The annual Battle Pass in Dota 2 has long been not only a major event for players but also the main source of funding for The International's prize pool. However, after Valve's drastic changes in their approach to monetization and events, the community is left with the pressing question: will there be a Battle Pass in 2025, and if so, when?

Battle Pass (Compendium) Release History for TI:

• TI3 (2013) — first Compendium (May 16)
• TI4 (2014) — May 9
• TI5 (2015) — May 1
• TI6 (2016) — May 16
• TI7 (2017) — May 4
• TI8 (2018) — May 8
• TI9 (2019) — May 7
• TI10 (2020) — May 25 (COVID-19 pandemic, TI postponed)
• TI11 (2022) — September 1 (new two-part format)
• TI12 (2023) — Battle Pass canceled, return of Compendium and a sharp drop in prize pool
• TI13 (2024) — Compendium again and an even greater prize pool decline than in 2023

How the Battle Pass Has Changed Over the Years

Initially, the Compendium was just a digital book with the ability to predict TI results. Over time, it evolved into a massive Battle Pass with missions, levels, exclusive Arcanas, events (like Wrath of the Mo'rokai, Aghanim’s Labyrinth), and most importantly — a 25% cut from each transaction going to The International's prize pool.

Each year, the Battle Pass grew larger and more profitable for Valve: record-breaking prize pools (for example, $40 million at TI10), a constant increase in online activity during events, and active player engagement. However, this also reduced interest during other times of the year. In 2022, Valve began seeking a new approach, and in 2023, they completely abandoned the Battle Pass for TI12, citing a desire to focus on in-game events not tied to a single tournament. As a result, the TI prize pool significantly decreased, directly impacting interest in the championship and Dota 2 itself.

Why There's Talk of Bringing Back the Battle Pass

After the Battle Pass was canceled in 2023, it became clear something went wrong. Online participation began to gradually decline, despite Crownfall — a storyline event with new cosmetic items and a mini-game. This event was warmly received by players but couldn't fully replace the Battle Pass. Most importantly, after Crownfall, Valve did not release anything substantial.

Dota 2 is gradually losing momentum — there are no events to attract old or new players, no large-scale cosmetics, progression, or desire to invest money. This pushes the community to wonder: is it time to bring back the Battle Pass — the very content that revitalized the game annually?

Battle Pass as a Way to Revitalize the Game

The return of the Battle Pass could be an effective step for Valve. Considering the decline in online activity and the lack of major updates, it could draw attention back to the game. Moreover, it's also an excellent way to raise funds for TI 2025 without devising a new monetization model.

Valve has hinted that they don't rule out returning to old forms if it makes sense. Considering the feedback on Crownfall and the absence of any new in-game events in recent months, the Battle Pass could once again be the "big comeback" the community is waiting for.

When Could the Battle Pass 2025 Be Released?

If Valve decides to bring back the Battle Pass for TI 2025, it would be logical to expect its release around the same time as in previous years: late August - September 2025, the most logical date, allowing funds to be raised and players to be content-rich before and during the event.

Currently, there have been no official announcements. But Valve's silence and lack of events, along with a steady decline in interest in the game, might force developers to change course. Although Valve stated a focus on other event formats, the objective situation with player activity, lack of new updates, and minimal in-game progress suggests that the Battle Pass still has a chance to return.