Ranked matchmaking and Frostivus coming to Dota 2

Valve will introduce new ranked matchmaking features in the next major update for Dota 2, according to a post on the game's official blog. Dota 2 players will also be treated to some holiday festivities with the upcoming Frostivus celebration.

Ranked matchmaking is "aimed at experienced players who want to play in a more competitive environment and know their matchmaking rating," Valve said. That matchmaking rating is currently used in Dota 2's matchmaking, but Valve now plans to expose that rating to players looking for new challenges.

The option will be unlocked to players who have played 150 or more games of Dota 2. It comes with its own set of restrictions, including that all players in a party must have ranked matchmaking unlocked, only certain game modes utilize it and that coaches are barred. Extensive details about ranked matchmaking are available on the Dota 2 blog.

The Dota 2 blog also teases the arrival of Frostivus, the game's wintry celebration of gift-giving and wreath-crafting. Details are scant, but the Dota 2 website confirms that "this year's Frostivus will be twice as caring and serene."