Dota 2: Secret Shops, Their Lore, and More!

There’s nothing worse than finding yourself in the final stretches of a Dota 2 match, only to have your inventory nearly empty of anything useful. While you’ll struggle to max out your inventory, it’s easy to burn through those Energy Boosters, Void Stones, and Sacred Relics if you’re not careful. Thankfully, Dota 2’s Secret Shops are on hand for players who need to replenish their stocks during battle.

What Are Secret Shops?

Back in the day, shops were scattered across a typical Dota 2 map. As such, just about every player was within easy reach of one. Those in the off lane using heroes like Centaur Warrunner or Underlord could easily add stock up items to create handy items like Blademail, while those playing in the safe lane with heroes like Spectre and Slark had their own shop to turn to.

Sadly, these shops were dropped from the game with the release of the 7.23 patch update in November 2020. Since then, players have been limited to two shops, with one on each side of the map. You’ll find them located between the forested area, nestled between the hard lane and the middle lane.

Secret Shop Lore

If you’re planning on making a purchase, you’ll come across the Shopkeeper. Although he isn’t a playable hero, the Keeper is one of the most established characters in Dota 2 lore. In fact, he starred in the first-ever Dota 2 trailer back in 2011. Since then, he’s become something of a mascot for Valve’s epic MOBA. His backstory has been explored in-depth, with several backstories revealing a complex history that puts him squarely in the morally gray territory.

Using the Secret Shop

Why bother with the Secret Shop when you can use the normal one? Well, for starters, the Keeper offers some unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking to upgrade your arsenal, you’ll need to visit the Secret Shop at least once. You can access the Secret Shop on foot. You’re not limited to the vendor on your side of the map. Instead, you can make a purchase from whichever shop is within range. If you can’t make it to a shop, you can use the courier system to make life easier. Every player begins a match with a single courier in their inventory, so they need to be used wisely.

Basic Items and Exclusive Upgrades

The Shopkeeper stocks a pretty impressive selection of wares. You’ll find health-boosting items like Reavers, along with magic-enhancing essentials like the Mystic Staff. While these everyday items might not be too exciting in their own right, you’ll need to use the Secret Shop if you want to complete recipes for certain items. Take the Eternal Shroud as one example. While you can pick up a Voodoo Mask from the Base shop, you’ll also need a Hood of Defiance. To craft one of these, you’ll need to buy a Cloak and Ring of Regen from the Base Shop, before seeking out a Ring of Health from the Secret Shop.

Looking to see what the pros are adding to their armory? Check out the Dota 2 schedule 2023 in full to follow your favorite esports teams in action.