Numerous patches have shaped this current meta.
Dota 2’s metagame is renowned for its swift and unpredictable shifts due to the adaptable nature of hero roles and the significant influence of items. Especially in recent times, diverse tournament metas are anticipated, with only a few heroes remaining unpicked.
At the highest echelons of play, matches can be decided even before the creeps emerge. A well-composed hero lineup can determine whether a team faces difficulty breaching high ground or operates like a well-coordinated machine with complementary heroes.
Drawing from the current competitive metagame, this tier list highlights the most frequently selected heroes by professional teams and those that excel in terms of win rates. Please note that this list does not encompass every hero, as there are simply too many in Dota to include. Instead, we'll focus on around 40 of the most popular and effective heroes.
Below is our tier list for the top Dota 2 heroes. Be sure to check back periodically as the list is updated with each major patch.
S-tier: Most popular, borderline overpowered
These S-tier heroes dominate the current Dota 2 meta. Expect to encounter them in the majority of professional matches and high-ranked games—unless they're banned first. All data is sourced from the statistics site Spectral.
Meepo
Disruptor
Leshrac
Bane
Lifestealer
Dark Seer
Oracle
Abaddon
Meepo
Meepo remains a formidable force. A skilled Meepo player is nearly unbeatable, although nerfs throughout the 7.35 cycle have slightly tempered the hero's dominance. Anticipate further reductions in the carry's potency in upcoming updates, but for now, the replicating Geomancer reigns supreme without any adjustments in the Crownfall patch.
Disruptor
Disruptor received his first buff since patch 7.35 with an extended slow duration for Thunder Strike. Continuous buffs have propelled this support hero's rapid ascent in this patch, fueled by increased damage output from Thunder Strike and Glimpse, along with alterations to Aghanim’s Shard.
Leshrac
The beloved Disco Pony is back in action. Leshrac, after a period of decline due to extensive nerfs from Valve, has returned to prominence. With a reduced mana cost for Pulse Nova and heightened Diabolic Edict damage, he's reclaiming the mid lane and wreaking havoc in teamfights unless promptly addressed.
Bane
Bane has quietly risen to one of the top spots for win rate in Patch 7.35d. With a versatile kit and minimal adjustments since patch 7.35, Atropos' ability to synergize with other skill-shot spells and unleash his potent Fiend’s Grip makes him a formidable pick.
Lifestealer
Na’ix is experiencing a resurgence in Dota 2. Lifestealer now opts for a more aggressive build, with the Armlet-Rage combination often securing kills. Subsequently, acquiring a Radiance renders Lifestealer incredibly durable while he hunts down enemies and feasts upon them with Feast.
Dark Seer
Dark Seer is emerging as a pick that can slip through nearly any draft. Since the conclusion of the "Heart of Tarrasque" patch and the return of Mekanism, coupled with the Agh's Shard upgrade, this offlaner leaves a trail of destruction in the wake of a Surged unit.
Oracle
Similar to Bane, Oracle has endured the nerfs and ascended to the forefront of support picks in the past month. The potency of False Promise, combined with the proliferation of healing support items, solidifies Oracle's position. Just exercise caution when using Purifying Flames on teammates unless their survival is guaranteed.
Abaddon
Abaddon has benefited from a series of buffs in recent patches, steadily climbing the win rate charts both as a core and a support. A slight cooldown nerf to Borrowed Time has had minimal impact, with Curse of Avernus' damage and slow, alongside his sturdy carry potential, contributing to his success.
A-tier: Frequently seen, competitive across various levels
Treant Protector
Winter Wyvern
Slardar
Io
Visage
Earthshaker
Nyx Assassin
Bounty Hunter
Anti-Mage
A-tier heroes can be equally formidable as those above them. These heroes often boast higher pick rates, as they are less likely to be banned compared to S-tier heroes. They may even ascend to the top tier following minor balance adjustments.
This tier typically includes heroes capable of dominating their lane independently and possessing mobility spells. Rapid farming is also advantageous for extending their early-game advantage.
B-tier: Niche picks, exceptions
Axe
Brewmaster
Troll Warlord
Dazzle
Kunkka
Troll Warlord
Clinkz
Enigma
Earth Spirit
Centaur Warrunner
Pugna
B-tier heroes are less prevalent than their S or A-tier counterparts. While still relatively potent, these heroes may possess certain limitations preventing them from ascending to higher tiers. Most B-tier heroes thrive as situational picks, requiring the appropriate team composition or opponent to excel.
This list does not encompass all viable hero options. As mentioned, the flexibility of roles and laning in Dota 2 means that even unconventional picks and strategies can succeed.
With the extensive array of heroes available, there's almost always a way to incorporate that one Dota 2 hero into your team composition.