Dota 2 is a pixel game, so optimizing for performance is crucial. Here’s everything you need to know about using Dota 2’s launch options to make the game run better.
dota 2 Launch Options are additional settings that allow you to customize things and optimize the game’s performance. The default settings are usually sufficient for casual gamers. However, changing them can make things better.
What works for some won’t work for others. It all depends on your hardware, internet connection and preferences. Still, you can customize things according to your needs, and some can give you an edge.
Using these Dota 2 launch options could help you gain the upper hand.
How to change Dota 2 launch options
Changing Dota 2 launch options may seem complicated, but it is actually a very simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
- Open Steam on your computer.
- Click the Library tab
- Right-click Dota 2 in your games list
- Click Properties.
- Click the General tab and look for Startup Options. It appears at the bottom of all options.
- Enter your desired Dota 2 launch options in the text box below.
That’s easy enough, but choosing the best launch options can be tricky. Read on to find out which ones you should use to optimize performance.
Smooth in-game performance is vital in Dota 2.
Dota 2 launch options: the best to optimize performance
Here’s a list of some of the most useful Dota 2 startup options to boost performance, along with a brief explanation of what they do.
| start option | function |
| +fps_max # | Set the maximum frames per second to a specific number |
| -480 | Forces the engine to start in 480p resolution |
| -autoconfig | Resets video and performance settings to default values |
| -Console | Activates the game console |
| -enable_addons | Forces the engine to look for whitelisted custom game content located in the game installation directory instead of default game content |
| -full screen | Set the display mode to full screen |
| -high | Gives Dota 2 priority on CPU usage |
| -Card dota | Loads the Dota 2 map when you start the game, improving load times after finding a game |
| -no border | Set the display mode to borderless windowed mode |
| -nod3d9ex | Disables Windows Aero DirectX extensions that can improve performance |
| -noforcemaccel | Use Windows mouse acceleration settings, but only works when -useforcedmparms is set |
| -noforcemspd | Use Windows mouse speed settings, but only works when -useforcedmparms is set |
| -no gamma ramp | Forces Dota to use the desktop color profile. |
| -nohltv | Disables in-game HLTV options, which may improve performance |
| -no fun | Disables joystick and gamepad modules, which can speed up loading |
| -nomic settings | Prevents Dota 2 from changing microphone output values on game launch |
| -New | Skips the introductory video |
| -novr | Disables VR modules that can increase load times and FPS |
| -Safe mode | Restores the rendering API (DirectX 11, OpenGL) to default values |
| -sw | Set the display mode to windowed mode |
| -useforcedmparms | Allows the use of -noforcemspd and -noforcemaccel |
In general, the best Dota 2 launch options are for optimizing performance
- +fps_max 300
- -high
- -Card dota
- -New
- -no fun
- -novr
This prioritizes the game, boosts FPS and reduces loading times.
If your setup is outdated or simply low-end in terms of hardware, we also recommend using -nod3d9ex, which may improve performance. However, you will have to experiment to find what works best for you.
That’s all you need to know about Dota 2 launch options. You can find an extended list by clicking on it here, courtesy of the Dota 2 wiki. However, the above are among the most useful.
Optimizing your game’s performance can make all the difference in crucial moments of the game, especially in team fights when it counts. So it’s definitely worth trying some of these if you’re having trouble.
https://www.dexerto.com/dota2/best-dota-2-launch-options-optimize-game-performance-1792226/ The best Dota 2 launch options to optimize game performance