New Dota 2 event released: What is Aghanim’s Labyrinth?

In a surprise move, Valve has released the Aghanim's Labyrinth Dota 2 event for all players to participate in, for free. Valve releasing a Dota 2 event during the Battle Pass isn't surprising. However, what is surprising is how it is open to all players, and not just Battle Pass owners, as is tradition.

What is Aghanim's Labyrinth in Dota 2?

Aghanim's Labyrinth is the Dota 2 "summer event", or winter in the UK. In essence, it is a four-player co-op roguelike mode for Dota 2, which everyone and their pet Meepo can enjoy. Unlike other events, it is completely free, which is worth repeating, as Valve isn't using this year's event to get even more Battle Pass purchases.

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While it is free for everyone, it does come with rewards for Battle Pass owners. You can earn up to 2,000 Battle Points (two levels) per week from playing Aghanim's Labyrinth.

The name Aghanim should be familiar with anyone who has ever played the original DotA, or Dota 2 thanks to the Aghanim's Septer item. Now, it is time to meet the item's owner.

Players matchmake with three others to take on various rooms with increased difficulty in the Aghanim's Labyrinth. With boss fights and powerful enemies around every corner.

Aghanim's Labyrinth provides players with choices after each room, for example, where to go next. As the roguelike formula goes, you will likely fail early on the first few tries, but gain a permanent power boost through Aghanim Scepter shards. This allows you to augment your heroes' abilities as you attempt to complete the Aghanim's Labyrinth.

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If you are successful in completing the Aghanim's Labyrinth, then you can escalate the challenge even further with Ascension levels, which grants unique voice chat lines upon success.

What are Aghanim's Trials?

Every week, starting on 21st July, there will be a randomly generated labyrinth with a global leaderboard. All players can compete and finish it, with the best teams winning special prizes, including a Baby Roshan.

Aghanim isn't happy! (Picture: Valve)

For finishing in a specific tier, you get the following:

• Tier One: Aghanim’s Interdimensional Baby Roshan
• Tier Two: Waterlogged Kunkka Shoes
• Tier Three: Random Arcana
• Tier Four: In-Game Aghanim’s Effect

The fourth tier reward is for beating the first boss, which shouldn't be impossible for even mediocre players. 

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This sounds like an excellent Dota 2 event, and the Aghanim's Trials are sure to be brutal endeavours.