How to Lock Camera in Dota 2, Lock on Hero Explained

Dota 2's many features are explained in-game; however, some are not. One of them is how to lock your camera. According to many players, this is an unnecessary disadvantage, restricting your camera view and other features. This is further evident from the fact that even professional Dota 2 players prefer playing with the default game settings that don't lock the camera.

However, read this if you're coming from another MOBA game like LoL or don't want to reposition your camera with your mouse. But before we begin, know that you can always use mmr boosting to hire skilled players who've mastered the art of camera navigation in the game and help you rank up quickly without worrying about locking the camera.

How to Lock Camera and Adjust Dota 2 Camera Settings

To lock the camera on a hero in Dota 2 settings, players must first assign a hotkey in the settings menu:

• Start by clicking the setting gear icon on the main menu at the screen's top left side (top left corner).
• Go to the hot-keys tab under the Unit Actions section.

• Assign a hot key for Select Hero.
• Go to the Options setting tab and find the Camera section.

• Here, enable "Hold Select Hero to Follow". With that done, the camera lock will follow you whenever you press and hold the hot key or the "Select Hero" key in any Dota 2 game.
• In the same section, disable Edge Pan.

The last step of disabling Edge Pan in Dota 2 settings is crucial because we don't want to unlock the camera every time the player moves the mouse to the edge of the screen. While this prevents access to certain map areas, the player can always use the keyboard arrow keys or the mini-map camera to reach those areas.

In rare cases where an in-game glitch won't update your Dota 2 camera settings, you can always manually click your hero’s portrait in the interface to lock the camera on your hero in Dota 2 temporarily. However, if you move your cursor to the edge, it will unlock the camera lock, and the camera in Dota 2 will adjust its position based on your mouse movement every time you move your cursor.

Why Use the Camera Lock Feature on a Hero in Dota 2?

While having the camera lock feature creates an accessibility option in-game for pros and veterans, they don't use it since it limits map awareness. But the Dota 2 lock camera setting feature is there for a reason in the game, and some players might utilize it in the following situations:

• Players often lock the camera to body-block enemy heroes. Body blocking is when you position your character to ensure enemy heroes stay in their lanes and do not escape.
• A lock camera is helpful for players from other MOBAs, such as Heroes of the Storm or League of Legends. Players from Heroes of the Storm or League of Legends are accustomed to lock camera, as their map awareness is not as important.
• It teaches new players how to play Dota 2 the proper way.