What Low Priority is
Low Priority (LP, low priority) is a penalty matchmaking mode. While an account is in it, you cannot play normal or ranked matches: first you have to "work off" the punishment — win several games in a special mode with no progress and no rewards.
LP is not a ban. The account still works, but matchmaking is restricted and lobbies are filled with the same kind of offenders. The point of the system is to make it clear that the behavior was unacceptable, and to return you to normal matchmaking only after a series of clean games.
Why you get LP
- Abandon (leaving games). The most common reason. A few abandoned matches in a row almost guarantees Low Priority.
- AFK and disconnects. Constantly stepping away and dropping out is treated as sabotage.
- A wave of reports. Toxicity in chat, insults, intentional feeding — teammates report you, and the system reacts.
- Low behavior score. If your behavior score is already in the critical zone, it's easier to land in LP and the punishment lasts longer.
How the mode works
In Low Priority matches run in single draft mode — a limited pool of heroes, no rating and no rewards. To get out, you need to win a certain number of these games — usually between 1 and 5.
What counts is wins, not matches played. Any new abandon in Low Priority resets your progress and can extend the punishment — play every game through to the end. An abandoned penalty match also locks matchmaking for twenty minutes, and a second one for a full day.
The penalty does not stick to you alone. While the account sits in Low Priority the whole party counts as penalised: invite a friend and they ride into the same mode and the same lobbies until they leave the group, and the ranked queue closes for everyone. Item drops are switched off for the duration too.
With repeat offences the number of required wins grows, and the mode itself gets "stickier": each time it's harder to climb out of it. People often cycle back into LP because of tilt — if that sounds familiar, see how to stop tilting and throwing games.
How to get out of LP
- Play to win. LP games come down to individual impact — pick a strong hero from those available and carry.
- Don't abandon matches. An abandon resets the win counter and can add to the punishment. Play even the hard games through.
- Play in a row. Close out the series in one session while you're focused — it's faster and there's less chance of catching a new penalty.
- Keep your connection stable. A technical drop in LP is just as dangerous as a deliberate leave.
How to avoid it again
Getting out of Low Priority doesn't raise your behavior score by itself — if the behavior score stayed low, you risk going back. The best insurance is to raise your behavior score quickly in parallel. Prevention is simple:
- Don't abandon games and keep a stable internet connection.
- Mute toxic teammates instead of arguing — don't give them reasons to report you.
- Raise your behavior score with clean games and commends. A detailed plan is in the behavior score guide.
When to order removal
If you have no time or desire to grind the penalty mode, the account can be taken out of Low Priority with the Dota 2 LP removal service. A booster will win the required number of games and lift the punishment, and if needed will also raise your behavior score so you don't end up back there.
It's a logical first step before climbing your rating: on a clean account with no penalties it's easier and more pleasant to raise MMR. And if chat toxicity was the reason for LP, it's worth sorting out your Communication Score too, so you don't catch new reports. Over 5 years and 8,228 orders we have 0 bans.
