Dota Underlords

About

Dota Underlords is a single player and multiplayer tactical role playing game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Valve and was released on June 20, 2019. It received positive reviews from players.

Dota Underlords is a strategy game based on the popular MOBA Dota 2, where players compete in auto chess battles to destroy their rivals. It boasts perfected game mechanics and good graphics, but be prepared for lots of grinding and some bugs. In Dota Underlords, you'll enter a world of strategy and intense battles, where you must outsmart and outfight your opponents to come out victorious.

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84%

Audience ScoreBased on 33,482 reviews

gameplay443 positive mentions

stability94 negative mentions

The game features deep strategic mechanics and a highly addictive gameplay loop that offers high replayability.
The monetization model is consumer-friendly, with no gameplay-altering microtransactions and only cosmetic purchases.
The atmosphere is vibrant and immersive, enhanced by a fantastic soundtrack and engaging voiceovers that resonate well with the Dota universe.

The mobile version suffers from significant optimization issues, including crashes and poor performance, which frustrates many users.
The game has been criticized for its stability, with frequent crashes, freezes, and graphical glitches that hinder gameplay.
Many players find the gameplay repetitive over time, with a lack of compelling progression and balance issues affecting the overall experience.

gameplay
1,253 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
60%
5%
The gameplay of Dota Underlords is characterized by its deep strategic mechanics, combining elements of hero drafting, positioning, and alliance synergies, which provide a rewarding experience for both casual and competitive players. While the game is free-to-play and avoids pay-to-win mechanics, many players note that it can become repetitive over time and is heavily influenced by RNG, leading to frustrations with balance and consistency. Overall, the game offers a unique twist on the auto-battler genre, but its reliance on luck and the complexity of its mechanics may deter some newcomers.
- “The core gameplay loop—building a strategic crew, managing your economy, and combining powerful alliance bonuses—is refined, deeply complex, and delivers an unmatched level of tactical depth in the genre.”
- “Dota Underlords stands as a strategic gem in the auto-battler genre, offering a compelling blend of tactical depth and dynamic gameplay.”
- “The gameplay loop is simple yet highly addictive: draft heroes, upgrade them by combining duplicates, and place them strategically on the board to unleash devastating combos.”
- “The gameplay loop quickly became repetitive, and the lack of a compelling sense of progression left me feeling unfulfilled.”
- “The gameplay feels very fluid, loading time is almost not there and graphics and sounds are nice and easy to differentiate and understand.”
- “The game poorly introduces itself and its mechanics to the players.”
graphics
408 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
47%
7%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the polished visuals and immersive animations that enhance gameplay, while others criticize the graphics as dated or lacking polish, particularly in comparison to other titles like Dota 2. Many users appreciate the game's aesthetic, which aligns with the Dota universe, but note issues such as graphical glitches and a clunky user interface that detracts from the overall experience. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered decent, there is a consensus that improvements are needed to elevate the visual quality further.
- “The visuals and animations are polished, and every match feels unique.”
- “The graphics are smooth, and the gameplay is realistic, which makes for a very enjoyable experience.”
- “The game's visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed character designs that bring the Dota universe to life.”
- “First off, the graphics are a major letdown.”
- “The visuals feel muddy and underwhelming, with characters that lack polish and environments that are bland at best.”
- “The amount of artifacts and the severity of the graphical glitches makes this game look like an old TV.”
optimization
129 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
52%
15%
The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with many users praising its smooth performance on PC and lower-end systems, while expressing significant frustration with the mobile version, which suffers from crashes, stuttering, and poor battery management. Although some players report improvements and seamless cross-platform play, the overall sentiment indicates that the mobile experience needs substantial optimization to match the quality found on desktop. Regular updates are noted, but the mobile version remains a point of contention for many users.
- “There are absolutely no gameplay-altering microtransactions, the technical performance is flawless, and the PC/mobile cross-play is seamless.”
- “The game runs smoothly even on lower-end systems, and the mobile version is equally polished, allowing for cross-platform play without a hitch.”
- “Very well optimized for the PC.”
- “This game needs a serious update; it is not optimized and it crashes all the time.”
- “The current build is incredibly unstable, crash-prone, and poorly optimized.”
- “The mobile version is kind of too small and not optimized for portable use.”
story
103 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
77%
10%
The game's story aspect is generally viewed as lacking depth, with many players expressing a desire for more narrative content and updates. While some enjoy the campaign missions and the basic lore tied to the Dota universe, others criticize the monetization model that restricts access to story elements behind a paywall. Overall, the story is seen as a fun addition but insufficiently developed, leaving players wanting more engagement and creativity.
- “I really like the story and the challenges; they keep it interesting unlike other auto chess games out there.”
- “There is a fun and engaging story, lots to unlock and customize, and the gameplay is really solid. It's also quite amusing at times with some of the emotes.”
- “A very nice game with an intense storyline expanding upon the already great heroes of the Dota universe!”
- “There is no story whatsoever.”
- “Classic Valve story, no updates, no creativity, and no interest in the community.”
- “75% of the battle pass is locked behind a paywall, the story is locked out by the battle pass, so I can't even do the PvE side.”
stability
102 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
92%
The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of frequent crashes, freezes, and graphical glitches that significantly hinder gameplay. While some players find it enjoyable despite these issues, many describe it as unplayable due to the persistent bugs and instability, particularly after updates. Overall, the consensus is that the game requires substantial improvements in stability to enhance the player experience.
- “So far it's pretty good, balanced, and not buggy.”
- “Runs great on my potato laptop and is fun with friends.”
- “It runs great (on PC), the cross-platform functionality is amazing and it's a standalone game so I don't have to download GBs of data just to play this.”
- “The amount of artifacts and the severity of the graphical glitches makes this game look like an old TV.”
- “Gameplay was fun, but unplayable with freezes that force me to close the game through the task manager.”
- “The game is riddled with bugs, glitches, and overall bad coding.”
humor
97 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
3%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with many players finding it to be a significant draw, often describing it as funny, entertaining, and a great way to unwind. The game's comedic elements, including quirky characters and humorous mechanics, contribute to its appeal, making it enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with its Dota 2 roots. However, some players note that the humor can be hit or miss, with occasional frustrations overshadowing the fun.
- “A great fun 'auto chess' game but more than you think; Dota 2 carries over its charm and world with unique characters and this quick strategy game can start to get challenging and intense at times, but the humor keeps you playing for days on end.”
- “The patch notes are humorous and you can literally feel the DWV team's warmth, pride, and love for this product seeping through the lines, and the patches themselves are rather frequent and substantial.”
- “I didn’t have any expectations for duos, but it’s actually hilarious and awesome.”
- “Not funny, dudes. I prefer Legends of Ruterrena.”
- “But seriously, these comics of Ricky the Ravenhook are beautifully drawn but just not funny.”
- “Totally unfunny to play after a few hours or days.”
monetization
80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
58%
28%
The monetization model of the game is currently very consumer-friendly, featuring no gameplay-altering microtransactions and only cosmetic purchases, which some players feel may detract from the experience. While the game is free-to-play and has received praise for its lack of ads and fair monetization practices, there are concerns about potential future cash grabs and the introduction of a battle pass that could affect the game's balance. Overall, players appreciate the absence of predatory monetization tactics, but there is cautious optimism about how future updates will handle monetization.
- “The monetization is the single most consumer-friendly model in the free-to-play landscape.”
- “The game is completely free-to-play, with microtransactions limited to cosmetic items.”
- “Free-to-play with fair monetization: the core gameplay experience is entirely free, with unlockable cosmetics and seasonal battle passes offering optional progression without affecting balance.”
- “The monetization model was unclear and the development appears to have been abandoned, though there has been no official commentary from Valve on this.”
- “In conclusion, there are countless free games out there which wipe the floor with this one, and I guarantee this game is just setting up for a cash grab on the mobile market since they know 10-year-olds will all be competing with one another on their phones and begging mommy and daddy to unlock in-game currency for them with their allowance.”
- “I would definitely say, for their recent repertoire, this is the better direction, but with an upcoming battle pass and other cosmetic transactions, which means loot boxes that will likely push towards mobile monetization more.”
replayability
68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
37%
4%
The game is widely praised for its high replayability, with many players highlighting its deep strategic gameplay and the variety of tactics available. While some reviews note that repetitive elements can diminish replay value over time, the overall consensus is that the game offers enough depth and frequent updates to keep players engaged. Additionally, the randomization of characters and multiplayer aspects contribute to a dynamic experience that encourages repeated play.
- “Deeply strategic and infinitely replayable, Dota Underlords is a very good time.”
- “The replayability makes Underlords the most enjoyable auto battler out there, at least for me.”
- “Incredibly addicting with very high replay value, could work on some balancing issues over time but a very easy game to waste countless hours on.”
- “The repetitive nature can wear thin, leading to medium replayability.”
- “Given the RNG nature of auto chess, there's little replay value.”
- “Unfortunately, there are major balance issues at this stage that make experienced players have repetitive builds, so the replay value goes away once you get to matches with higher-ranking players.”
music
60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
63%
10%
The music in Dota Underlords is generally praised for enhancing immersion and creating a vibrant atmosphere, with a mix of epic orchestral scores and catchy melodies that players find memorable. While many enjoy the soundtrack as a pleasant backdrop for casual gameplay or while multitasking, some users report sound glitches and express dissatisfaction with certain tracks, indicating a mixed reception overall. Despite these criticisms, the music contributes significantly to the game's appeal, making it a notable aspect of the experience.
- “The soundtrack and voiceovers enhance the immersion, giving the game a lively, vibrant atmosphere that feels right at home in the Dota universe.”
- “From epic orchestral scores to haunting melodies, the soundtrack succeeded in setting the tone for intense battles and strategic showdowns, enhancing the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game.”
- “This game is clearly crafted with love, and it's obvious to everyone capable of controlling their primal nerd rage - the graphics are slick, the animations are well suited for each hero and help you bond with their personalities, the voice acting is superb, and even the soundtrack is great.”
- “Grating and awful music, and a trash user interface that has only gotten worse as time has gone on.”
- “The only good things about this game are the presentation and the game over music.”
- “The sounds effects are horrible and the soundtrack has to be one of the worst that I ever listened to.”
grinding
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
19%
76%
The reviews highlight a pervasive sense of tedium and repetitiveness associated with grinding in the game, with many players feeling that it requires an excessive time investment to progress. While some acknowledge that grinding can yield rewards, the overall sentiment leans towards it being a frustrating and monotonous experience, particularly in longer matches. Despite the potential for enjoyment, the grind often detracts from the gameplay, making it feel like a chore rather than a fun challenge.
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “There's no grinding required to get the best of it.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The longer version is tedious to the point of being almost unbearable by halfway through the match.”
- “Games easily last over 30 minutes which, considering you spend most of it just looking at your screen, is, well, tedious to say the least.”
atmosphere
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
47%
16%
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its vibrant and immersive qualities, enhanced by a fantastic soundtrack and engaging voiceovers that resonate well with the Dota universe. Players appreciate the sense of mystery and familiarity it evokes, although some note that the dungeon-like setting can feel less inviting. Overall, the combination of sound effects, music, and thematic elements contributes to a compelling atmosphere that enriches the gameplay experience.
- “The soundtrack and voiceovers enhance the immersion, giving the game a lively, vibrant atmosphere that feels right at home in the Dota universe.”
- “Furthermore, the music in Dota Underlords was nothing short of fantastic, elevating the atmosphere and adding depth to the gameplay experience.”
- “Exudes a lovely atmosphere of familiarity if you are a Dota player.”
- “Feels much more user friendly compared to TFT; however, the atmosphere of this game is a lot worse.”
- “While I do note that the theme around Underlords in the White Spire lends reasoning to the dungeon-like atmosphere, it just does not feel inviting.”
- “It takes the things that make Dota exciting - the synergy and strategy behind drafting a team, the feeling of snowballing out of control, the bootleg-Warcraft characters and general atmosphere - and strains out all of the aspects that make it nearly inaccessible to filthy casuals like me.”
emotional
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a wide range of emotions while engaging with the game, from frustration and heartbreak over losses to joy and euphoria from victories. The emotional impact is heightened by the game's community and the social aspect of playing with friends, although some users feel let down by the lack of support from developers, which adds to their disappointment. Overall, the game elicits strong feelings, both positive and negative, making it a deeply emotional experience for many players.
- “Five minutes in: my entire board is on fire, my gold is gone, and a tiny just demolished my last unit while I cried in the corner.”
- “Very good, very emotional, touch my heart <3”
- “It's definitely more wholesome when you have friends to play with.”
character development
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
Character development in Dota Underlords is marked by a mix of stunning and inconsistent character designs that bring the Dota 2 universe to life. While some characters exhibit vibrant colors and distinct designs, others suffer from poor texture quality and animation issues. Overall, the character designs are a significant draw for players familiar with Dota, enhancing their understanding of the game mechanics.
- “Dota Underlords showcased stunning character designs that brought the iconic heroes of Dota 2 to life in a fresh and innovative way.”
- “The game's visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed character designs that bring the Dota universe to life.”
- “Currently, the main reason I’d stick with Dota Underlords is due to its stronger character design and the usage of Dota’s assets, which will really help people used to Dota in getting a better understanding of the game mechanics.”
- “No really, what was the thought behind this character design?”
- “The characters are inconsistent in the texture quality; certain characters look disproportionate, lighting is passable, some character designs are just straight up poor, and the animations look eh.”
- “Currently, the main reason I’d stick with this game is due to its stronger character design and the usage of Dota’s assets, which will really help people used to Dota in getting a better understanding of the game mechanics.”