QUALITIES

Dota 2 item qualities explained

Quality is the label on the coloured prefix of an item's name — Inscribed, Genuine, Corrupted, Unusual and more. It's separate from rarity: rarity is the tier, quality is how a specific copy was obtained or modified. Here's what each one means and how many items carry it.

Standard

14,033

The default, unmodified quality — the plain version of a cosmetic.

median $0.12· up to $2,088

Inscribed

7,243

Carries a Gem of the Inscribed that tracks in-game stats like kills or wins.

median $0.22· up to $1,678

Autographed

5,804

Signed by a professional player via an autograph rune.

median $0.60· up to $1,800

Corrupted

2,601

An alternate, darker style variant of an item.

median $4.00· up to $1,120

Heroic

1,878

A quality tied to certain event and battle-pass items.

median $0.63· up to $787.50

Auspicious

1,469

An event quality, often tied to seasonal or tournament items.

median $0.39· up to $341.36

Cursed

1,217

A dark, cursed-themed style variant.

median $0.68· up to $1,567

Frozen

1,167

A frosted, icy style variant of an item.

median $0.67· up to $1,035

Glitter

1,122

A shimmering alternate style variant.

median $0.15· up to $460.52

Genuine

1,013

Granted for a real-world purchase or promotion — cannot be crafted.

median $1.39· up to $1,170

Gold

910

A rare golden variant, typically of an Immortal item.

median $2.10· up to $420.53

Unusual

194

Carries a special particle effect — the driver behind the priciest couriers.

median $40.00· up to $1,854

Exalted

A prestige quality on select high-end items.

median $21.65· up to $194.68

Frequently asked questions

What does item quality mean in Dota 2?

Quality is the coloured prefix on an item’s name — like Inscribed, Genuine or Unusual. It describes how a particular copy was obtained or modified, such as carrying a stat-tracking gem, being autographed by a pro, or holding a special particle effect.

What is the difference between quality and rarity?

Rarity is the item’s tier (Common through Arcana) and is fixed for that cosmetic. Quality is applied to an individual copy and can vary between two of the same item — one might be Standard and another Inscribed or Unusual.

Browse rarity tiers →

Which quality is worth the most?

It depends on the item. Unusual items with rare effects often sit at the top, and a famous autograph can add a premium. Each quality card above shows the median and highest price for that quality.