Dota 2 vs League of Legends: Which Is Harder and Which Should You Play?

Most players find Dota 2 harder to learn than League of Legends. It has more complex heroes, denying, and a higher skill ceiling, while League is faster to pick up and more streamlined. Both are free to play on PC, so the best choice depends on whether you want depth and complexity (Dota 2) or quicker, more accessible matches (League).

Which game takes more skill: League of Legends or Dota 2? GameTree data points to Dota 2 as the harder game, while League players rate sound and graphics higher.

These findings are in accordance with players’ gaming tastes, and assume people play games that match their tastes. The data comes from a GameTree Gamer DNA sample of 10,000 players who play only League or only Dota, collected in 2019. GameTree is an app that matches players by personality and the games they like. You can read more about it here or watch a video here. 

Explaining the Basics of Dota 2 and League of Legends

“Dota 2” and “League of Legends” are towering colossi in the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre, each game boasting a colossal player base and an esports presence that garners global attention. Both games share a common ancestry, originating from a community-created mod called “Defense of the Ancients,” which itself was a modification of Blizzard’s “Warcraft III.” Despite their shared roots, each game has evolved distinct mechanics, aesthetics, and strategic depth that cater to different preferences within the gaming community.

What Is Dota 2?

Dota 2 is a strategic, team-based game developed by Valve Corporation. It emphasizes complex gameplay mechanics and a steep learning curve. Each player controls a single “Hero” out of a roster of more than 120, battling it out with their team to destroy the opposing side’s “Ancient,” a large structure located within their base. The game is known for its deep strategic elements, variety of hero combinations, and a significant emphasis on player skill and coordination. Dota 2 launched on Steam in July 2013 and is free to play on Windows, macOS and Linux.

What Is League of Legends?

League of Legends, developed and published by Riot Games, was released in 2009 and has significantly influenced the growth of esports. It shares the basic MOBA structure of two teams of five players, each controlling a unique “champion” with distinctive abilities. The champions grow in power over the course of a match by accruing experience points, gold, and purchasing items that enhance their abilities. The game is set on the fictional continent of Runeterra and primarily takes place on the “Summoner’s Rift” map, where players aim to breach the enemy’s defenses and take down their “Nexus.” League of Legends is known for its fast-paced action, streamlined mechanics, and its extensive roster of champions that contribute to its broad appeal. League has more than 170 champions and runs on Windows, with a Mac client also available.

Dota 2 vs League of Legends: Key Differences Between the Games

Dota 2 and League of Legends, while both anchoring the MOBA genre, offer distinct experiences carved out by their unique gameplay mechanics, character development, and strategic depth. These games are akin to two different dialects of the same language, sharing common elements that define MOBAs but diverging significantly in their approach to player roles, game complexity, pacing, and the overarching philosophies that govern their worlds. As we delve into the key differences between Dota 2 and League of Legends, we uncover not just contrasting game designs but also the varied cultures and communities that have evolved around each title, influencing how players engage with the games and with each other. The nuances range from the intricacies of the economic systems and character abilities to the graphical styles and narrative backdrops, painting a picture of two distinct yet equally captivating universes. Both games also have famously intense communities. See where they rank in our list of the most toxic gaming communities.

Origins

Dota 2 evolved from a “Warcraft III” mod called “Defense of the Ancients,” crafted by the community and later developed into a standalone game by Valve, aiming to preserve the mod’s complexity. League of Legends, created by Riot Games, was also inspired by DotA but started as an entirely new game, focusing on accessibility and frequent updates to appeal to a broader audience. Their origins reflect in their gameplay: Dota 2 retains a high skill ceiling, while League of Legends emphasizes approachability and fast-paced action.

Dota 2 vs LoL At A Glance

• Price: both free to play.
• Platforms: Dota 2 on Windows, macOS and Linux; League on Windows, with a Mac client also available.
• Roster: Dota 2 has more than 120 heroes, all free. League has more than 170 champions, unlocked with Blue Essence or RP.
• Difficulty: most players find Dota 2 harder to learn (denying, couriers, more complex abilities). League is quicker to pick up.

Champions and Heroes

Dota 2 and League of Legends both feature a cast of characters, known in Dota 2 as “heroes” and in League of Legends as “champions.” These characters are one of the core aspects where the games differ.

Dota 2 Heroes

• Dota 2’s heroes are all available from the start, allowing players full access to the game’s roster without any need for purchase or unlocking.
• Heroes in Dota 2 often have more complex abilities that can drastically change the outcome of fights and the game.
• The game includes mechanics such as “denying” (killing your own units to prevent opponents from gaining experience and gold) and attributes that can significantly alter gameplay.

League of Legends Champions

• League offers a free weekly rotation of about 20 champions. To own a champion, you unlock it with Blue Essence, which you earn by playing, or with RP bought with real money.
• Champions tend to have more streamlined abilities aimed at creating a faster-paced and more accessible game.
• League has a more rigid structure for character roles and laning phases, which can be more beginner-friendly.

Gameplay

Dota 2 and League of Legends, while sharing the MOBA framework, differ significantly in gameplay elements, shaping distinct experiences for players.

Skill-Related Game Differences

In terms of skill, what are the biggest differences between DOTA and League players? DOTA players like more difficulty and complexity and also care more about status. League players care more about the feeling of domination and enjoy grinding.

Bonus Game Differences

Here are the differences between how much DOTA and League players care about different game aesthetics.

MOBA Players Vs. Non-MOBA Players

While the competition is fun, we all know DOTA and League players are actually brothers and sisters – more alike than different. Here are the differences between players who play League and/or DOTA to those who play neither.

Curious if you should play DOTA 2 or LoL?

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran maneuvering through the lanes of Dota 2 or a strategic mastermind commanding the champions of League of Legends, your passion for gaming is what truly counts. If you’re looking to connect with fellow players who share your enthusiasm, GameTree is the perfect place to start. The GameTree app matches you with players by personality and the games you like. Download GameTree to find players who match your personality and the games you like.

So why wait? Join GameTree today, and dive into a community where your preferred game doesn’t divide, but unites you with an even larger world of gamers!

Looking for a team? Join the GameTree LFG Discord (about 28,500 members) at discord.gg/6duvwHx2Q2 and use the Scout bot’s /lfg command.

Final Verdict

In the grand clash between Dota 2 and League of Legends, it’s not about which game reigns supreme, but rather which one resonates with your personal taste in strategy, complexity, and community. Dota 2 offers a deep, intricate battleground that rewards tactical finesse and strategic mastery, while League of Legends provides a fast-paced, accessible arena that thrives on its vibrant dynamism and regular updates. Each game has carved out its own legacy in the esports arena, cultivating passionate fan bases and epic narratives. The final verdict? Both are champions of the MOBA genre in their own right, and the best one for you is where you find your adrenaline pumping and your strategic spirit soaring. Choose your arena, summon your team, and let the battle commence!

Custom Data Queries

Journalists and researchers can contact us about GameTree data at [email protected]

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The Data 

Graph 1

Dota 2

• Status: +17.4%
• Difficulty: +13.4%
• Achievement: +7.5%
• Complexity: +4.0%
• Mechanical Skills: +1.7%
• Critical Thinking: +0.5%

League of Legends

• Grinding: +7.8%
• Dominance: +6.3%
• Practice: +1.9%
• Teamwork: +1.9%

Graph 2

Dota 2

• Roleplay: +4.4%
• Lore: +1.2%
• Agency: +1%
• Artistic Creativity: Dota +0.4%

League of Legends

• Sound: +5.5%
• Exploration: +3.4%
• Characters: +2.6%
• Graphics: +2.6%
• Excitement: +2%
• Socializing: +0.7%

Graph 3

Dota + LoL

• Status: +17.9%
• Difficulty: +10.8%
• Complexity: +6.3%
• Practice: +5.6%
• Critical Thinking: +2.9%
• Dominance: +2.6%
• Mechanical Skills: +1.0%
• Roleplay: +0.4%

Non-MOBA Players

• Graphics: +5.5%
• Exploration: +3.8%
• Artistic Creativity: +3.0%
• Grinding: +2.8%
• Socializing: +1.6%
• Excitement: +1.3%
• Characters: +1.3%
• Agency: +0.7%
• Teamwork: +0.5%
• Lore: +0.3%
• Achievement: +0.2%
• Sound: +0.1%

Data compiled by Daniel Du with infographics by Jorge Varela.