Dota 2, one of the most competitive multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, has a dedicated fan base and a deeply ingrained ranking system. The matchmaking rating (MMR) determines a player’s skill level and ranks them within various brackets. For many, climbing the MMR ladder is a source of pride, but for others, it can be an arduous and frustrating journey. This has given rise to the concept of “MMR boosting” in Dota 2.
MMR boosting in Dota 2 refers to the practice of increasing a player’s matchmaking rating by either using a third-party service or by hiring an experienced player to play on their account. The goal is to achieve a higher rank in the game, bypassing the challenges associated with the usual grind. MMR boosting can be done for different reasons, including achieving a higher rank for personal satisfaction, unlocking rewards associated with a higher rank, or for the purposes of bragging rights.
How does MMR boosting work?
MMR boosting works in a few different ways, depending on the service provider or the individual hired to help. Here are the main methods:
Third-Party Services: Several online services offer MMR boosting as a paid service. Players provide their account details, and professional players or boosters play on the account to increase the MMR. These services often promise fast results, and players can specify how much they want to improve their MMR.
Solo Boosting: In solo boosting, a skilled player plays on an account to increase its MMR without the need for third-party services. These boosters can climb the ladder on behalf of the account owner, often with a guarantee of a higher rank in a specific time frame.
Duo Boosting: In some cases, a player will team up with a skilled booster to play alongside them in ranked matches. The booster’s higher skill helps carry the duo through the games, increasing the MMR of both players.
Benefits of MMR boosting
Faster Progression: One of the biggest reasons players choose to boost their MMR is to save time. Grinding for MMR can take weeks or even months, especially for those who face losing streaks or struggle with certain heroes. Boosting can significantly cut down on the time required to reach a higher rank.
Access to Rewards: Dota 2 offers a variety of rewards for players in higher ranks, including cosmetic items, which are often exclusive to specific ranks. By boosting their MMR, players can access these rewards without having to grind through the lower ranks.
Bragging Rights: For many players, a higher rank is a point of pride. Boosting can provide a way to showcase skill and achieve a rank that reflects a player’s desired status within the Dota 2 community.
Playing With Better Players: Higher MMR players generally play with more experienced teammates. By boosting MMR, players might find themselves in games with better coordination, fewer trolls, and more skilled allies, which can enhance the overall gaming experience.
Risks and disadvantages of MMR boosting
Violation of Dota 2’s Terms of Service: Boosting services, especially third-party providers, are against Dota 2’s terms of service. Valve, the game’s developer, has been known to ban accounts that are involved in boosting, especially if the account is caught using illicit methods. This can lead to a permanent loss of access to the account.
Loss of Personal Growth: One of the most significant downsides of MMR boosting is that players miss out on personal growth and improvement. Achieving a high MMR without the skills to back it up can lead to a frustrating experience when the player faces opponents of a higher skill level than they can handle.
Unreliable Services: Not all boosting services are trustworthy. Some are scams, promising a higher MMR but failing to deliver or even compromising personal information. Using untrustworthy boosting services can lead to account theft, hacking, or even complete loss of account access.
Impact on Team Dynamics: Boosted players may struggle to play at the level of their higher rank, leading to a poor experience for other players. This could affect team coordination, causing frustration among both the boosted player and their teammates.
Is MMR boosting worth It?
Whether MMR boosting is worth it depends on a player’s goals and their willingness to accept the risks. For those who want to quickly reach a specific rank or unlock rewards, boosting can provide a shortcut. However, for players who enjoy the challenge of progressing through the ranks and feel satisfaction in earning their rank, boosting can detract from the overall experience.
Moreover, the integrity of the community is vital. The Dota 2 matchmaking system is built to create balanced matches, and boosting distorts this process, making it harder for genuinely skilled players to compete against opponents of a similar skill level.
MMR boosting in Dota 2 can offer quick benefits, such as faster rank progression, access to rewards, and improved match experiences. However, it comes with significant risks, including account bans, personal skill stagnation, and the potential to damage team dynamics. As such, players should carefully consider whether the rewards of MMR boosting outweigh the potential drawbacks and whether they are willing to take the risk. Ultimately, enjoying the journey of improving your own skills and achieving MMR success is what makes Dota 2 so rewarding in the long term.
