Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena ( MOBA ) video game set in a three @-@ dimensional ( 3D ) graphical environment , presented from a high @-@ angle perspective . Two five @-@ player teams , referred to as the Radiant and Dire , compete in matches on a single asymmetrical playing field . Each player command one of the 111 characters , called " heroes " , which each feature unique abilities , design , and styles of play . At the start of a match , each hero have an experience level of one . During the game , they level up and become more powerful by accumulating experience points through combat . Whenever a hero gain a level , the player is able to unlock a new ability for them , improve one already learned , or increase their base attributes . Each hero 's method of combat is influenced by its primary attribute : strength , intelligence , agility , which also affect the hero 's health points ( HP ) , mana points ( MP ) , and attack speed , respectively . If a hero run out of health points and die , a timer begin to count down until they are able to respawn and get back into the game . A hero also lose a portion of their unspent gold each time they die .