How to Increase the Behavior Score in Dota 2
Contents
In a game as complex as Dota 2, there are bound to be moments when even a slight lapse in judgment may cost you a fight or even an entire match. However, if you’ve been playing MOBAs for any length of time, you probably know that the audience of such games is, well, not an overly forgiving bunch and your teammates may use any errors on your part as an excuse to harass you. Thankfully, Valve seems to recognize this issue and has introduced a metric that estimates each player's in-game behavior. This Behavioral Score ranges from 1 to 12,000 points and has a significant impact on your gaming experience. For instance, if you fail to maintain a high Dota Behavior Score, you will be unable to:
- Coach other players.
- Communicate via voice and text chats.
- Draw on the map.
- Use important gameplay features like pause.
But is it simple to keep this score high? Let’s find out!
How is The Behavior Score Calculated?
Before we discuss how to increase the Behavior Score in Dota 2, let's talk about the algorithm behind this feature.
The system conducts a review of your actions along with every commendation or report you get after every match. If your conduct has significantly changed, the algorithm can change your behavior score by up to 300–400 points.
Additionally, there is a real-time check for toxicity, which allows players to report cyberbullying. This system activates immediately upon receiving a report, and if it finds that your teammate has indeed used abusive language, it immediately turns off their voice and text chats.
Also, consider that after Valve’s Summer Client Update, Behavior Score actually consists of two parts: the original Behavior Score and the newly added Communication Score.
Behavior Score
This metric evaluates your interaction with players during matches. It has a direct impact on your matchmaking, which means if you maintain a high score, you’ll be playing with responsible teammates most of the time. Here’s a list of features you can lose if your score drops low enough:
Score | Definitive benefit or penalty |
12,000–10,000 | You can coach other players |
Less than 10,000 | Coaching becomes unavailable |
Less than 7,000 | You stop receiving cosmetic items after the matches |
Less than 5,000 | Pausing a match is unavailable |
Less than 3,000 | You can’t play ranked games |
Communication Score
This metric evaluates how toxic your in-game communications are. It is determined by analyzing how you use the game’s voice and text chats. Check the list provided below to see how your experience may change as your communication score drops.
Score | Definitive benefit or penalty |
12,000–10,000 | You can coach other players |
Less than 10,000 | You can’t coach or ping the abilities of your allies |
Less than 8,000 | Voice chat becomes unavailable |
Less than 7,000 | You can no longer tip other players |
Less than 6,000 | Tech chat is turned off |
Less than 3,000 | Your account gets a thirty-second cooldown for all in-game communications |
How to See Your Behavior Score in Dota 2
Now, let’s see how you can check the Dota 2 Behavior Score to discover whether the system still thinks you’re one of the good guys. First, you need to enter the game and open your profile.
Find the Player Behavior Summary tab and click it.
You’ll see both your Behavior and Communication scores, as well as actions taken against the players you’ve recently reported.
Also, sometimes Dota 2 shows your Behavior and Communication scores automatically when you enter the game. Usually, it happens after the metrics change.
Reasons for a Low Behavior Score
The main reason Valve introduced the Dota 2 Behavior Score is the long-standing toxicity problem in the Dota community. If you notice your score starts to fall, it’s a clear signal that you need to change your attitude towards other players. The main reasons your score may fall are:
- Leaving matches frequently (except for New Player Mode).
- Insulting other players via voice or text chats.
- Receiving several reports (for smurfing, feeding, toxic behavior, etc.).
Tips to Improve Your Behavior Score in Dota
Learning how to increase the player Behavior Score in Dota 2 is important for anyone who doesn’t want to one day find themselves in a low-priority hell. In any case, it’s not like you can get a pleasant Dota experience without the ability to communicate and discuss your in-game actions. Fortunately, there are simple ways to improve your soft skills and become a better teammate.
Always be polite
It’s only natural to get mad or angry with your teammates during a match. Nonetheless, you should never enter your rage mode and abuse other players. Moreover, if you manage to maintain a supportive and friendly atmosphere in your team, your chances of winning will probably increase.
Also, try to avoid misunderstandings. If you're not pleased with another player's actions, try to explain your point without using foul language.
Never abandon matches
You’ll see a jaw-dropping Dota 2 Behavior Score boost once you stop leaving matches before they end. Yeah, sometimes it may look like your team is doomed, but remember that even one fight can change the outcomes of an entire game. Your ability to keep your nerves under control is all that stands between you and infinite reports. You should always accept games in time to avoid penalties.
Aim for commendations
Unlike reports, commendations not only enhance your Behavior Score but also make you a more professional player in the eyes of other gamers. You can obtain the recognition of your teammates by providing them with useful tips, handling your role’s responsibilities well, and actively contributing to the team’s performance. At the same time, don’t hesitate to give credit where it’s due and commend other players.
Have fun with friends
Unfortunately, even if you play like legendary Miracle- or N0tail and help your teammates all the time, you still may get reports from inadequate random players. Thus, it’s better to team up with your friends and keep going toward the Immortal rank together. Also, you can try to find friendly players in the in-game regional chat or at various forums. Playing a couple of Dota 2 matches with them may be a great alternative when all your buddies are busy.
Play Turbo mode
Finally, if you wonder how to raise the Behavior Score in Dota 2 ASAP, try playing matches in Turbo mode. Considering that they last around 20 minutes on average, this is a great way to earn a lot of commendations fast. On the other hand, you should stay on top of your best behavior and help your team at all times to avoid getting just as many reports.
How Often Does the Behavior Score Update?
Many players wonder how long it takes to improve the Behavior Score, so let’s reveal the truth! The algorithm reviews your performance after every 10 matches. However, consider that reports, abandoning matches, or not accepting the game may affect your Behavior Score immediately.
Conclusion
Now, you know how to improve the Behavior Score in Dota 2 and the reasons why you need to keep it high. Remember that through proper communication, you can not only foster a more positive environment (a thing that Dota 2 sorely needs) but also implement an efficient strategy or maneuver. It can greatly improve your chances of winning a match, which is a sure way to boost your MMR.
