Dota 2 Adds Ranked Role Queue for Dota Plus Subscribers

The Dota 2 Battle Pass for the International is a clever way for Valve to buff up the prize pool for their biggest tournament (and net themselves some extra cash in the process), but it also regularly comes packaged with some new modes and ways to play the game. Usually, these modes are limited time engagements, but one mode from the 2018 Battle Pass proved so popular that Valve has brought it back – a Ranked Role Queue.

When queuing up without a party in a typical game of Dota 2, it can be an exercise in frustration and toxic gaming. Everyone has encountered players who refuse to change roles, claiming a hard carry role and throwing a tantrum if the rest of the team has a different play style in mind. The Ranked Role Queue is designed to negate that problem.

In Dota 2‘s Ranked Role Queue,  players select a certain role: mid lane, off lane, safe lane, and support. The game then matches players up with a team that will fill the needed roles (two supports, one of each of the others). Your team can then leave you negative feedback if you do not stick to your role. The idea is to help ensure players get a balanced team, even if they are partnering up with four strangers.

As of right now, the mode is only available to players who are members of Dota 2‘s subscription service, Dota Plus. In a blog post about the changes to the service, Valve does not say whether or not it is a permanent addition or time-limited, and it also does not say whether the mode will expand to all players or will stay a Dota Plus exclusive. There is also a major shard offer to players who win five matches in the new mode, so get queued up now.

2018’s International also introduced two new heroes to Dota 2 – Mars and Grimstroke. Grimstroke is available now, and Mars is expected by the end of 2018.