Game · High risk
Is Dota 2 safe for your child?
Age guide
Teen 13+
We advise Dota 2 from age 13 and up. Overall risk 8/10 (high risk).
- 13-15
- Teenagers in this age group are introduced to the complex strategy and teamwork required in Dota 2, where understanding hero abilities and item builds is crucial for success.
- 16+
- Older players often delve into competitive play, participate in ranked matches, and engage with the game's extensive esports scene, including watching professional tournaments and analyzing high-level strategies.
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where two teams of five players compete to destroy each other's Ancient, a large structure located within their base. The game is known for its complex gameplay mechanics and strategic depth, requiring teamwork, communication, and skill. Players control unique characters called heroes, each with distinct abilities, and must work together to gain an advantage over the opposing team. Dota 2 is free to play, with optional in-game purchases available.
- Age guide
- Teen 13+
- Overall risk
- 8/10
- Violence
- 7/10
- Toxic behaviour
- 9/10
- Stranger contact
- 8/10
- Addiction risk
- 9/10
- Language
- 8/10
- Influence
- 7/10
What parents should know
Dota 2 is a highly complex multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where two teams of five players compete to destroy the opposing team's 'Ancient.' It is known for its steep learning curve, strategic depth, and intense competitive environment. The game features in-game purchases for cosmetic items and Battle Passes, and communication with other players occurs through voice and text chat.
What to do about Dota 2
Free with a Parentwise account. The age-by-age verdict needs your child's age, which is why it lives behind the account.
- The age-by-age verdict
What we advise for under 8, 8-12 and 13+ - our age guide for Dota 2 is Teen 13+, and the answer changes with your child's age. - The one setting to change tonight
The exact Dota 2 setting that cuts the most risk, with the steps to find it. - What to say
Word-for-word openers for talking about Dota 2 without a row. - Red flags to watch for
The signals in Dota 2 that mean it is time to step in.
Dota 2 age rating and parents guide: common questions
What age rating is Dota 2?
Parentwise puts Dota 2 at Teen 13+. We advise Dota 2 from age 13 and up. Overall risk 8/10 (high risk). Violence scores 7/10, language 8/10, stranger contact 8/10 and addiction risk 9/10.
Can a 10 year old play Dota 2?
Not by default: we advise Dota 2 from 13+, so at 10 it needs your supervision and the settings changed first.
Can a 12 year old play Dota 2?
Not by default: we advise Dota 2 from 13+, so at 12 it needs your supervision and the settings changed first.
Can a 13 year old play Dota 2?
Yes, 13 is at or above the age we advise for Dota 2 (13+). Teenagers in this age group are introduced to the complex strategy and teamwork required in Dota 2, where understanding hero abilities and item builds is crucial for success.
Is Dota 2 appropriate for kids?
Dota 2 is a highly complex multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where two teams of five players compete to destroy the opposing team's 'Ancient.' It is known for its steep learning curve, strategic depth, and intense competitive environment. Parentwise rates Dota 2 overall as high risk (8/10), with stranger contact at 8/10 and addiction risk at 9/10.
Is Dota 2 family friendly?
Dota 2 is one of the higher-risk titles we rate, so treat it as supervised rather than family viewing. The game features in-game purchases for cosmetic items and Battle Passes, and communication with other players occurs through voice and text chat.
Dota 2 parents guide: what should a parent know first?
Dota 2 is a highly complex multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where two teams of five players compete to destroy the opposing team's 'Ancient.' It is known for its steep learning curve, strategic depth, and intense competitive environment. The parts that most often catch parents out are stranger contact (8/10) and how hard it pulls for more time (9/10).
Is Dota 2 safe for kids?
We advise Dota 2 from age 13 and up. Overall risk 8/10 (high risk). The game features in-game purchases for cosmetic items and Battle Passes, and communication with other players occurs through voice and text chat.
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Release and popularity data comes in part from RAWG, TVMaze (CC BY-SA) and Wikidata (CC0). Safety guidance is written by Parentwise.