Dota Underlords is a free-to-play auto-battler strategy game developed by Valve, set in the gritty underworld of White Spire from the Dota universe. Players build teams of heroes, form powerful alliances, and compete in automated battles where smart choices trump quick reactions. Released in 2019, it combines elements of strategy and casual play, available on PC and mobile with crossplay support.
Gameplay
In Dota Underlords, the core loop revolves around recruiting heroes from a shared pool and upgrading them by collecting multiples to create stronger versions. Each hero belongs to alliances, and stacking heroes from the same alliance grants team-wide bonuses that enhance combat effectiveness. Players select one of four Underlords, powerful units that fight alongside the team and offer unique perks, abilities, and playstyles to shape strategies.
Battles unfold automatically on a chessboard-like grid, with positioning playing a key role in outcomes. Gold earned from rounds funds hero purchases and level-ups, while items can be equipped to boost stats. The game emphasizes planning over real-time control, with seasonal rotations introducing changes to heroes, items, and alliances to keep strategies fresh.
Game Modes
Standard mode pits eight players against each other in a full-length match, where the goal is to outlast opponents through escalating rounds. Knockout offers quicker sessions focused on rapid eliminations, ideal for shorter playtimes. Duos allows cooperative play with a friend, teaming up against others in shared battles.
City Crawl serves as a single-player campaign, involving neighborhood conquests through puzzles, street fights, and challenges to unlock rewards like outfits and titles. Ranked Matchmaking lets players climb leaderboards, while private lobbies support custom games with spectators. Offline mode features AI opponents at four difficulty levels, with options to pause and resume.
Updates and Seasons
Season One introduced the City Crawl campaign and a Battle Pass with over 100 rewards, including cosmetics like boards and skins. The Battle Pass has a free track for all players and a paid version at $4.99 for extra items, without affecting gameplay balance. Seasonal rotations periodically refresh heroes, items, and alliances. The last major update occurred in November 2020, and while the game remains playable, it has not received new content since then.
Is It Worth Playing?
Dota Underlords holds a Very Positive rating on Steam with 84% positive English reviews from 33,491 users and an overall Very Positive from 90,977 reviews, though recent reviews are Mostly Positive at 75% from 80 in the last 30 days. It appeals to strategy enthusiasts who prefer thoughtful team-building over fast-paced action, with free access making it easy to try. Despite a smaller player base and lack of ongoing updates, its offline and crossplay features ensure accessibility for solo or casual multiplayer sessions. If strategic auto-battlers suit your style, it remains a solid choice for relaxed gaming.
