Dota 2 Free Arcana: how to get It
Author: Hawk Live LLC
Last updated:
Last year, Valve decided to delight the Dota 2 community and, before The International, offered players a truly colossal gift - a free Arcana that anyone could obtain. Normally, such items cost around $35. As a bonus, a battle pass was also included, which is usually purchased with real money.
What is Arcana?
Every fan of the game knows that an Arcana is a complete set of items that sometimes not only change the hero's skin but also their abilities, model, behavior, and even sounds. Some Arcanas are particularly valuable because they have unique effects that make the hero stand out during a match. For example, Rubick's attire changes color depending on the ability he steals from his target, and Phantom Assassin leaves her blades near defeated opponents.
Can you get a free Arcana in 2023?
Many are hoping that Valve will be generous again this year and repeat the promotion. Last time, such generosity more than paid off, as the game's online player count significantly increased, and the number of players grew by several hundred thousand gamers. Match activity also increased because many wanted to try out the rare novelty, which brought less popular heroes into the spotlight. However, as of now, no such promotion has been announced, but last year, gifts were expected closer to TI - that is, only in October. There is a possibility that you might be able to get a free Arcana this year as well.
What you need to do to receive the gift
If the giveaway repeats, you'll need to take a few simple steps to enjoy the updated appearance of your favorite hero. First and foremost, you'll need to log in and enter the game with your account. On the left, you'll see a list where a tab will appear - Souvenir Bag. Clicking on it will bring up a page with a set of prizes, where last year the Battle Pass and a token for a free Arcana were located. You simply need to click the 'Claim' button beneath them.
Don't rush
Before claiming the Arcana, you can check which heroes are eligible for the promotion. Be prepared for the fact that the gift may not be available for all heroes. It's best not to rush; you can click around to see how the Arcana will look on a specific hero. Additionally, you can even test it on a training map to examine all the effects. There's no need to hurry, as there will be plenty of time for you to make your choice. Once you've decided, simply click the 'Claim' button.
Nuances for new players
Creating multiple additional accounts to farm gifts won't work. Before new players can receive the reward, they will need to play at least 10 matches to activate the ability to claim the Souvenir Bag. Although this restriction didn't stop all those who wanted to farm themselves a collection of souvenir gifts, due to the excitement, not everyone was able to even log in.
How to equip your favorite hero with the update
You can immediately change the appearance by right-clicking on the Arcana. A 'Use' action will appear, which will instantly transform your favorite hero - no additional actions are required. If the game was closed, disconnected from the server, or you simply left the gift for later, you can apply it at any time by opening your list of heroes.
Cosmetic only - no impact on gameplay
It's important to note that an Arcana does not affect win rates or success in matches in any way. It is purely a cosmetic option that does not alter damage, speed, or ability effects. So, be prepared for the fact that it's just a beautiful skin, helping to stand out in the match and adding variety to the screen. Some skins look truly stunning.
Possible issues
Last year, many gamers encountered problems during the giveaway. The reason was that online activity skyrocketed before The International. This made it difficult for players in some regions to access the game, while others experienced matchmaking issues and various technical nuances. Contacting customer support may not be very helpful because the servers are overloaded, and there is rarely much that can be done. Don't worry if the promotion suddenly ends or the opportunity to claim the prize disappears. You may just have to wait for it, sometimes even for several days, as the excitement lasted a long time in 2022.
How to overcome server issues
There are a few simple life hacks for getting into the game despite overcrowded servers. The first method is to wait until the gaming prime time is over. Server load varies significantly at different times of the day. If logging in is impossible in the evening, it's quite possible to log in and even play a few matches around 1-2 PM when there are fewer players online.
Another method is to switch to a different loading server. If your region is consistently overcrowded, consider temporarily switching to other less active regions. The USA or Europe might not be options, but regions like Australia or other less active ones are worth considering. Keep in mind that your ping will be high, but it will help you claim the coveted Arcana or even try it out more quickly.
