Dota 2 player wants a “strictly solo normal mode”

Dota 2 player and Redditor u/averbeg recently ignited a lively discussion on the game's subreddit by advocating for the introduction of a strictly solo normal mode. This proposal stems from the frustration of solo players who feel their gaming experience is often marred by the dominance of pre-made stacks, particularly those employing smurf accounts to manipulate matchmaking.

"I Think Dota Needs Strictly Solo Normal Modes"

I Think Dota Needs Strictly Solo Normal Modes byu/averbeg inDotA2

u/averbeg highlighted that the current matchmaking system allows for significant imbalance, making it difficult for solo players to enjoy and learn from their games. He described situations where coordinated stacks with smurf accounts overpowered less organized solo players, making it hard to learn new heroes or strategies. This ultimately resulted in a repetitive and unenjoyable gaming experience for solo players.

The Dota 2 community responded with a mix of support and skepticism regarding the feasibility and potential consequences of strictly solo modes.

Reddit user averbeg's post stirred up an intense discussion among other Dota 2 players (Image via Reddit)

u/denymehow pointed out a potential downside of strictly solo queues—the risk of ending up with unbalanced teams where everyone might choose the same type of role, such as all support heroes. This could lead to uncoordinated gameplay and still not solve the underlying issues.

Players share their insights (Image via Reddit)

u/unfortunate1313 expressed a desire for the "avoid groups" feature to work in normal games, sharing their frustration with encountering uncommunicative four-stacks. They noted that these groups often fail to coordinate with solo players, negatively impacting the overall team performance.

Many Dota 2 players talk about how their in-game experiences add to the topic (Image via Reddit)

u/dezimodnarII suggested a workaround for those with Dota Plus by declining games until the skill difference appears favorable, indicating a balanced match. However, they acknowledged that this approach would significantly increase wait times, making unranked play less appealing.

u/D3Construct supported the idea of a strict solo mode, emphasizing that stacks often prioritize their in-group interactions over winning the game. This can lead to disruptive behaviors, such as dictating lanes and picks, and even gaslighting solo players who make unpopular choices.

Comment byu/averbeg from discussion inDotA2

u/No-Lion54 proposed that matchmaking could be improved by ensuring that five-stacks do not get matched against smaller groups like 2+3 or 4+1.

Comment byu/averbeg from discussion inDotA2

They also questioned the algorithm used for matching parties of varying skill levels, noting that mismatches often result in poor gameplay experiences. Despite the issues, they speculated that the current system might be as balanced as it could get, considering the complexities involved.

---

Understanding different game modes in Dota 2

You can change the game mode before starting a game (Image via Valve)

Dota 2 offers various game modes designed to cater to different playstyles and preferences. These include:

• All Pick: Players take turns picking heroes, with the freedom to choose any hero.
• Captains Mode: Teams appoint a captain who bans and picks heroes for the team, often used in professional play.
• Random Draft: Players pick from a pool of randomly selected heroes.
• Single Draft: Each player is given a choice of three random heroes from different roles.
• Turbo Mode: A faster-paced version of the game with increased gold and experience gain.
• Ability Draft: Players draft abilities from a pool of heroes, creating unique combinations.

---

The call for a strictly solo normal mode underscores the need for a more tailored matchmaking system that can accommodate both solo players and groups, ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all.

While the community's response highlights the complexity of implementing such a mode, it also reflects a shared desire for improvements in the matchmaking system to better balance solo and group play.