Deadlock vs Dota 2: Comparing Two Popular MOBAs

Released in 2013, DOTa2 was produced as the sequel to what can be understood as the genesis MOBA, Defense of the Ancients.

Deadlock is a third-person MOBA game that emphasizes aim and skill. Considered to be DOTa2’s spiritual successor, it has a lot in common with the original. In fact, both games were built by many of the same developers. After being leaked online by Valve in 2024, Deadlock is still in the development stages and is invite-only.

DOTa2 is played by two teams of five players each and has a multilayered, complex gameplay. The aim of the game is to destroy the opponent’s Ancient, which resides in a fortified area protected by various towers.

DOTa2 heavily encourages forward planning and strategic thinking. For example, it’s possible to kill your own Creeps to prevent your opponent from doing so and gaining gold. Deadlock, by comparison, has more emphasis on FPS skills, particularly in the laning stage. It can feel a little chaotic at times but it’s more beginner friendly.

Each player controls one of 126 heroes in DOTa2, who can fall into one of three categories: strength, agility and intelligence. Each type of hero has its own advantages, such as increased physical strength, which allows you to tailor your gaming experience.

In Deadlock, teammates take on one of 32 various characters in a 6v6 formation. Some characters may feel familiar to DOTa2 players but the setting and storyline are totally distinct. It’s possible that more characters may be added as the Deadlock universe expands, but this could be a deliberate choice to keep the gameplay more straightforward.

DOTa2 has a clear team structure, with players taking on set roles. For example, only the player who gets the final hit on a creep receives gold. In Deadlock, Souls can be shared, which means that players’ roles have a little more freedom to evolve and change throughout the game.

DOTa2 stands out from other esports due to its complexity and the sheer depth of its options. While this means that it rewards players with hours of play, it can be less appealing to newer players or those seeking out less complex playing options.

Deadlock offers a speedier gameplay pace, which is great for players looking for something less involved. Jungle camps don’t regularly respawn, so players are also forced to take decisive action. This increases the general pace of the game and means that it’s interactive and engaging throughout.

DOTa2 is second in popularity, probably only to League of Legends and is featured in many leagues around the globe. It’s even been adapted into a Netflix series and has more spin-offs planned for the future. Deadlock hasn’t yet achieved that kind of recognition but it’s growing — a mystery novel is apparently in the works.

DOTa2 remains one of the most played games, with more than 800,000 players per month. Deadlock has around 20,000-40,000 players per month but is seeing growth.