The highly anticipated release of Dota 2`s 7.39d patch on August 6th brought with it the usual mix of balance changes and hero adjustments, a routine occurrence in the ever-evolving landscape of Valve`s flagship MOBA. However, for many within the Dota 2 community, and indeed for one prominent figure, something significant was conspicuously absent. The seasoned captain of Team Yandex, Alexey “Solo” Berezin, encapsulated this collective bewilderment with a concise, yet pointed, query shared on his Telegram channel:
“I don`t understand, where is the compendium?”
Solo`s direct question cut through the technical notes of the patch, highlighting a sentiment that has been brewing among players and observers alike: the perplexing absence of The International 2025`s Battle Pass or Compendium, especially with the grandest event in esports just weeks away. Historically, the lead-up to Dota 2`s world championship is synonymous with the release of a massive in-game event, designed not only to celebrate the competitive season but also to directly fund the tournament`s monumental prize pool through player purchases.
The Pre-TI Ritual: A Tradition of Anticipation and Contribution
For years, the Battle Pass or Compendium has been more than just a collection of cosmetic items and challenges. It has been a cornerstone of the Dota 2 experience, an annual tradition that unites the global community in anticipation. Players eagerly await new terrains, hero skins, voice lines, and unique game modes, all while contributing to the prize pool of The International, which consistently shatters esports prize records.
The timing of these releases has, for the most part, been predictable: well in advance of TI, allowing ample time for players to grind levels, unlock rewards, and, crucially, to boost the prize pool. The nearer The International draws without such an event, the more pronounced the community`s questions become. Solo`s statement, coming from a player who has competed at the highest level for years, resonates deeply because it vocalizes a legitimate concern about a departure from a long-established pattern.
What Was Released Instead? “Curios of Quartero”
Instead of the customary Compendium, Valve introduced “Curios of Quartero,” a free in-game event that allows players to earn experience by simply playing the game and unlock a selection of complimentary items. While the initiative to offer free rewards is undoubtedly appreciated by players, it starkly contrasts with the comprehensive, revenue-generating nature of a Battle Pass. “Curios of Quartero” feels more like a pleasant diversion than the grand prelude expected for an event of The International`s magnitude.
This decision, or perhaps oversight, by Valve has naturally led to a flurry of speculation. Is this a strategic pivot away from the traditional Battle Pass model? Has Valve opted for a different approach to funding or community engagement for TI2025? Or is there a grand reveal still awaiting us, perhaps closer to the tournament`s opening ceremony? Valve`s communication, often as enigmatic as the depths of Roshan`s Pit, leaves much to the imagination, and the community is left to fill the void with theories.
The Road Ahead: A Unique TI Season?
As the days tick down to The International 2025, the absence of its customary Battle Pass or Compendium creates a unique atmosphere. Will the prize pool still reach the astronomical figures players have come to expect without the direct funding mechanism? Will player engagement during the lead-up suffer from the lack of a shared, deep progression system? These questions hang in the air, adding an unusual layer of intrigue to what is already the most prestigious event in Dota 2.
Solo`s simple question underscores a larger narrative: the evolving relationship between Valve and its dedicated player base. While “Curios of Quartero” offers a novel, free-to-play experience, the longing for the comprehensive, rewarding, and communal experience of a Battle Pass remains palpable. Only time will tell if Valve has a hidden ace up its sleeve, or if The International 2025 will truly mark a significant shift in how the biggest event in Dota 2 is celebrated and supported.
