The top 5 Dota 2 heroes have emerged clearly in 2025, shaped by two major patches that provided the framework for the meta across the year. First, the Wandering Waters update (Patch 7.38) expanded the map and tweaked objectives.

Next, the Spring Forward update (Patch 7.39) balanced, reworked, and overhauled most heroes, serving as the main numbered patch for the rest of the year. During the initial sweeping changes and then the calm after, five heroes consistently stood out in the meta.

#5 — Batrider

The Spring Forward update was largely focused on the cast of Dota 2, compared to the map changes of the previous major patch. Many outdated Facets were buffed, removed, or reworked, and this is the primary reason why Batrider found new life in 2025.

Before patch 7.39, Batrider was in the dumpster with a 45% win rate and a 0.48% pick rate. However, this all changed with two reworked Facets to Stroked and Arsonist, and a substantial buff to Sticky Napalm, which now applies two stacks upon cast. 

His two Facets gave him more freedom to choose between a core or support role, but most went with Stoked to deal absurd damage at the cost of his own health. Either way, Batrider’s magic damage was oppressive, and his pick-off potential was key to securing many key matches in pro Dota 2.

At the Esports World Cup, he was picked and mostly banned a total of 98% of the time during the tournament, and by the time The International 2025 came around, he was still contested in 35% of all the games. Towards the end of the year, Batrider is in a more balanced, if underrated spot, in Dota 2’s meta.

#4 — Axe

Axe swung from a meta staple to a highly contested hero in 2025. The classic offlaner was always a comfortable pick, but became more lethal with buffs to Battle Hunger, Counter Helix, and his base attack damage. 

In the Spring Forward update, Axe received minor buffs. However, what really propelled him and other tanky heroes into the meta was Blademail coming back into flavor to pair with the returning Tier 1 Neutral Artifact, Chipped Vest.

This gave Axe the much-needed clear speed to accelerate his farm, letting him earn his Blink Dagger and Blade Mail at a faster pace. Additionally, the buffs to his armor let him take huge Ancient stacks early, giving his team an advantage in earning their Neutral items.

He had a 70% contest in the Esports World Cup and PGL Wallachia Season 5, but started falling out of favor in pro play once carries like Ursa became more mainstream. Regardless, Axe became omnipresent in pub play and remains one of the most popular and best offlaners in Dota 2 to this day.

#3 — Nature’s Prophet

When the Wandering Waters update made Dota 2’s map even bigger, it was natural that the hero with an on-demand global teleport would take advantage of the extra space. While other heroes were struggling with keeping up with farm and map pressure, Nature’s Prophet could do both without any issue.

His problematic strength was slowly building into the patch with multiple buffs to his Ironwood Treant Facet, which summoned this bulky Greater Treant that allowed him to bully in lane and push for free. Additionally, patch 7.38 also made him a Universal hero, further empowering him as a core.

At this time, Nature’s Prophet was already a popular and strong pick who was a strong right-clicking core paired with a problematic unit. Rightfully, Valve nerfed him and removed the Facet in Patch 7.39. However, they also buffed his Soothing Saplings Facet, accidentally making him even better than before.

The boosted heal on his Soothing Saplings Facet made him a proficient fighter who was especially strong during the laning phase. Nature’s Prophet was competitive in all roles, boasted the most flexible item build path, and could outfarm every hero in the game on the bigger map, making him one of the best Dota 2 heroes of 2025.

#2 — Earthshaker

Earthshaker was always a constant presence in Dota 2’s meta. He has great stuns, an explosive ultimate, and just a comfortable character to play overall. However, 2025 provided a perfect set of conditions that made him define the year and even temporarily dethroned Pudge as the most popular hero overall.

Earthshaker had all the pieces in place for his meteoric rise since Patch 7.39, but this was a slow burn that didn’t catch on until months later in Dota 2’s biggest tournament. The hero was featured heavily in The International 2025 and was contested in 86% of the games.

This trending build puts all of his strength into his ultimate, Echo Slam, which can wipe out the enemy team solo when timed correctly by stacking buffs from the Tectonic Buildup Facet and Kaya. Ever since then, it has become common to see Earthshaker played in all four roles, in pro games and pubs.

#1 — Shadow Shaman

Shadow Shaman’s resurgence defined Dota 2’s 2025 meta so much that it’s hard to imagine a pub game or tournament where he wasn’t contested. It took a while before the community realized how broken Mass Serpent Ward was—but when that happened, his momentum didn’t slow down.

Shadow Shaman was constantly one, if not the most picked hero, in several Dota 2 tournaments, such as Esports World Cup, PGL Wallachia Season 5, and DreamLeague Season 26. Mass Serpent Ward enabled him to make early pushes, even earlier Roshan attempts, and was generally disruptive in teamfights.

Additionally, Shadow Shaman’s chain disable was primed to lock down the meta mobile meta heroes, like Queen of Pain, Puck, and Storm Spirit. With reliable crowd control, snowball potential, and objective-ending pressure packed into a single support, Shadow Shaman became a cornerstone of 2025’s drafts.

Honorable Mentions

Not every impactful hero could make the final five. However, several other heroes played their part in shaping Dota 2’s 2025 meta, either through dominant pub rates or frequent pro appearances—but not at the same time.

• Venomancer has been ubiquitous in the last quarter of the year, showing up and spreading his Plague Wards all over the map. He’s a nuisance in lane, and the utility of his deployable wards makes him valuable for scouting heroes.
• Abaddon is one of the most consistent heroes in Dota 2’s 2025 meta and certainly a sleeper pick to add to your roster.
• Naga Siren support is feared by pros and consistently the most-banned hero in several tournaments. 
• Vengeful Spirit and Wraith King have made their mark as offlaners in 2025, with a reliably high win rate in pubs, as they’re usually given the space to farm up their core items in an uncoordinated environment.
• Dragon Knight also saw a glow-up with his buffs and minor rework in 2025, and you’ll spot the hero in pubs and pros fairly often.

How We Chose The Best Dota 2 Heroes Of 2025

Selecting the best Dota 2 heroes of 2025 goes beyond raw popularity. If that were the case, crowd-favorite heroes like Pudge, Lion, and Juggernaut would always appear in these roundups.

Likewise, niche pro favorites like Naga Siren or pub-specific successes like Vengeful Spirit are confined to their own spaces. The heroes chosen here struck a balance between both public and professional matches, and are chosen based on they were meaningful influence on Dota 2’s 2025 meta.

FAQs

Which is the best hero in Dota 2?

The best hero in Dota 2 depends on the patch and player skill. In 2025, Juggernaut stands the test of time as a popular hero with a high win rate.

How many Dota 2 heroes are there?

There are 127 heroes in Dota 2, with Largo as the latest addition to the pool.

Does Dota 2 or LoL have more heroes?

League of Legends has more champions at 172 compared to Dota 2’s 127.

Which Dota 2 hero is best for beginners?

The best Dota 2 heroes for beginners are heroes with a simple kit and straightforward game plan, such as Sniper and Wraith King.

Who is the hardest hero to use in Dota 2?

The hardest heroes to use and master in Dota 2 are Invoker, Meepo, and Chen.