Item drop system

The item drop system is a feature that allows players to obtain cosmetic items for free through playing the game. Drops cannot be sold on the Market, but can be gifted once to a friend.

Available drops are defined by the Drop List.

Playing Matchmaking

 * After every matchmaking game, each player has a small chance to receive an item or set.
 * All drops in Dota 2 are solely based on time played in Dota 2 via matchmaking.
 * Winning, losing, or individual performance has no effect on item drop chance.

Events

 * Certain events award players with cosmetic items for participating.

Spectating a Tournament game

 * While spectating a tournament game with over 100 viewers, one or more items are randomly given out to viewers each time a memorable event occurs.
 * Heroic drop has been removed since The International 5 ended.

Gift tools

 * When another player uses Shopkeeper's Surprise, Legendary Largesse, or Breathtaking Benefaction during a match or while in Spectator mode, randomly chosen players will receive items.

Droppable items

 * Only certain types of items can be obtained through drops.
 * Not every item in these categories can drop.
 * Possible drops are determined by the Drop List.
 * Treasures
 * Equipment
 * Bundles

Restrictions

 * Players who abandon the game will not receive drops.
 * Players in Low Priority queue will not receive drops.
 * A Steam account that is locked, suspended, or VAC banned will not receive drops.

Trivia

 * Dota 2's item drop system was inspired by the drop system from Team Fortress 2, but does not function entirely in the same way.
 * Upon receiving an item, respective visual and sound effects and hero voice responses will play depending on the rarity of the item.