers, eliminating Icefrog (the original creator and main developer/balancer), and other staff members. They modified existing designs slightly and introduced new maps and team goals. The reason League of Legends dominates is largely due to Riot’s quick release strategy after a year-long gap in Dota content, combined with deceptive updates and announcements like “Dota is dead, Play League of Legends today here!” This move was supported by multiple developers and admins, including Eul and another anonymous contributor. He now runs an unofficial site separately.
Another point: in Dota 1, Guinsoo’s character was renamed “Scythe of Vyse” in Dota 2, and Eul’s item became “Eul’s Scepter” in both games. Eul is currently employed by Valve but played a minor role in dismantling Dota 1. The other developer mentioned had little influence on any content. Pendragon held significant control over Dota, while Guinsoo contributed ideas and coding help to Icefrog. There’s a lot of evidence for these changes, and you can find more details in the r/dota2 community.
If you’re curious, check out /r/leagueoflegends and ask why you dislike League—people usually respond. It’s worth noting that Riot even runs a free website at /r/leagueoflegends, which some might find distracting from the main Dota site.
I had a bit of a disconnect with the main focus of my earlier comments... Re-examining this clarified my perspective. You're spot on in my view. It's essential to consider the broader context. Couner-Strike: Global Offensive stands out more in the current landscape compared to this type of game (A-RTS, MOBA, Fight Arena). Its rapid expansion is impressive. I find counterstrikes unappealing and grasp why they resonate so strongly. My preference leans toward RPGs, and I don't connect well with CSGO players, particularly when discussing map design or keeping things consistent. If you're passionate about Dota, go ahead—you deserve it. It's fair to acknowledge the niche perception. If you dislike any aspect—players, mechanics, monetization, esports, or overall feel—understand that. It's just a free-to-play game with no hidden costs. Be open-minded and give it a try if you're curious.
Let me simplify. If it’s hard to grasp or feels like a long talk, I won’t say anything.