You can borrow Dota 2 HUDs, announcers, more as shared content

Dota 2 players can share their cosmetic content with their teammates thanks to an often-forgotten feature in the game. Here’s what it is and how to use it.

Cosmetics are a big part of Dota 2, but the customization doesn’t end with your hero. HUD skins and announcer packs are a great way to jazz up an otherwise plain match. It’s okay to have your own favorites, but you can always see what your Dota 2 teammates are using with shared content. Here’s how to borrow your friends’ and teammates’ sounds and skins mid-match.

The shared content tab is available from the in-game leaderboard bound to tab by default. At the top of the list there are a few icons representing different options. The hand holding a box represents the shared content tab. Click on it to view a list of shareable cosmetics that your teammates are using. The option used to be located at the top of the leaderboard, but was moved in the recent Spring Cleaning update.

From there, look through the list and swap over to whichever options you want. If you’re having a hard time deciding, you can switch between multiple examples of shared content over the course of a Dota 2 match.

What kind of content is shareable in Dota 2?

Shareable content only works for three specific world slots. The first is HUD skins. These cosmetics change the colors and texture of the in-game user interface. It’s most noticeable around the hero bar, but it can change the shop and minimap areas as well. Valve really only makes HUD skins for The International battle passes these days, but this remains a great way to experience a new aesthetic in every match.

The other two shared content opportunities are studio options. Dota 2 has 25 unique announcer packs, but shared content is now the only way for new players to experience some of them. This is especially true for a handful of mega-kill packs. The infamous Mega-Kills: Gabe Newell pack from The International 2018 cannot be purchased or traded for, so enjoy by borrowing it as shared content from a teammate if you can.

Sadly, shared content does not apply to Dota 2 hero cosmetics in any way. The only way to share hero skins with each other is to trade them directly.