How to Predict a Win in Dota 2

If you’ve spent at least a couple of months playing Dota 2, you’ve probably noticed the notification that some of your teammates or enemies can predict their victory. These players aren’t just testing their luck — they’re using this in-game system to earn special Shards and improve their victory prediction streak.

Would you like to test your guessing game instincts with this feature and make spot-on predictions? Our guide breaks down how to predict in Dota 2 — and win!

What Are Dota Plus Predictions?

Before you learn how to predict in Dota 2, let’s dive deeper into the mechanics of this feature. Thus, the first thing you need to consider is that you have to be a Dota Plus subscriber to get access to the prediction system.

Once you activate it, at the beginning of each match (except for low-priority ones), you’ll be able to predict whether your team will win at the start of each match. When you lock in your prediction, your hero is likely to shout a unique line, and the stake will be made. Players who make correct predictions receive shards, which can be redeemed for various rewards.

How to Activate Victory Shout

Let’s get straight to the point — how to predict a game in Dota 2? Follow our instructions to make your victorious forecast:

• Ensure that you have a Dota Plus subscription, which grants access to Victory Shout, an in-game item necessary for making predictions.

  

• Start a match and wait until the Pick Stage ends.
• The game will show the “Victory Prediction” icon on the screen. It allows you to make a forecast before the actual game time begins.
• If you believe your team can beat the enemy, simply press the “Victory Prediction” icon before the game starts.

Consider that it’s possible to make only one forecast per match. Also, once you’ve pressed the “Victory Prediction” icon, you are unable to cancel your decision.

Rewards for Correct Predictions

You’re probably wondering what you actually get after making a correct prediction (aside from that sweet feeling of being right). First of all, the game shows both teammates and enemies how many correct predictions you have made in a row. So, if there are more than two successful forecasts, it’ll surely cheer up your buddies’ mood and slightly contribute to your reputation.

On the rewards side, here’s how it works: you earn 10 shards for one successful forecast, 20 for two in a row, 30 for three, etc. If you manage to predict five consecutive wins, you’ll start receiving 50 shards for every correct prediction after that. Once you miss to make a correct forecast, your win streak resets, so you’ll need to start building it up again from scratch to reach the maximum reward. The shards you earn can be used as in-game currency to unlock various cosmetic items:

It’s also possible to tip other players with the shards you’ve gained. Nevertheless, consider that spamming this activity may affect your behavior score. Thus, use it only when you truly want to commend a player.

How to Get Dota Plus to Access Predictions

Now you know how to predict victory in Dota 2, so if you want to test this feature, it’s just the right time to activate the Dota Plus subscription. Here are three simple steps you must take to subscribe:

• Click the “Dota Plus” tab in the main menu.

  

• Choose the subscription plan (monthly, 6-month, or annual) that meets your budget and complete the purchase. Consider that this process is similar to buying games on Steam or skins on the official community market.

  

• The “Victory Shout” is automatically unlocked and becomes available after your Dota Plus subscription is active.

Dota Plus costs around $3.99 per month. However, it’s possible to opt for discounts by purchasing six- or twelve-month subscription plans. Also, you’ll be able to cancel Dota Plus whenever you want in the “Manage Subscription” tab.

Tips to Improve Prediction Accuracy

Knowing how to predict a win in Dota 2 doesn’t mean that you’ll immediately start making accurate forecasts. There are many things to consider if you want to avoid failure, including:

1. Analyze Hero Drafts. First of all, pay attention to the characters in your team — do they perfectly match with each other? Then, check your enemies to ensure they haven’t managed to counter-pick your heroes.
2. Check Hero Roles. All players on your team must adhere to their roles and select suitable heroes. For example, if you see your Carry picking Io, it’s better to avoid predicting your win in the upcoming match.
3. Evaluate Team Behavior. When you don’t play Dota 2 with your friends, it may be slightly more challenging to win. If you notice that even one team member behaves inadequately during the Pick Stage, you should hesitate to make a forecast. Additionally, if the players on your team refuse to communicate and develop an efficient strategy, it’s better not to predict a win.
4. Follow the Top Metas. After every new patch, the game mechanics change slightly, making some heroes more powerful while reducing the effectiveness of others. Keeping an eye on current metas will help you select stronger characters, eventually increasing your chances of winning a match.

Conclusion

Now you know how to predict in Dota 2 Reborn and increase your chances of making a successful forecast. Always use the tips from our guide to carefully analyze both your team’s and your opponents' potential. And remember — if you aren’t sure about the outcome of defeating your opponents, it’s always better to avoid making a forecast, so you won’t lose your successful prediction streak.