Dota 2 for parents: what the game is and what to agree on at home

I love Dota. And I understand a parent who sees a fight on the screen, hears unfamiliar words and asks, “What’s even going on here?” Let me show you what to look at.

Ruslan · OOPS DOTA author

Dota 2 for parents: what the game is and what to agree on at home

Original OOPS DOTA AI illustration

Start by asking to see one moment

There’s a lot to enjoy in understanding heroes, items and team decisions. Ask your teenager to explain one moment: what they wanted to do and how it turned out. You don’t need to know every name beforehand. That makes it easier to understand their hobby and talk about what actually worries you.

Steam requirementsAge 13 and up

Rules in your countryCheck separately

A family decisionTalk it through together

Learning diagram — not a game menu screen

Don’t guess about age requirements

You can become a Steam user from age 13; some countries have additional restrictions. This is a requirement of the service, not a single worldwide age rating for Dota. Check the game’s local age rating separately. The game includes fantasy violence and communication with strangers. I’m not suggesting changing a date of birth to get around the rules.

Dota is for everyone and welcomes everyone.

Ruslan · OOPS DOTA author

That’s my view as the author. We still follow Steam’s age requirements and the rules in your country.

Discuss purchases and time before starting

You can start for free, and all heroes are available. Purchases and the paid Dota Plus subscription do exist, though. Agree on who approves spending and when the last game can begin. Steam Families helps manage access and time, but you shouldn’t treat it as control over every in-game payment and all of Dota’s chat.

Playtime report in an official Steam Families example from 2024 — © Valve · Steam Families · 2024Official archived example. The interface and data shown may differ from today’s.

If bullying happens, listen first

Find the communication settings and ways to report together. Say that they can tell you about something upsetting without feeling ashamed. I’m for gaming that leaves room for sleep, school, movement and loved ones. Discuss a routine that suits your family together; there’s no single number of hours for everyone.

Show

One moment: why did the hero go there?

Agree

Purchases, the last game, personal information.

Support

It’s okay to talk about something upsetting.

Quick answers to common questions

Does a free game mean there won’t be any spending?

Spending is possible: Dota has purchases and a subscription. You don’t need them to get to know the game.

Does Steam Families turn off all communication in Dota?

We can’t promise that. Check Steam’s settings and the game’s own settings separately.