Head-to-head · PC Games
Dota 2 vs Apex Legends
Dota 2 leads on 2 checks, Apex Legends on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreDota 2 · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresDota 2 · 3 of 4
Dota 2 scores higher on our rubric for pc games: 9.4 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
Dota 2 offers single-player; Apex Legends doesn't. Apex Legends offers controller support; Dota 2 doesn't publish it. Dota 2 offers mod support; Apex Legends doesn't publish it. On supported os, Dota 2 gives you Multiple where Apex Legends offers Windows.
Dota 2 is the better fit for free competitive strategy multiplayer. Apex Legends is the better fit for free battle royale with cross-platform parties.
- Dota 2 fits best
Free competitive strategy multiplayer
- Apex Legends fits best
Free battle royale with cross-platform parties
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Side by side
| Feature | Dota 2 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Apex Legends 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in PC Games | #7 in PC Games |
| Best for | Free competitive strategy multiplayer | Free battle royale with cross-platform parties |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Features Dota 2 3/4 · Apex Legends 2/4 | ||
| Single-player | ✓ (best) | — |
| Online multiplayer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Controller support | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Mod support | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Genre | Strategy | Not published |
| Supported OS | Multiple | Windows |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Dota 2 is a free-to-play team strategy game from Valve, built around choosing heroes and competing in online battles. It suits players looking for competitive multiplayer strategy, with a large hero roster and varied roles, abilities, and… Read the review → |
Apex Legends is a free-to-play online battle royale shooter for players who want squad matches built around characters with distinct skills. Its core Battle Royale mode pits players in 60-player matches, and limited-time modes and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Dota 2 — where it wins
- Core hero roster and online matchmaking are free to play
- Includes co-op bot matches and a hero demo mode
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
Where it doesn't
- Optional cosmetic purchases add a paid layer
- Matches depend on online multiplayer matchmaking
- The focus is team battles rather than a broad range of game modes
Apex Legends — where it wins
- 60-player Battle Royale matches and limited-time modes
- Legends bring distinct skills to team-based play
- Cross-platform parties and progression between EA app and Steam
Where it doesn't
- Requires an internet connection and an EA account
- Optional in-game purchases are available
- PC version supports Windows only
- Dota 29.4/10 · Free plan
A free competitive strategy game with matchmaking, bot co-op, and cosmetic purchases.
Visit Dota 2Full verdict → - Apex Legends8.8/10 · Free plan
A free online battle royale with distinct Legends and cross-platform play.
Visit Apex LegendsFull verdict →
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All PC games comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update