Item drop system

The item drop system is a feature that allows players to obtain cosmetic items for free through playing the game. 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 500 viewers, one or more items are randomly given out to viewers each time a memorable event occurs.

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 sets
 * 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.

Level requirements
The Rarity of items that can drop is dependent on the player's Profile Level. This system was implemented to reduce item farming by bots.

Trivia

 * Dota 2's item drop system 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.