Heroes

Heroes are the essential element of Dota 2, as the course of the game is dependent on their intervention. During a match, two opposing teams select five heroes that accumulate experience and gold. Once a hero has enough experience, it will level up, growing more powerful and gaining new abilities. Most heroes have a distinct role that defines how they affect the battlefield, though many heroes can perform multiple roles. A hero's appearance can be modified with Equipment.

Currently, 111 of the 112 heroes are playable. For a table of heroes sorted by attributes and mechanics, see Table of Hero attributes. For a simpler layout, see Hero Grid.

Heroes
In Dota 2, heroes have one of three primary attributes: Strength, Agility, and Intelligence. Any points added to a hero's primary attribute will increase that hero's attack damage.

Icon_Str_selected.png Strength
Strength heroes are tough warriors and can withstand more damage than other heroes. These heroes have the greatest natural Health and can regenerate quickly, keeping them in the fight and dealing damage. Strength heroes can fit a variety of roles, and are almost always melee heroes.

Icon_Agi_selected.png Agility
Agility heroes are finessed and dexterous, masters of weapons and fighting techniques. These heroes have high attack speed and Armor, and focus on using their regular attacks and any Items they have, but can fall back on their abilities in a pinch. Agility heroes will often be played as carry and gank roles, because of how well they scale.

Icon_Int_selected.png Intelligence
Intelligence heroes are masters of spells and abilities. They tend to have larger Mana pools, and much greater Mana regeneration than other heroes. Because of this, they often rely on their abilities to help allies and harm enemies, rather than physical attacks. Most Intelligence heroes are fragile, though this doesn't necessarily mean they're easy to kill. Intelligence heroes are often played for support, gank, and pusher roles. Most Intelligence heroes are also ranged heroes.

Trivia

 * In DotA lore, heroes were divided into the Sentinel and Scourge factions ( and in Dota 2). Although Valve has removed this distinction, the division can still be seen on the hero selection screen.
 * Many heroes were based on concepts designed by the DotA Allstars community, and some named after their designers.