Dota 2 or VALORANT on an older PC
Both are free, both are competitive and both run on hardware most games have left behind. The platforms around them are where they part ways.
01 · the short answerBoth run on almost anything with Windows; only Dota 2 runs beyond it
Both are among the lightest games on the list, happy on an old PC or an everyday laptop. Dota 2 also runs on Mac, Linux and Steam Deck. VALORANT needs Windows because of its kernel-level anti-cheat, but it adds a console edition for PS5 and Xbox Series.
02 · the kitWhere each one plays
| Kit | Dota 2 | VALORANT |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop PC | Plays | Plays |
| Everyday laptop | Plays | Plays |
| Steam Deck | With caveats · Playable | Not available · Not supported |
| PlayStation 5 | Not available | Plays |
| Xbox Series X|S | Not available | Plays |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Not available | Not available |
| Phone & tablet | Not available | Not available |
| Mac | Plays | Not available |
| Cloud streaming | With caveats · GeForce NOW | Not available |
03 · the factsSide by side
| Point | Dota 2 | VALORANT |
|---|---|---|
| Kit List score | 7.7 / 10 | 7.4 / 10 |
| Entry price | Free | Free |
| PEGI | Not rated | 16 |
| PC storage | 60 GB | 50 GB |
| Minimum graphics class | A | A |
| Crossplay | Windows, Mac and Linux together | PS5 and Xbox together; PC separate |
| Match length | Around forty minutes | Around half an hour or more in competitive |
| Anti-cheat | Valve Anti-Cheat; runs on Linux | Vanguard, kernel level; Windows only |
| Consoles | None | PS5 and Xbox Series, separate from PC |
| Learning curve | Very steep | Steep, but quicker to find your feet |
04 · the verdictWhich one to start
On a Windows machine either will run, so choose the game: Dota 2 for strategy and team planning that can take years to master, VALORANT for precise, round-by-round shooting. If you play on a Mac, on Linux or on a Steam Deck, only Dota 2 is an option.
Pick Dota 2 if…
you want the deepest strategy game around, play on a Mac, Linux or Steam Deck, and have patience for a long learning curve.
Full reviewPick VALORANT if…
you prefer precise shooting in shorter rounds, play on Windows or a current console, and are comfortable with kernel-level anti-cheat.
Full review