Want to celebrate an outplay or add a little personality during a match? Taunts are cosmetic animations that let your hero perform a unique action in-game. They’re a fun way to express yourself, celebrate a great play, or simply entertain your teammates.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to equip and use taunts in Dota 2.
What Are Taunts in Dota 2?
Taunts are cosmetic items that trigger a special animation for your hero. Unlike voice lines or chat wheel messages, taunts make your hero perform a unique action, such as dancing, posing, or performing a funny animation.
Each taunt is designed specifically for a particular hero, so a taunt purchased for one hero cannot be used by another.
Taunts are purely cosmetic and do not provide any gameplay advantage.
How to Equip a Taunt
Before you can use a taunt, you’ll need to equip one.
Step 1: Own a Taunt
Purchase or obtain a taunt for your hero through the Steam Community Market, Dota 2 Store, or other supported sources.
Step 2: Open Your Hero Loadout
From the main menu, open the Heroes tab and select the hero you want to customize.
Step 3: Equip the Taunt
Open the hero’s loadout and equip your taunt in the designated Taunt slot.
Once equipped, it will be available during matches whenever you play that hero.
How to Use a Taunt During a Match
After equipping a taunt, you can assign a hotkey to activate it.
Step 1
Open Settings.
Step 2
Go to the Hotkeys section.
Step 3
Locate the Taunt key binding and assign your preferred hotkey.
Step 4
During a match, press your assigned key to activate your equipped taunt.
If your hero has a taunt equipped and it’s available, your hero will immediately perform the animation.
Can Every Hero Use Taunts?
Many Dota 2 heroes have at least one available taunt, but not every hero has received one. Valve continues to release new cosmetic items over time, so the number of heroes with taunts may increase in future updates.
Before purchasing a taunt, make sure it’s compatible with the hero you intend to use.
Can You Use Taunts Anytime?
Taunts can be activated during most parts of a match, although they have a cooldown to prevent constant spamming.
Since the exact cooldown may change with game updates, it’s best to think of taunts as something you’ll use occasionally rather than continuously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are taunts free?
Most taunts are premium cosmetic items that must be purchased or obtained through events, treasures, or the Steam Community Market.
Do taunts provide any gameplay advantage?
No. Taunts are purely cosmetic and have no effect on your hero’s stats, abilities, or gameplay.
Can I use a taunt without equipping it?
No. A taunt must first be equipped in your hero’s loadout before it can be activated during a match.
Can other players see my taunt?
Yes. Nearby players can see your hero performing the taunt animation, making them a popular way to celebrate plays or have fun during matches.
Final Thoughts
Taunts are one of the many cosmetic features that let you personalize your Dota 2 experience. Once you’ve equipped a taunt and assigned a hotkey, you can activate it during matches to celebrate victories, entertain teammates, or simply show off your favorite animation.
Whether you use them after an impressive team fight or just for fun while waiting for the next creep wave, taunts are a great way to add personality to every game.
