Valve Reintroduces the Dota 2 Compendium for The International 2023 (TI12)

In an official blog post on the 24th of September, Valve made a long-awaited announcement that has sent waves of excitement through the Dota 2 community. The Dota 2 Compendium, a treasured seasonal pass, is making its triumphant return for The International 2023 (TI12). More than just a pass, the Compendium plays a pivotal role in allowing players to actively support the e-sports scene, unlock exclusive rewards and immerse themselves in the Dota 2 universe. Scheduled to launch next week, the Compendium’s arrival coincides perfectly with the grand kick-off of The International 2023, which takes place on 12 October. Valve has also unveiled exciting plans for pub stomps, a short film competition and a cosplay contest, turning TI12 into a festival of engagement and excitement.

With official confirmation in hand, it’s time to delve into every aspect of the Dota 2 Compendium for TI12, from its origins to what to expect this season.

The Dota 2 compendium unveils: Seasonal support

The Dota 2 Compendium is a seasonal offering that allows Dota 2 players to actively contribute to the success of The International while receiving a number of exclusive rewards. This long-standing tradition made its debut in 2013 to coincide with The International 2023. Typically, the Compendium goes on sale a few months before The International begins and remains available until the tournament’s exciting conclusion.

One of the Compendium’s defining features is its direct impact on The International’s prize pool. A significant proportion, around 25%, of the total revenue generated by Compendium sales is added to the prize pool, raising the stakes and adding to the excitement of the competition. In this way, the Compendium serves as an integral part of the competitive Dota 2 ecosystem.

A shift in emphasis: Moving from cosmetic to winning

In a fascinating twist, Valve changed its approach earlier this year and made a notable announcement on 20 June 2023. The company explicitly stated its intention to move away from the traditional focus on cosmetics in the Season Pass. Instead, Valve expressed its commitment to introducing fresh and fun changes to the game. Remarkably, Valve chose not to categorise this update as a Battle Pass, signalling a paradigm shift in their strategy.

Battle Pass vs. Compendium: Deciphering the differences

While Battle Passes and Compendiums share the commonality of being seasonal passes, there are notable differences that set them apart.

Battle Pass:

Battle Passes are relatively general and are often associated with a number of tournaments, including the Majors.
They offer a wide range of rewards, including cosmetics, couriers, taunts, and more.
Battle Passes cater to a broader player base and focus on providing a variety of in-game items and experiences.

Compendium:

Compendiums are closely tied to The International, Dota 2’s premier event.

These seasonal passes offer players a unique opportunity to secure exclusive rewards that include various features such as Fantasy Dota, predictions and interactive elements.

Compendiums are particularly popular with dedicated Dota 2 enthusiasts who want to actively support The International and unlock distinctive in-game rewards to enhance their tournament experience.

Secure your TI12 Compendium

At the time of writing, Valve has yet to announce an exact release date or pricing details for the TI12 Compendium. However, avid Dota 2 players can expect it to be available on the Steam store next week, with a plausible launch date of 26 or 27 September. In terms of pricing, the TI12 Compendium is expected to follow the pricing structure of previous compendiums, with a usual price point of around $10 USD.

The revival of the Dota 2 Compendium is undoubtedly a cause for celebration among Dota 2 enthusiasts. More than just a seasonal pass, the Compendium embodies a cherished tradition that adds an extra dose of excitement to The International. It provides a direct channel for fans to actively contribute to the tournament’s prize pool while reaping the rewards of their support.

As the Dota 2 community eagerly awaits the imminent launch of the TI12 Compendium, one thing is certain: the upcoming season promises a fusion of competition, engagement and exclusive content that will captivate new and seasoned players alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Dota 2 Compendium for TI12?

The Dota 2 Compendium for TI12 is a seasonal pass that players can purchase to support The International and gain access to exclusive rewards. It’s a tradition that has been part of Dota 2 since 2013.

How does the Compendium contribute to The International’s prize pool?

Typically, around 25% of all Compendium sales are added to The International prize pool. This significantly increases the rewards of the competition for participating teams.

How has Valve changed the focus of the Compendium for TI12?

Valve announced a shift in focus for TI12, moving away from cosmetics and focusing on bringing new and fun changes to the game. They deliberately avoided calling this update a Battle Pass.

What are the main differences between Battle Passes and Compendiums?

Battle Passes are more general, tied to different tournaments and offering a wide range of rewards. Compendiums are tied specifically to The International, offer exclusive rewards, and include elements such as Fantasy Dota and predictions.

When can we expect the TI12 Compendium to be released?

Valve has not announced an exact release date, but it is expected to be available on the Steam store next week, possibly on the 26th or 27th of September.

What is the expected price range for the TI12 Compendium?

Pricing is expected to be in line with previous Compendiums, which have typically cost around $10 USD.

Why is the return of the Dota 2 Compendium important to fans?

The Dota 2 Compendium isn’t just a seasonal pass; it’s a tradition that enhances the experience of The International. It allows fans to actively support the tournament and enjoy exclusive rewards.

What are some examples of the exclusive rewards that the Compendium offers?

Exclusive rewards can include in-game items, customisation options and unique interactive features related to The International.

How will the Compendium increase engagement with The International?

The Compendium often includes features such as Fantasy Dota, which allows players to create dream teams, make predictions and actively participate in the tournament.

Is the Compendium suitable for casual Dota 2 players?

While the Compendium is primarily designed for hardcore Dota 2 enthusiasts, casual players can also participate by purchasing the Compendium and enjoying the exclusive rewards it offers.