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

13,051

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

median $0.10· up to $2,088

Inscribed

7,194

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

median $0.20· up to $1,714

Autographed

5,800

Signed by a professional player via an autograph rune.

median $0.52· up to $1,800

Corrupted

2,108

An alternate, darker style variant of an item.

median $4.06· up to $1,667

Heroic

1,832

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

median $0.51· up to $787.50

Auspicious

1,320

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

median $0.20· up to $224.27

Cursed

1,119

A dark, cursed-themed style variant.

median $0.60· up to $1,567

Glitter

1,113

A shimmering alternate style variant.

median $0.14· up to $460.52

Frozen

998

A frosted, icy style variant of an item.

median $0.41· up to $1,054

Genuine

890

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

median $1.07· up to $1,546

Gold

866

A rare golden variant, typically of an Immortal item.

median $1.89· up to $420.53

Holo

852

Items with the Holo quality.

median $0.77· up to $373.38

Unusual

186

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

median $25.07· up to $1,854

Base

101

Items with the Base quality.

median $0.07· up to $14.40

Infused

Items with the Infused quality.

median $0.69· up to $15.02

Exalted

A prestige quality on select high-end items.

median $21.07· up to $194.30

Ascendant

Items with the Ascendant quality.

median $75.48· up to $540.47

Elder

Items with the Elder quality.

median $0.19· up to $1,078

Legacy

Items with the Legacy quality.

median $908.90· up to $1,639

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?

Unusual is by far the most valuable, because it means a special particle effect — the reason certain couriers sell for thousands. Gold (golden Immortals) and scarce Genuine items also command premiums over their standard versions.