A few weeks ago, Valve stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The International 10 will probably not take place in 2020. Despite this, the International Battle Pass, which gives access to exclusive content, features, and perks, will once again be available for purchase, and a portion of the proceeds will fund the next International prize pool.

This year's Battle Pass includes a new guild system that allows players to earn rewards such as emoticons and Battle Pass bonuses by winning matches and completing daily goals and weekly challenges with like-minded friends. A guild chat feature allows players to stay in touch not only while playing, but also through Steam, including through the mobile app.

There will also be a new summer event featuring a "four-player maze of madness and mayhem" and a new two-part cavern expedition offering exclusive item sets, battle points, and "more riches and dark horrors" for those who can find their way to a second map, "Nightsilver" and " Foulfell" are also available.

Adding a new "more competitive twist" to Dota 2, the "Battle Gauntlet" is a tiered challenge that awards 1500 Battle Points, Battle Tier upgrades, and 200 Sideshop Gold to players who can win three games before losing two. Bounty tokens can be used to put bounties on enemy heroes. The higher the Battle Tier, the more tokens you earn and the more bounty you can place on them. Players who present the Battle Pass will also receive a special profile and Versus Screen title.

International Battle Passes are always big, but this one seems particularly substantial, perhaps to make up for the fact that the International itself is not currently getting much attention.

"The International Battle Pass is designed to fill this unique summer season with the epic charm of Dota that we all know and love. Packed with new features and legendary rewards, the Battle Pass is a gateway to unexplored riches and endless wonders that celebrate the game and the global community that continues to help it thrive."

As in previous years, the 2020 International Battle Pass can be leveled up by completing a variety of tasks and challenges, with more rewards as you advance. They can also be purchased: the level 1 Battle Pass is $10, the 50th level is $30, and the 100th level is $45. This year's top rewards are Baby Roshan, which replaces Roshan's in-game model, and Collector's Baby Roshan for players who reach level 2000.

25% of the funds raised will go toward the prize pool for The International 10, which will eventually be held. It is unclear how long the Battle Pass will be available: as Dot Esports noted, the Battle Pass is usually removed about a week after The International ends, but since that is pending, no specific date has been set.