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Dota 2revealed its first foray into story-based player vs. environment gameplay early this morning: Siltbreaker998 Archives a co-op campaign that'll send players into the depths of seas and beyond later this month.

Shedding away its hard player vs. player exterior, Dota 2is opening up an entirely new avenue of gameplay for Dotaplayers. Siltbreaker tasks four players (whether they are friends or matchmaking randos) with exploring and battling their way into the Dark Reef -- an underwater prison that at one point held the amphibious hero Slark.

The only catch with the campaign is that it's behind a paywall. To take part in Siltbreaker, you need to purchase the 2017 Dota 2International Battle Pass -- at a minimum of $9.99. You also get some exclusive cosmetics, items, International-related features, and the satisfaction of contributing to the International's crowd-funded prize pool.

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SEE ALSO: This 'Dota' player's life was hit hard hard by cancer and his story is inspiring Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Siltbreaker is split into two acts. The first act, The Sands of Fate, is coming later this month. Act two, A Vault in the Deep, is set for July.

As players push through the campaign, they'll explore different environments and battle against a variety of denizens to stop a dormant evil that threatens the seas.

Siltbreaker offers a new in-game currency: Campaign XP. After you accrue enough Campaign XP, you get to spin the Wheel of Rewards for prizes including a campaign-exclusive Desert Sands baby Roshan.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

At the time of publishing, enough people have purchased the 2017 International Battle Pass to push this year's prize pool to nearly $4 million. With the addition of the new co-op campaign, it wouldn't be surprising to see this year's prize pool top 2016's record-breaking $20 million.

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How the 2016 'Dota 2' International winners are splitting their $9 million prize

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