Dota 2 Frostivus is arguably the most exciting festive-themed seasonal event, continuing a long tradition of treating players to special modes and rewards during the Christmas season. Considering the success of previous iterations, expectations for this year are naturally at an all-time high. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything we know about Dota 2 Frostivus 2025, from the expected start dates to how the mechanics usually work, and how to get your share of Christmas rewards and cosmetics.

Editor’s Note: As of December 5, 2025, Valve has not yet announced the dates for Frostivus 2025 in Dota 2. We will update this page if anything changes.

What Is Frostivus in Dota 2?

Frostivus is Dota 2’s annual limited-time winter celebration event.

Since its debut in 2012, it has typically run from December to January, offering players the chance to earn exclusive, winter-themed cosmetics. More recently, it’s also delivered permabans disguised as highly toxic lumps of coal to Dota 2 players on Valve’s naughty list.

Frostivus events usually return with recurring features, which include event-limited Treasures, quest systems, and the Forge. This crafting mechanic allows you to use your in-game materials to create cosmetic items you can keep. 

Similar to the Diretide Halloween event, the Frostivus event in Dota 2 has always been a welcome addition, offering a holiday-themed presentation that adds a nice touch to the game during the jolly season. 

Dota 2 Frostivus 2025 Start & End Date

At this time, Valve has not confirmed the Frostivus 2025 start date. However, based on previous events, it’s reasonable to expect Frostivus 2025 to start around 18 December and continue into mid-January.

Here is the full schedule of all previous Frostivus events in Dota 2, including their respective start and end dates.

How Frostivus Works in Dota 2: Event Mechanics Explained

Frostivus is built around simple match-based progression loops. You basically queue for regular game modes (e.g., All Pick, Turbo) and fill event-specific meters that allow you to unlock seasonal rewards. 

Winning your matches typically accelerates progress, allowing you to collect rewards even faster. As you finish Dota 2 games, you’ll earn Frostivus Treasures along the way—though, as always, you’ll need to purchase a key with real money to open those chests (classic, Valve). 

Any free seasonal rewards you unlock are claimed automatically, making the system pretty straightforward to engage with. 

Frostivus Spirit Meter Explained

In the Frostivus 2023 event, Valve rolled out the Frostivus Spirit Meter as the core progression system. If it returns in 2025, you can expect a similar structure. 

The Frostivus Spirit Meter is a mechanic that tracks your match participation (primarily wins) and counts progression in a bar. Once the progression bar reaches 100%, you’ll receive a Frostivus Treasure Chest and a random Stocking Stuffer, including minor cosmetics such as sprays, emoticons, or stickers. 

In the 2023 iteration, players had to complete several matches to fill a full meter, and winning would accelerate progression more quickly than losing. If the Spirit Meter were to return in Frostivus 2025, you can expect progression loops that allow you to earn free rewards from regular Dota 2 play. 

Pile of Hats System

What defined Frostivus 2024 was the Pile of Hats Dota 2 system. In this event, every hero spawned into a match wearing a Frostivus-themed Christmas hat, and players could stack more hats by killing event heroes.

The taller your hat stack, the more ridiculous you looked. If someone went Beyond Godlike, they’d have ten or more hats piled straight into the sky, and dying meant they’d lose all of it. Although these hats were purely cosmetic, they added a lighthearted twist to regular matchmaking.

In addition to that, Frostivus 2024 let you throw snowballs at other players, summon cute penguins on the ground, and even launch fireworks.

Dota 2 Frostivus 2025 Treasure & Rewards

It’s no secret that Dota 2 players love a good deal on in-game cosmetics—and that has been the main selling point of Frostivus events.

Valve would release Frostivus Treasures that contained limited, winter-themed hero skins. However, in typical Valve fashion, treasures were locked, and you’d have to purchase a key to open them.

Since these items are only available during the event window, many players tend to cash in and unbox dozens of treasures with escalating odds, hoping to get the rarest loot.

Expected Items In Frostivus Treasure 2025

Based on previous years, it’s safe to assume players can expect the Frostivus 2025 Treasure to feature winter-themed hero sets and couriers. 

However, Valve also established a clear pattern with the last two events, namely, players could also unbox Dota 2 Arcanas from the treasure.

• Frostivus 2023 reintroduced the limited Wraith King Arcana.
• Frostivus 2024 followed with the limited Windranger Arcana.

Interestingly, both of these Arcanas came from The International 10 (TI10) Battle Pass in Dota 2. Since Valve has gradually been re-releasing that batch, it opens the door for a possible third one in Frostivus 2025.

If this trend holds, the most likely candidate would be Queen of Pain’s Arcana, which was part of the same TI10 set.

Dota 2 Frostivus Forge & Crafting Guide

In 2024, Valve introduced the Frostivus Forge Dota 2 system, which enabled players to collect Infusions by performing specific actions during matches. More specifically, you’d gather Infusions from killing couriers, getting assists, and tipping enemies.

These Infusions can then be used to craft seasonal and permanent items. These items are locked behind multiple reward tiers, with higher tiers only unlocking after you’ve completed the previous ones. Beyond that, players could craft chat wheel lines, sprays, emoticons, and more. 

How To Craft Frostivus Items

If you’re looking for a clear Frostivus crafting guide, the process is much simpler than it seems. The first step is to play matches and complete event actions, like stealing hats or tossing snowballs at each other. These will rake in Infusions required for crafting.

Once you’ve accumulated enough Infusions, go to the Frostivus menu. Each cosmetic has its own recipe, and the client specifies exactly which materials and quantities are needed. If you have sufficient materials to craft an item, simply click “Craft,” and the item will be added to your inventory.

This system operates in a manner similar to that of the Dota 2 x Monster Hunter collaboration. 

FAQs

How does Frostivus work in Dota 2?

Frostivus is a seasonal event focused on the Christmas season. While each event is slightly different, you typically play regular matches to fill event meters and earn exclusive cosmetic rewards.

When does Frostivus 2025 start in Dota 2?

There has been no official announcement yet, but Frostivus typically begins in mid-December and lasts until mid-January.

What rewards can you get from Frostivus 2025?

You can expect winter-themed cosmetics and Frostivus Treasures. Based on the last two years, there is also a good chance of seeing limited-edition Arcanas returning.

How long does the Dota 2 Frostivus event last?

Most Frostivus events last for about three to four weeks, covering the holiday period from December to January.

What is the Frostivus Treasure in Dota 2?

The Frostivus Treasure is a chest containing exclusive event cosmetics, such as winter-themed hero sets and couriers. You can earn these chests through completing event tasks, but you will need a key to open them.