Is The Dota 2 2023 Compendium Worth Buying?

Is the 2023 Dota 2 Compendium worth it? That's a good question, especially after Valve bid adieu to the cherished TI Battle Pass, leaving a void and a trail of nostalgia. Gone are the days of Immortal Treasures and a cascade of cosmetic rewards that once justified every penny spent.

The introduction of the Compendium ushers in a new era, but with 25% of its sales contributing to The International 2023 prize pool, the burning question is whether it is enough to sway the skeptical and the curious. That's where we come in. Here, we'll review some considerations to purchase it.

TL;DR: The 2023 Dota 2 Compendium sucks ass and is not worth buying this year. However, if you want to support your favorite pro teams and players (or you're just a rich kid with a ton of money to blow), then by all means, go for it. We won't judge you.

Is The International 2023 Compendium Worth Buying In Dota 2?

From the outset, there's a consensus that the excitement surrounding previous Dota 2 Battle Passes may not align with what is being offered this year. This largely stems from past experiences and the myriad of content previously available.

However, the 2023 Dota 2 Compendium seems somewhat lackluster and disappointing. This is mainly due to the decision by Valve to spread content releases throughout the year. This move could potentially keep the excitement alive over an extended period but also reduce the initial offering.

The Visual Appeal

Upon opening the Compendium, players are greeted with stained-glass art. It's visually appealing and adds an aesthetic touch to the in-game experience. However, this visual treat is free; no purchase is necessary. It sets the stage, but does it justify the expenditure? Perhaps not.

Similarly, players can also get stickers, voice lines, and teleport effects, among other rewards. In addition, the customization of player profiles is a highlight. However, this feature, while attractive, is also free.

The Collector's Aegis

For many Dota 2 enthusiasts, the Collector's Aegis is a significant draw. However, you'll need to reach Level 300 of the 2023 Compendium to get it. To note, Boosters can be applied to specific rewards, which may reduce the cost of the Aegis to roughly $125 - a significant discount from previous years. However, it is still a substantial investment.

While you can earn Compendium points via the Road to TI challenge (a shoddy version of Cavern Crawl), Fantasy Dota 2, Bingo, and predictions engaging in these only accumulate up to around 100 levels, reducing the need for additional spending to reach the desired levels. The challenges, although engaging, are not exclusive benefits of the purchased Compendium.

The Financial Implication

While there are items and rewards to be obtained, the crux of the matter leans heavily on the financial commitment. For content creators and avid fans, the amount spent on the Dota 2 2023 Compendium may seem justified. However, for the average player, the cost versus reward analysis might not tip the scale towards a purchase.

The FOMO effect was substantial in previous years, with Arcanas and other exclusives like Immortal Treasures driving players to invest heavily. This year, however, the absence of such exclusive content diminishes the urgency to purchase.

The Final Verdict

So, is the Dota 2 Compendium worth buying in 2023? Well, the answer can be subjective. It might be a worthwhile investment for players with a specific focus on certain rewards and those with the financial latitude to explore.

However, for the average player weighing the content against the cost, especially with the absence of exclusive skins and items at the outset, the 2023 Dota 2 Compendium probably isn't very compelling. At the end of the day, it's really up to you.