As a core Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) strategy title released in 2013, you engage in team-based combat where two five-player squads fight to destroy the enemy's central structure, the Ancient. You control a unique Hero, focusing on leveling up and acquiring items across each self-contained match. A key feature is that all Heroes are immediately available to play upon starting, with ongoing updates continually evolving the strategic landscape.
This title is a standalone sequel to a highly influential strategy mod, establishing itself as a prominent entry in the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre. Released in 2013, it is available across PC platforms including Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac.
The core experience revolves around intense, team-based strategic combat. Matches pit two teams of five players against each other, each defending a fortified stronghold located at opposite ends of a symmetrical map. The ultimate objective for each team is to breach the enemy defenses and destroy their primary structure, known as the Ancient.
Every player assumes control of a unique "Hero" character, each possessing distinct abilities and roles within the team structure. Success in a match is achieved through a continuous cycle of character progression: leveling up abilities, accumulating gold to purchase powerful items, and engaging in tactical skirmishes against the opposing team.
A defining feature of this game is its accessibility regarding character selection. All available Heroes are playable from the outset; there is no requirement to purchase or unlock characters before using them in a match. The development team actively works to maintain balance, striving to ensure that every Hero remains viable for competitive play in any given scenario.
Each game session is entirely self-contained. The outcome of one match has no bearing or carry-over effect on the next. This structure emphasizes mastering moment-to-moment strategy and team synergy within the confines of a single session.
As a main game, the primary content is delivered through regular, significant updates that continually evolve the gameplay, introduce new features, and often adjust the roster of available Heroes. Currently, there are no separate paid DLCs or major standalone expansions released for this title.
The ongoing development cycle ensures a constant state of flux, meaning the strategic landscape and optimal team compositions are subject to regular refinement through patches and updates.