What are the two opposing factions in a Dota 2 match called?

The two opposing factions in a Dota 2 match are called Radiant and Dire.

Every standard Dota 2 match places five players on each side of the map. The Radiant base occupies the southwest corner, while the Dire base sits in the northeast. Three lanes connect the bases, and each faction defends an Ancient: the opposing team must destroy that structure to win.

Radiant and Dire are more than team labels. Their sides have different terrain layouts, jungle camps, high-ground approaches, visual themes, and building positions. Players often refer to a team’s “Radiant side” or “Dire side” when discussing ward spots, Roshan fights, lane matchups, or map advantages.

A frequent historical mix-up comes from original Warcraft III-era DotA. Earlier versions commonly called the factions Sentinel and Scourge, names inherited from the custom-map era. Dota 2 uses Radiant and Dire instead. “Light and Shadow” and “Order and Chaos” may sound like fantasy faction names, but they are not the official names of the two match sides.