In the world of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games, Dota 2 and League of Legends (LoL) stand out as the most popular titles. Even for new players, the similarities between these two games are apparent at first glance. Both games have their roots in Warcraft 3 maps and share a foundation of similar mechanics.

Both Dota 2 and LoL feature three lanes with towers and minion-filled creeps. Each team comprises five players, with each player controlling a hero or champion. The goal for both games is to defeat the main building in the opponent’s base. Moreover, there are striking analogies between the heroes of Dota and the champions of LoL. For example, Ursa bears resemblance to Warwick, Drow Ranger to Ashe, and Winter Wyvern to Anivia.

However, despite these resemblances, Dota 2 and LoL are distinct in their own ways. The differences go beyond just the main rules, encompassing various details and peculiarities that set each game apart. Let’s explore the primary differences between Dota 2 and LoL.

Different Game Mechanics

One of the main distinctions lies in the mechanics of abilities. In LoL, most abilities are non-targeted, meaning that simply pointing the cursor at the enemy does not guarantee hitting the target. Many abilities in League of Legends work in a specific direction or area, such as Pudge’s hook or Nyx’s stature. In LoL, isolated skills like Venge’s devocalization do not exist. The same applies to passive skills, which are significantly less prevalent in LoL compared to Dota 2. Additionally, while every Dota 2 hero possesses multiple abilities, LoL champions are limited to only four. Heroes as complex as Invoker do not exist in League of Legends. Furthermore, LoL champions can quickly break out of and turn around in combat, which helps maintain the dynamic nature of battles.

Before a match starts in LoL, each team has the opportunity to choose two summoner spells. These special skills can be used for farming or movement, such as blink, extra protection, or fire shield.

Dota 2 did not introduce the Talent Tree, a system that provides bonuses to characters at levels 10, 15, 20, and 25, until the end of 2017. In contrast, LoL has had talents since its initial release, showcasing a successful borrowing of mechanics between the two games.

In LoL, killing inhibitors (barracks) only strengthens creeps for a duration of five minutes. Once the time expires, the effects reset. Additionally, in LoL, both teams have the ability to choose the same champions, which differs from Dota 2.

Couriers and Teleports

It’s challenging to imagine a Dota 2 game without couriers. Couriers play a crucial role in delivering items to lanes, saving time for the players. Killing an enemy courier can significantly impact a team’s mobility. In LoL, however, there are no couriers. To acquire items, players must return to the base. In LoL, shops are located near the fountains of each team, and there are no side or forest shops like those found in Dota 2.

However, the absence of couriers in LoL is partially compensated by global teleports. In Dota 2, players can teleport using scrolls, specific abilities, or Boots of Travel. In LoL, every champion has an innate ability to teleport back to the fountain with a short cooldown. While not as versatile as the teleportation options in Dota 2, this spell allows for quick returns to base or unity/tower.

Gold and Creeps

Last-hitting plays a significant role in Dota 2, allowing players to deny their own creeps to deny gold from opponents and even earn gold for themselves. In LoL, denying does not exist, as players cannot attack their own units, regardless of their low health. Additionally, LoL does not have a concept of “reliable gold” like Dota 2, where gold is not lost upon a player’s death. Furthermore, LoL lacks runes, but instead features additional camps of big creeps that provide substantial experience and gold.

Fixed Role Division

In LoL, players choose their desired roles before matchmaking. There are five primary roles: carry, offlane, jungler, solo mid, and support. The roles in LoL closely resemble those in Dota 2, with the jungle role being optional and subject to the current patch. In LoL, one player must farm in the jungle, which features bushes that grant invisibility.

LoL tends to have a steeper learning curve for new players. Initially, players have access to only a limited number of champions for gameplay. The list of available characters changes on a weekly basis. To unlock unavailable champions, players must purchase them using in-game currency or real money.

FAQs

Can I play Dota 2 and League of Legends on the same computer?

Yes, both Dota 2 and League of Legends can be played on the same computer. Both games have separate client installations and can be run independently.

Which game, Dota 2 or League of Legends, has a larger player base?

League of Legends has a larger player base compared to Dota 2. However, both games boast a significant number of active players and passionate communities.

Are Dota 2 and League of Legends free to play?

Yes, both Dota 2 and League of Legends are free-to-play games. However, they offer in-game purchases for cosmetic items, customization options, and additional content.

Can I switch between Dota 2 and League of Legends easily if I am familiar with one game?

While there are similarities between the two games due to their shared genre, transitioning between Dota 2 and League of Legends may require some adjustment. The differences in mechanics, heroes/champions, and game strategies should be taken into account when switching between the two.

Which game, Dota 2 or League of Legends, is more beginner-friendly?

League of Legends is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its gradual learning curve, limited champion pool for new players, and regular rotations of available champions. However, both games require time and practice to fully understand and excel at.