E3 2015: Dota 2 custom games mode and Hammer level editor introduced - anyone for Pudge Wars?

Custom map support is finally coming to Valve's free-to-play mobile online battle arena (moba) game Dota 2, and there's a snazzy editor to go with it. It's something fans have been yearning for since the game first launched in 2013

The news was announced on the official Dota 2 website.

Custom Games means that beyond the wildly popular main Dota 2 game mode, players will be able to create and play other modes created using Dota 2 assets. If the success of the custom map communities which formed around Blizzard's Dota-progenitor WarCraft 3 are anything to go by, this is going to be a huge boost for the game.

Anyone for Pudge Wars?

Custom maps have been kicking around in the game's Steam Workshop for a while now, and those eager enough could have experimented with them in the developer preview build - but now there is official support.

The new features (along with many others) will roll out when the Dota 2 Reborn update drops sometime after The International 2015 wraps up in August. However, those who can't wait to try out the new features can opt-in to the open-beta preview through their Steam client.

And let's not forget that Dota 2 remains entirely free to play, so the title will no doubt go from strength to strength on the back of this update.

Check out the new custom map features and Valve's Dota 2 level editor, which they have christened Hammer.

This news comes amid our ongoing E3 2015 coverage, so be sure to head on over to the IBTimes UK gaming news boiler to catch up on all the biggest announcements from the show.

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