tl;dr This is the best game I've ever played, which I would never recommend to anyone.
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Dota 2 is one of the longest running online multiplayer games still surviving to this day, deservedly so.

The game has a deceptively simple premise, but behind the veneer of a typical MOBA lies the most intricately designed multiplayer game I have ever played. Like many of it's counterparts, Dota 2 boasts a wide selection of characters to play as and items to use. Dota sets itself apart by putting in the effort to maintain most, if not all, the options as viable pieces for players to make use of.

Heroes in Dota have wildly differing play styles with each hero having their own identity and charm. Additionally, items in Dota are not merely "stat sticks" but also provide strong in-game effects. The combination of the two, with good balancing, provides a level of strategic depth like no other game. Dota heavily incentivizes team play and planning over individual player performance; with good coordination and itemization, even the best opponents would find themselves losing the game.

Dota is not without it's faults. Although the game is not P2W, it's in-game cosmetics are sold in a very predatory manner. The community funnels millions of dollars yearly into the game, with little to no updates from the development team. With it's high level of complexity, Dota is also not an easy game to pick up, especially when harassed by the game's infamously toxic community.

All that said, in my opinion, it's worth it. The highs easily eclipse it's lows. There is no other game where playing with my friends feels so rewarding. The game is infinitely replayable, mentally stimulating and acts as a strong catalyst for fun and memorable times. It is hella addictive though.

tl;dr This is the best game I've ever played, which I would never recommend to anyone. --- Dota 2 is one of the longest running online multiplayer games still surviving to this day, deservedly so. The game has a deceptively simple premise, but behind the veneer of a typical MOBA lies the most intricately designed multiplayer game I have ever played. Like many of it's counterparts, Dota 2 boasts a wide selection of characters to play as and items to use. Dota sets itself apart by putting in the effort to maintain most, if not all, the options as viable pieces for players to make use of. Heroes in Dota have wildly differing play styles with each hero having their own identity and charm. Additionally, items in Dota are not merely "stat sticks" but also provide strong in-game effects. The combination of the two, with good balancing, provides a level of strategic depth like no other game. Dota heavily incentivizes team play and planning over individual player performance; with good coordination and itemization, even the best opponents would find themselves losing the game. Dota is not without it's faults. Although the game is not P2W, it's in-game cosmetics are sold in a very predatory manner. The community funnels millions of dollars yearly into the game, with little to no updates from the development team. With it's high level of complexity, Dota is also not an easy game to pick up, especially when harassed by the game's infamously toxic community. All that said, in my opinion, it's worth it. The highs easily eclipse it's lows. There is no other game where playing with my friends feels so rewarding. The game is infinitely replayable, mentally stimulating and acts as a strong catalyst for fun and memorable times. It is hella addictive though.