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Port Forward Dota 2: How to Open Ports on Routers Behind CGNAT  

  • 22 January 2025
  • 5 mins read

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Dota 2 is a popular MMO game best known for its competitive gameplay. However, you might experience connectivity issues and higher ping. But you can always port forward Dota 2 on your router, even behind CGNAT. This guide provides actionable steps to open ports on routers for a seamless gameplay.

What is Port Forwarding? 

Port forwarding directs internet traffic to a specific device on your private network, allowing it to connect better with external servers. This improves connection stability for high-intensity, multiplayer games like DOTA, Call of Duty, and GTA 5.

Before You Forward a Port 

You need to know the following before opening ports for any game and application: 

  • The IP address of your router 
  • The IP address of your device (computer or console)
  • Port numbers (UDP and TCP)
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Default Ports for Dota 2

You have to open specific ports to enhance the performance of Dota 2.

Dota 2 - Steam

  • TCP: 27015, 27036
  • UDP: 27005, 27015-28999

How to Port Forward Dota 2

Follow these steps for port forwarding Dota 2 on your router:

Step 1: Log in to Your Router

  • Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  • Log in using your admin credentials.

Step 2: Locate the Port Forwarding Section

  • Navigate to the "Port Forwarding," "Virtual Server," or "Applications" tab.

Step 3: Add a Port Forwarding Rule

  • Enter the following details:
  • Service Name: Dota 2
  • Protocol: Select TCP, UDP, or both based on the required ports.
  • External Ports: Enter the ports you wish to open.
  • Internal Ports: Match these with the external ports.
  • Device IP Address: Enter the IP address of your gaming device.
  • Save the rule.

Step 4: Restart Your Router

After saving the changes, restart your router to apply the new settings.

Why Opening Ports behind CGNAT an Issue? 

CGNAT is a networking technique most ISPs (internet service providers) perform to share a single public IP among many users to save IPv4 addresses. While it helps ISPs prevent IP exhaustion, it stops you from opening ports on your router. Even if somehow you open ports on a router behind CGNAT, chances are your IP address will get blacklisted or blocked. 

How to Open Ports on Routers Behind CGNAT

With PureVPN's Port Forwarding add-on and dedicated IP, you can bypass CGNAT and port forward multiple routers for multiplayer games like Dota 2, Overwatch 2, Team Fortress 2, and Rocket League. 

Follow the below steps:

  1. Login to the PureVPN member area.
  2. Click the subscription tab.
  3. Click Configure.
  4. Apply your desired port settings.
  5. Click Apply settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Will I need to reconfigure port forwarding if I change my router or internet provider?

    Plus

    Yes, changing your router or ISP may require reconfiguring port forwarding settings to ensure continued optimal performance in Counter-Strike.

  • Do I need to set up port forwarding for both TCP and UDP protocols?

    Plus

    Yes, Counter-Strike uses both TCP and UDP protocols, so it's essential to forward the specified ports for both.n

  • Does port forwarding affect other devices on my network?

    Plus

    No, port forwarding directs specific traffic to designated devices and does not impact other devices on your private network.n

  • What if I don't know my router's login credentials?

    Plus

    Check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website for default credentials. If previously changed, you may need to reset the router settings.n

In Summary

Experience uninterrupted, high-intensity gaming sessions in Counter-Strike. Use PureVPN's Port Forwarding add-on and dedicated IP to seamlessly connect to external game servers, maintain stable connections, and configure port forwarding on routers behind CGNAT today!

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