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Dota 2: stuck in low priority after turbo game abandons

Dota 2 Players Frustrated by Low Priority Queue | Turbo Matches Under Fire

By

Oliver Martinez

Jun 2, 2025, 08:40 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer looking stressed while waiting for a match in Dota 2's low priority queue after multiple game abandons

A wave of dissatisfaction among Dota 2 players is increasing as reports of low priority queue placements rise, particularly for those who primarily play Turbo mode. Many gamers are questioning the fairness of recent system changes after one user's placement due to three game abandons in just over a week has sparked heated discussions.

An anonymous player shared their frustration after being assigned to low priority following what they described as unavoidable circumstancesโ€”a power flicker, tactical misjudgment, and a sudden emergency all led to their three abandons. Notably, this player hasn't engaged in regular games since Turbo was introduced in 2018, making the queue system feel especially punishing.

Gamers have taken to forums to express their sentiments, with many echoing the player's discontent.

"I haven't played a regular game in years! This feels so unfair," one commenter stated.

Key Issues Highlighted

Three themes quickly emerged from discussions on forums:

  1. The Impact of Turbo Mode: Prolonged Turbo gameplay could cloud performance assessments, leading innocent players into low-priority situations.

  2. Queue Length and Player Sentiment: Long wait times of up to 15 minutes for a 45-minute game is demoralizing players, with many opting out.

  3. Proposed Solutions: Suggestions range from buying new accounts to creating smurfs, reflecting a growing frustration with the current matchmaking system.

Players openly questioned the system's design, suggesting it doesn't account for real-life events. One commenter bluntly stated, "Just buy an account or make a smurf; itโ€™s the only way out."

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿšจ Players report long queue times leading to increased frustration.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ "This is a factor that could push people away from Dota 2 altogether." - Featured comment.

  • โœ… Available solutions include making a second account for avoiding low priority.

As the situation unfolds, players are watching closely to see how the gaming community and developers will respond to these growing concerns. Could this lead to significant changes in how matchmaking is handled? Only time will tell.

What to Expect Next in Dota 2

With growing unrest among Dota 2 players, there's a strong chance that Valve will reconsider its matchmaking policies in response to the backlash. Developers might initiate discussions with the community, focusing on reducing low priority placements. Experts estimate that changes could involve adjustments to how abandon penalties are calculated, potentially leading to a more lenient approach for Turbo mode players. Additionally, the introduction of temporary measures, like reduced queue penalties or faster matchmaking, seems likely as the company strives to retain its player base and improve game enjoyment.

A Paralleling Scenario from the Real World

Looking back, the protests and pushback against Netflix's monthly subscription fees in the late 2010s bears remarkable similarities to the current Dota 2 situation. Back then, viewers voiced their frustrations over rising costs and perceived poor content value; in response, Netflix introduced measures like ad-supported tiers and content exclusives to appease their audience. Just like gamers today, subscribers sought fairer treatment, and after vocal complaints, the company adapted its strategy to retain customer loyalty. This kind of consumer-driven change illustrates how crucial player feedback is in shaping the gaming landscape.