python-manta 1.4.7.3

Python interface for the Manta Dota 2 replay parser

Python Manta

Python bindings for the dotabuff/manta Dota 2 replay parser

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What This Library Does

Python Manta is a wrapper/bindings library that provides Python access to the excellent Manta Go library for parsing Dota 2 replay files (.dem).

Important Attribution

All the heavy lifting is done by dotabuff/manta - the battle-tested Go replay parser maintained by Dotabuff. This Python library simply:

1. Wraps the Manta Go library using CGO
2. Exposes a Pythonic API via ctypes
3. Provides type-safe Pydantic models for parsed data

If you're working in Go, use Manta directly. This library exists for Python developers who need replay parsing capabilities.

Library Philosophy

Python Manta is a low-level data extraction library, not an analytics tool. We provide:

✅ In Scope	❌ Out of Scope
Raw data extraction	Analysis/aggregation logic
Enums/constants for game data (RuneType, EntityType, CombatLogType, DamageType, Team, NeutralItemTier, NeutralItem)	Fight detection algorithms
Type-safe Pydantic models	Statistics computation
Simple helper properties (e.g., is_pro_match())	Data interpretation

The line: If it's mapping/typing game data → library. If it's interpreting/analyzing → user code.

Users should build analysis logic on top of the raw data we provide.

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Table of Contents

• Documentation ← Full docs with examples
• Versioning
• Installation
• Quick Start
• V2 Parser API (Recommended)
• API Reference
• Game Events
• Modifiers
• Entity Queries
• String Tables
• Combat Log
• Parser Info
• Supported Callbacks (272 Total)
• Data Models
• Common Use Cases
• Development Setup
• Architecture
• AI Integration Guide
• Troubleshooting
• Contributing
• License

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Versioning

Python Manta follows a 4-part versioning scheme that tracks the upstream dotabuff/manta version:

v{manta_major}.{manta_minor}.{manta_patch}.{python_manta_release}

Version Part	Meaning
1.4.5	Base dotabuff/manta version this release is built on
.1, .2, etc.	Python Manta release number for that manta version

Examples:

• v1.4.5 - Initial release based on manta v1.4.5
• v1.4.5.1 - First update/bugfix release, still using manta v1.4.5
• v1.4.5.2 - Second update, still using manta v1.4.5
• v1.4.6 - New release when manta updates to v1.4.6

This scheme allows us to release updates (new features, bugfixes, documentation) without waiting for upstream manta releases (which happen ~twice per year).

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Installation

From PyPI (Recommended)

pip install python-manta

Pre-built wheels are available for:

• Linux (x86_64)
• macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)
• Windows (AMD64)

No Go installation required - wheels include pre-compiled binaries.

Version Pinning

Always use the latest release for your target Manta version to get bug fixes and improvements:

# Latest release for Manta 1.4.5.x (recommended)
pip install "python-manta>=1.4.5,<1.4.6"

# Or use compatible release operator
pip install "python-manta~=1.4.5"

From Source

See Building from Source section below.

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Quick Start

Parse Demo Header

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(header=True)

print(f"Map: {result.header.map_name}")
print(f"Server: {result.header.server_name}")
print(f"Build: {result.header.build_num}")
print(f"Network Protocol: {result.header.network_protocol}")

Parse Specific Messages

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")

# Extract chat messages (limit to 100)
result = parser.parse(messages={"filter": "CDOTAUserMsg_ChatMessage", "max_messages": 100})

if result.success:
    for msg in result.messages.messages:
        print(f"[Tick {msg.tick}] Player {msg.data['source_player_id']}: {msg.data['message_text']}")

Parse Draft (Picks & Bans)

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(game_info=True)

for pick_ban in result.game_info.picks_bans:
    action = "PICK" if pick_ban.is_pick else "BAN"
    team = "Radiant" if pick_ban.team == 2 else "Dire"
    print(f"{team} {action}: Hero ID {pick_ban.hero_id}")

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Parser API

The Parser class provides single-pass parsing - all data collected in one file traversal. This is much more efficient when extracting multiple data types.

Single-Pass Parsing

from python_manta import Parser

# Create parser bound to file
parser = Parser("match.dem")

# Collect all data types in ONE parse (instead of 5 separate parses)
result = parser.parse(
    header=True,
    game_info=True,
    combat_log={"types": [0, 4], "max_entries": 100},
    entities={"interval_ticks": 1800, "max_snapshots": 50},
    messages={"filter": "ChatMessage", "max_messages": 100},
)

# Access all results
print(result.header.map_name)
print(result.game_info.match_id)
print(len(result.combat_log.entries))

Index/Seek API (Random Access)

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")

# Build keyframe index for seeking
index = parser.build_index(interval_ticks=1800)  # Every 60 seconds
print(f"Total ticks: {index.total_ticks}, Keyframes: {len(index.keyframes)}")

# Get hero state at specific tick
snap = parser.snapshot(target_tick=36000)  # 20 minutes
for hero in snap.heroes:
    print(f"{hero.hero_name}: HP={hero.health}/{hero.max_health} at ({hero.x:.0f}, {hero.y:.0f})")
    print(f"  LH={hero.last_hits} Gold={hero.gold} NW={hero.net_worth} KDA={hero.kda}")

# Include illusions/clones
snap = parser.snapshot(target_tick=36000, include_illusions=True)
for hero in snap.heroes:
    if hero.is_clone:
        print(f"Clone: {hero.hero_name}")
    elif hero.is_illusion:
        print(f"Illusion: {hero.hero_name}")

# Parse events in tick range
result = parser.parse_range(start_tick=25000, end_tick=35000, combat_log=True)
for entry in result.combat_log:
    print(f"Tick {entry['tick']}: {entry['target_name']}")

API Reference

Method	Description
Parser(demo_path)	Create parser bound to file
parse(**collectors)	Single-pass parsing with multiple collectors
build_index(interval_ticks)	Build keyframe index for seeking
snapshot(target_tick, include_illusions=False)	Get hero state at tick
find_keyframe(index, target_tick)	Find nearest keyframe
parse_range(start, end, **collectors)	Parse events in tick range
stream(**options)	Stream events from demo

Parser Class

The main class for parsing Dota 2 replay files.

class Parser:
    def __init__(self, demo_path: str, library_path: Optional[str] = None)

    # Main parsing method
    def parse(
        self,
        header: bool = False,
        game_info: bool = False,
        combat_log: Optional[Dict] = None,
        entities: Optional[Dict] = None,
        game_events: Optional[Dict] = None,
        modifiers: Optional[Dict] = None,
        string_tables: Optional[Dict] = None,
        messages: Optional[Dict] = None,
        parser_info: bool = False,
    ) -> ParseResult

    # Advanced features
    def build_index(self, interval_ticks: int = 1800) -> DemoIndex
    def snapshot(self, target_tick: int, include_illusions: bool = False) -> EntityStateSnapshot
    def parse_range(self, start_tick: int, end_tick: int, ...) -> RangeParseResult
    def stream(self, combat_log: bool = False, messages: bool = False, ...) -> Iterator[StreamEvent]

Constructor

parser = Parser("match.dem")  # Uses bundled library
parser = Parser("match.dem", library_path="/path/to/libmanta_wrapper.so")  # Custom library

parse(**collectors) -> ParseResult

Single-pass parsing with multiple data collectors. Collects all requested data in ONE file traversal.

Parameters (all optional):

• header: Set to True to collect header metadata
• game_info: Set to True to collect draft/game info
• combat_log: Dict with types, max_entries, heroes_only
• entities: Dict with interval_ticks, max_snapshots, target_heroes
• game_events: Dict with event_filter, max_events
• modifiers: Dict with max_modifiers, debuffs_only, auras_only
• string_tables: Dict with table_names, include_values, max_entries
• messages: Dict with filter, max_messages
• parser_info: Set to True to collect parser state

Returns: ParseResult with all requested data

Raises:

• FileNotFoundError: If demo file doesn't exist
• ValueError: If parsing fails

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Game Events

Parse Source 1 legacy game events with typed field access:

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")

# Parse specific events
result = parser.parse(game_events={"event_filter": "dota_combatlog", "max_events": 100})
for event in result.game_events.events:
    print(f"[{event.tick}] {event.name}: {event.fields}")

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Modifiers

Track buffs, debuffs, and auras on units:

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")

# Get all modifiers
result = parser.parse(modifiers={"max_modifiers": 100})
for mod in result.modifiers.modifiers:
    print(f"[{mod.tick}] {mod.name} on entity {mod.parent}, duration={mod.duration}, stacks={mod.stack_count}")

# Filter for auras only
result = parser.parse(modifiers={"max_modifiers": 100, "auras_only": True})

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Entity Queries

Query entities by class name and extract properties:

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")

# Query hero entities
result = parser.parse(entities={"class_filter": "Hero", "max_entities": 10})
for entity in result.entities.entities:
    print(f"{entity.class_name} (index={entity.index})")
    print(f"  Health: {entity.properties.get('m_iHealth')}")

# Query specific properties only
result = parser.parse(entities={
    "class_filter": "Hero",
    "property_filter": ["m_iHealth", "m_iMaxHealth", "m_vecOrigin"],
    "max_entities": 10
})

# Query by exact class names
result = parser.parse(entities={
    "class_names": ["CDOTA_Unit_Hero_Invoker", "CDOTA_Unit_Hero_Pudge"],
    "max_entities": 20
})

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String Tables

Extract string tables (userinfo, instancebaseline, etc.):

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")

# Get specific table
result = parser.parse(string_tables={"table_names": ["userinfo"], "max_entries": 50})
for entry in result.string_tables.entries:
    print(f"[{entry.table}] {entry.key}: {entry.value[:50]}...")

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Combat Log

Parse combat log with filtering and typed entries:

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")

# Get all combat log entries
result = parser.parse(combat_log={"max_entries": 100})
for entry in result.combat_log.entries:
    print(f"[{entry.game_time_str}] {entry.type_name}: {entry.attacker_name} -> {entry.target_name}")

# Filter by type (0=DAMAGE, 1=HEAL, 2=MODIFIER_ADD, etc.)
result = parser.parse(combat_log={"types": [0], "max_entries": 100})  # Damage only

# Filter for hero-related entries
result = parser.parse(combat_log={"heroes_only": True, "max_entries": 100})

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Parser Info

Get parser metadata and state:

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(parser_info=True)
info = result.parser_info

print(f"Final tick: {info.tick}")
print(f"Entity count: {info.entity_count}")
print(f"String tables: {info.string_tables}")

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Supported Callbacks (272 Total)

Python Manta implements all 272 Manta callbacks. Use these exact names with parse_universal().

Communication & Chat

Callback Name	Description
CDOTAUserMsg_ChatMessage	Player text chat messages
CDOTAUserMsg_ChatEvent	System chat events (kills, items, etc.)
CDOTAUserMsg_ChatWheel	Chat wheel phrases
CDOTAUserMsg_BotChat	Bot chat messages
CUserMessageSayText	Generic say text
CUserMessageSayText2	Extended say text

Map & Location

Callback Name	Description
CDOTAUserMsg_LocationPing	Map ping locations
CDOTAUserMsg_MapLine	Map drawing/lines
CDOTAUserMsg_WorldLine	World-space lines
CDOTAUserMsg_MinimapEvent	Minimap events
CDOTAUserMsg_Ping	Generic pings
CDOTAUserMsg_CoachHUDPing	Coach pings

Game State & Events

Callback Name	Description
CDemoFileHeader	Demo file metadata
CDemoFileInfo	Extended demo info (draft, players)
CDOTAUserMsg_GamerulesStateChanged	Game state transitions
CDOTAUserMsg_OverheadEvent	Damage numbers, XP, gold
CDOTAUserMsg_UnitEvent	Unit actions and abilities
CMsgDOTACombatLogEntry	Combat log entries

Draft & Hero Selection

Callback Name	Description
CDOTAUserMsg_PlayerDraftPick	Player draft picks
CDOTAUserMsg_PlayerDraftSuggestPick	Draft suggestions
CDOTAUserMsg_SuggestHeroPick	Hero suggestions
CDOTAUserMsg_SuggestHeroRole	Role suggestions

Items & Economy

Callback Name	Description
CDOTAUserMsg_ItemPurchased	Item purchases
CDOTAUserMsg_ItemSold	Item sales
CDOTAUserMsg_ItemAlert	Item alerts
CDOTAUserMsg_ItemFound	Found items
CDOTAUserMsg_FoundNeutralItem	Neutral item drops
CDOTAUserMsg_QuickBuyAlert	Quick buy alerts

Combat & Abilities

Callback Name	Description
CDOTAUserMsg_AbilityPing	Ability pings
CDOTAUserMsg_AbilitySteal	Rubick spell steal
CDOTAUserMsg_DamageReport	Damage reports
CDOTAUserMsg_TE_Projectile	Projectile events
CDOTAUserMsg_CreateLinearProjectile	Linear projectiles

Network & Technical

Callback Name	Description
CNETMsg_Tick	Network tick synchronization
CNETMsg_SetConVar	Console variable changes
CNETMsg_SignonState	Connection state changes
CSVCMsg_ServerInfo	Server configuration
CSVCMsg_PacketEntities	Entity updates

Demo Control

Callback Name	Description
CDemoPacket	Demo packets
CDemoStop	Demo end marker
CDemoSyncTick	Sync tick markers
CDemoStringTables	String table data
CDemoClassInfo	Class information

Full Callback List by Category

Demo Messages (15 callbacks)

• CDemoAnimationData
• CDemoAnimationHeader
• CDemoClassInfo
• CDemoConsoleCmd
• CDemoCustomData
• CDemoCustomDataCallbacks
• CDemoFileHeader
• CDemoFileInfo
• CDemoFullPacket
• CDemoPacket
• CDemoRecovery
• CDemoSaveGame
• CDemoSendTables
• CDemoSpawnGroups
• CDemoStop
• CDemoStringTables
• CDemoSyncTick
• CDemoUserCmd

Network Messages (15 callbacks)

• CNETMsg_DebugOverlay
• CNETMsg_NOP
• CNETMsg_SetConVar
• CNETMsg_SignonState
• CNETMsg_SpawnGroup_Load
• CNETMsg_SpawnGroup_LoadCompleted
• CNETMsg_SpawnGroup_ManifestUpdate
• CNETMsg_SpawnGroup_SetCreationTick
• CNETMsg_SpawnGroup_Unload
• CNETMsg_SplitScreenUser
• CNETMsg_StringCmd
• CNETMsg_Tick

SVC Messages (25 callbacks)

• CSVCMsg_BSPDecal
• CSVCMsg_Broadcast_Command
• CSVCMsg_ClassInfo
• CSVCMsg_ClearAllStringTables
• CSVCMsg_CmdKeyValues
• CSVCMsg_CreateStringTable
• CSVCMsg_FlattenedSerializer
• CSVCMsg_FullFrameSplit
• CSVCMsg_GetCvarValue
• CSVCMsg_HLTVStatus
• CSVCMsg_HltvFixupOperatorStatus
• CSVCMsg_Menu
• CSVCMsg_PacketEntities
• CSVCMsg_PacketReliable
• CSVCMsg_PeerList
• CSVCMsg_Prefetch
• CSVCMsg_Print
• CSVCMsg_RconServerDetails
• CSVCMsg_ServerInfo
• CSVCMsg_ServerSteamID
• CSVCMsg_SetPause
• CSVCMsg_SetView
• CSVCMsg_Sounds
• CSVCMsg_SplitScreen
• CSVCMsg_StopSound
• CSVCMsg_UpdateStringTable
• CSVCMsg_UserMessage
• CSVCMsg_VoiceData
• CSVCMsg_VoiceInit

User Messages (35 callbacks)

• CUserMessageAchievementEvent
• CUserMessageAmmoDenied
• CUserMessageAudioParameter
• CUserMessageCameraTransition
• CUserMessageCloseCaption
• CUserMessageCloseCaptionDirect
• CUserMessageCloseCaptionPlaceholder
• CUserMessageColoredText
• CUserMessageCreditsMsg
• CUserMessageCurrentTimescale
• CUserMessageDesiredTimescale
• CUserMessageFade
• CUserMessageGameTitle
• CUserMessageHapticsManagerEffect
• CUserMessageHapticsManagerPulse
• CUserMessageHudMsg
• CUserMessageHudText
• CUserMessageItemPickup
• CUserMessageLagCompensationError
• CUserMessageRequestDiagnostic
• CUserMessageRequestDllStatus
• CUserMessageRequestInventory
• CUserMessageRequestState
• CUserMessageRequestUtilAction
• CUserMessageResetHUD
• CUserMessageRumble
• CUserMessageSayText
• CUserMessageSayText2
• CUserMessageSayTextChannel
• CUserMessageSendAudio
• CUserMessageServerFrameTime
• CUserMessageShake
• CUserMessageShakeDir
• CUserMessageShowMenu
• CUserMessageTextMsg
• CUserMessageScreenTilt
• CUserMessageUpdateCssClasses
• CUserMessageVoiceMask
• CUserMessageWaterShake

DOTA User Messages (140+ callbacks)

• CDOTAUserMsg_AbilityDraftRequestAbility
• CDOTAUserMsg_AbilityPing
• CDOTAUserMsg_AbilitySteal
• CDOTAUserMsg_AddQuestLogEntry
• CDOTAUserMsg_AghsStatusAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_AIDebugLine
• CDOTAUserMsg_AllStarEvent
• CDOTAUserMsg_BeastChat
• CDOTAUserMsg_BoosterState
• CDOTAUserMsg_BotChat
• CDOTAUserMsg_BuyBackStateAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_ChatEvent
• CDOTAUserMsg_ChatMessage
• CDOTAUserMsg_ChatWheel
• CDOTAUserMsg_ChatWheelCooldown
• CDOTAUserMsg_ClientLoadGridNav
• CDOTAUserMsg_CoachHUDPing
• CDOTAUserMsg_CombatHeroPositions
• CDOTAUserMsg_CombatLogBulkData
• CDOTAUserMsg_CompendiumState
• CDOTAUserMsg_ContextualTip
• CDOTAUserMsg_CourierKilledAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_CreateLinearProjectile
• CDOTAUserMsg_CustomHeaderMessage
• CDOTAUserMsg_CustomHudElement_Create
• CDOTAUserMsg_CustomHudElement_Destroy
• CDOTAUserMsg_CustomHudElement_Modify
• CDOTAUserMsg_CustomMsg
• CDOTAUserMsg_DamageReport
• CDOTAUserMsg_DebugChallenge
• CDOTAUserMsg_DestroyLinearProjectile
• CDOTAUserMsg_DismissAllStatPopups
• CDOTAUserMsg_DodgeTrackingProjectiles
• CDOTAUserMsg_DuelAccepted
• CDOTAUserMsg_DuelOpponentKilled
• CDOTAUserMsg_DuelRequested
• CDOTAUserMsg_EmptyItemSlotAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_EmptyTeleportAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_EnemyItemAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_ESArcanaCombo
• CDOTAUserMsg_ESArcanaComboSummary
• CDOTAUserMsg_FacetPing
• CDOTAUserMsg_FlipCoinResult
• CDOTAUserMsg_FoundNeutralItem
• CDOTAUserMsg_GamerulesStateChanged
• CDOTAUserMsg_GiftPlayer
• CDOTAUserMsg_GlobalLightColor
• CDOTAUserMsg_GlobalLightDirection
• CDOTAUserMsg_GlyphAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_GuildChallenge_Progress
• CDOTAUserMsg_HalloweenDrops
• CDOTAUserMsg_HeroRelicProgress
• CDOTAUserMsg_HighFiveCompleted
• CDOTAUserMsg_HighFiveLeftHanging
• CDOTAUserMsg_HotPotato_Created
• CDOTAUserMsg_HotPotato_Exploded
• CDOTAUserMsg_HPManaAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_HudError
• CDOTAUserMsg_InnatePing
• CDOTAUserMsg_InvalidCommand
• CDOTAUserMsg_ItemAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_ItemFound
• CDOTAUserMsg_ItemPurchased
• CDOTAUserMsg_ItemSold
• CDOTAUserMsg_KillcamDamageTaken
• CDOTAUserMsg_LocationPing
• CDOTAUserMsg_MadstoneAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_MapLine
• CDOTAUserMsg_MarsArenaOfBloodAttack
• CDOTAUserMsg_MinimapDebugPoint
• CDOTAUserMsg_MinimapEvent
• CDOTAUserMsg_MiniKillCamInfo
• CDOTAUserMsg_MiniTaunt
• CDOTAUserMsg_ModifierAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_MoveCameraToUnit
• CDOTAUserMsg_MuertaReleaseEvent_AssignedTargetKilled
• CDOTAUserMsg_MutedPlayers
• CDOTAUserMsg_NeutralCampAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_NeutralCraftAvailable
• CDOTAUserMsg_NevermoreRequiem
• CDOTAUserMsg_OMArcanaCombo
• CDOTAUserMsg_OutpostCaptured
• CDOTAUserMsg_OutpostGrantedXP
• CDOTAUserMsg_OverheadEvent
• CDOTAUserMsg_PauseMinigameData
• CDOTAUserMsg_Ping
• CDOTAUserMsg_PingConfirmation
• CDOTAUserMsg_PlayerDraftPick
• CDOTAUserMsg_PlayerDraftSuggestPick
• CDOTAUserMsg_ProjectionAbility
• CDOTAUserMsg_ProjectionEvent
• CDOTAUserMsg_QoP_ArcanaSummary
• CDOTAUserMsg_QuestStatus
• CDOTAUserMsg_QueuedOrderRemoved
• CDOTAUserMsg_QuickBuyAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_RadarAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_ReceivedXmasGift
• CDOTAUserMsg_ReplaceQueryUnit
• CDOTAUserMsg_RockPaperScissorsFinished
• CDOTAUserMsg_RockPaperScissorsStarted
• CDOTAUserMsg_RollDiceResult
• CDOTAUserMsg_RoshanTimer
• CDOTAUserMsg_SalutePlayer
• CDOTAUserMsg_SelectPenaltyGold
• CDOTAUserMsg_SendFinalGold
• CDOTAUserMsg_SendGenericToolTip
• CDOTAUserMsg_SendRoshanPopup
• CDOTAUserMsg_SendRoshanSpectatorPhase
• CDOTAUserMsg_SendStatPopup
• CDOTAUserMsg_SetNextAutobuyItem
• CDOTAUserMsg_SharedCooldown
• CDOTAUserMsg_ShovelUnearth
• CDOTAUserMsg_ShowGenericPopup
• CDOTAUserMsg_ShowSurvey
• CDOTAUserMsg_SpectatorPlayerClick
• CDOTAUserMsg_SpectatorPlayerUnitOrders
• CDOTAUserMsg_SpeechBubble
• CDOTAUserMsg_StatsHeroMinuteDetails
• CDOTAUserMsg_StatsMatchDetails
• CDOTAUserMsg_SuggestHeroPick
• CDOTAUserMsg_SuggestHeroRole
• CDOTAUserMsg_SwapVerify
• CDOTAUserMsg_TalentTreeAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_TE_DestroyProjectile
• CDOTAUserMsg_TE_DotaBloodImpact
• CDOTAUserMsg_TE_Projectile
• CDOTAUserMsg_TE_ProjectileLoc
• CDOTAUserMsg_TE_UnitAnimation
• CDOTAUserMsg_TE_UnitAnimationEnd
• CDOTAUserMsg_TimerAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_TipAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_TutorialFade
• CDOTAUserMsg_TutorialFinish
• CDOTAUserMsg_TutorialMinimapPosition
• CDOTAUserMsg_TutorialPingMinimap
• CDOTAUserMsg_TutorialRequestExp
• CDOTAUserMsg_TutorialTipInfo
• CDOTAUserMsg_UnitEvent
• CDOTAUserMsg_UpdateLinearProjectileCPData
• CDOTAUserMsg_UpdateQuestProgress
• CDOTAUserMsg_UpdateSharedContent
• CDOTAUserMsg_VersusScene_PlayerBehavior
• CDOTAUserMsg_VoteEnd
• CDOTAUserMsg_VoteStart
• CDOTAUserMsg_VoteUpdate
• CDOTAUserMsg_WillPurchaseAlert
• CDOTAUserMsg_WK_Arcana_Progress
• CDOTAUserMsg_WorldLine
• CDOTAUserMsg_WRArcanaProgress
• CDOTAUserMsg_WRArcanaSummary
• CDOTAUserMsg_XPAlert

Entity Messages (6 callbacks)

• CEntityMessageDoSpark
• CEntityMessageFixAngle
• CEntityMessagePlayJingle
• CEntityMessagePropagateForce
• CEntityMessageRemoveAllDecals
• CEntityMessageScreenOverlay

Miscellaneous Messages (15 callbacks)

• CMsgClearDecalsForSkeletonInstanceEvent
• CMsgClearEntityDecalsEvent
• CMsgClearWorldDecalsEvent
• CMsgDOTACombatLogEntry
• CMsgGCToClientTournamentItemDrop
• CMsgPlaceDecalEvent
• CMsgSosSetLibraryStackFields
• CMsgSosSetSoundEventParams
• CMsgSosStartSoundEvent
• CMsgSosStopSoundEvent
• CMsgSosStopSoundEventHash
• CMsgSource1LegacyGameEvent
• CMsgSource1LegacyGameEventList
• CMsgSource1LegacyListenEvents
• CMsgVDebugGameSessionIDEvent
• CDOTAMatchMetadataFile

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Data Models

All models use Pydantic for validation and serialization.

HeaderInfo

class HeaderInfo(BaseModel):
    map_name: str              # Map name (e.g., "dota")
    server_name: str           # Server identifier
    client_name: str           # Client type
    game_directory: str        # Game directory path
    network_protocol: int      # Network protocol version
    demo_file_stamp: str       # Demo file signature
    build_num: int             # Game build number
    game: str                  # Game identifier
    server_start_tick: int     # Server start tick
    success: bool              # Parse success flag
    error: Optional[str]       # Error message if failed

CHeroSelectEvent

class CHeroSelectEvent(BaseModel):
    is_pick: bool    # True for pick, False for ban
    team: int        # 2 = Radiant, 3 = Dire
    hero_id: int     # Hero ID (see Dota 2 Wiki for mappings)

CDotaGameInfo

class CDotaGameInfo(BaseModel):
    picks_bans: List[CHeroSelectEvent]  # Draft sequence
    success: bool
    error: Optional[str]

MessageEvent

class MessageEvent(BaseModel):
    type: str                    # Callback name
    tick: int                    # Game tick
    net_tick: int                # Network tick
    data: Any                    # Message-specific data (dict)
    timestamp: Optional[int]     # Unix timestamp (ms)

UniversalParseResult

class UniversalParseResult(BaseModel):
    messages: List[MessageEvent]  # Matched messages
    success: bool                 # Parse success flag
    error: Optional[str]          # Error message
    count: int                    # Number of messages

GameEventData

class GameEventData(BaseModel):
    name: str                     # Event name (e.g., "dota_combatlog")
    tick: int                     # Game tick
    net_tick: int                 # Network tick
    fields: Dict[str, Any]        # Event-specific fields

ModifierEntry

class ModifierEntry(BaseModel):
    tick: int                     # Game tick
    name: str                     # Modifier name
    parent: int                   # Parent entity handle
    duration: float               # Duration in seconds (-1 = permanent)
    stack_count: int              # Number of stacks
    is_aura: bool                 # Whether this is an aura

EntityData

class EntityData(BaseModel):
    index: int                    # Entity index
    class_name: str               # Entity class name
    properties: Dict[str, Any]    # Entity properties

CombatLogEntry

class CombatLogEntry(BaseModel):
    tick: int                     # Game tick (~30/second)
    type: int                     # Combat log type ID
    type_name: str                # Human-readable type name
    attacker_name: str            # Attacker name
    target_name: str              # Target name
    inflictor_name: str           # Ability/item name
    value: int                    # Damage/heal value
    health: int                   # Target HP after event
    game_time: float              # Game time in seconds (negative pre-horn)
    game_time_str: str            # Formatted time ("-0:40", "5:32")
    is_attacker_hero: bool        # Whether attacker is a hero
    is_target_hero: bool          # Whether target is a hero
    stun_duration: float          # Stun duration applied
    assist_players: List[int]     # Assist player IDs (for kills)
    # ... 80+ fields total - see documentation for complete list

ParserInfo

class ParserInfo(BaseModel):
    tick: int                     # Final parser tick
    net_tick: int                 # Final network tick
    entity_count: int             # Number of entities
    string_tables: List[str]      # List of string table names
    success: bool                 # Parse success flag

HeroSnapshot

Captured via parser.snapshot() for hero state at a specific tick:

class HeroSnapshot(BaseModel):
    # Identity
    hero_name: str                # e.g., "npc_dota_hero_axe"
    hero_id: int                  # Hero ID
    player_id: int                # Player index (0-9)
    team: int                     # 2 = Radiant, 3 = Dire
    index: int                    # Entity index

    # Position
    x: float                      # X coordinate
    y: float                      # Y coordinate
    z: float                      # Z coordinate

    # Vital stats
    health: int                   # Current HP
    max_health: int               # Max HP
    mana: float                   # Current mana
    max_mana: float               # Max mana
    level: int                    # Hero level
    is_alive: bool                # Whether hero is alive

    # Economy
    gold: int                     # Current gold
    net_worth: int                # Total net worth
    last_hits: int                # Last hits
    denies: int                   # Denies
    xp: int                       # Experience points

    # KDA
    kills: int                    # Kills
    deaths: int                   # Deaths
    assists: int                  # Assists

    # Combat stats
    armor: float                  # Armor value
    magic_resistance: float       # Magic resistance %
    damage_min: int               # Min damage
    damage_max: int               # Max damage
    attack_range: int             # Attack range

    # Attributes
    strength: float               # Strength
    agility: float                # Agility
    intellect: float              # Intelligence

    # Abilities and talents
    abilities: List[AbilitySnapshot]  # List of abilities
    talents: List[TalentChoice]       # Selected talents
    ability_points: int               # Unspent ability points

    # Clone/illusion flags
    is_clone: bool                # MK clone, Morph replicate
    is_illusion: bool             # Regular illusion

    @property
    def kda(self) -> str:         # Returns "K/D/A" format
        return f"{self.kills}/{self.deaths}/{self.assists}"

---

Common Use Cases

Extract All Chat Messages

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(messages={"filter": "CDOTAUserMsg_ChatMessage", "max_messages": 1000})

for msg in result.messages.messages:
    player_id = msg.data.get('source_player_id', 'Unknown')
    text = msg.data.get('message_text', '')
    print(f"Player {player_id}: {text}")

Track Item Purchases

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(messages={"filter": "CDOTAUserMsg_ItemPurchased", "max_messages": 1000})

for msg in result.messages.messages:
    player_id = msg.data.get('player_id')
    item_id = msg.data.get('item_ability_id')
    tick = msg.tick
    print(f"[{tick}] Player {player_id} purchased item {item_id}")

Analyze Location Pings

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(messages={"filter": "CDOTAUserMsg_LocationPing", "max_messages": 1000})

for msg in result.messages.messages:
    ping_data = msg.data.get('location_ping', {})
    x = ping_data.get('x', 0)
    y = ping_data.get('y', 0)
    player_id = msg.data.get('player_id')
    print(f"Player {player_id} pinged at ({x}, {y})")

Extract Combat Log (Structured)

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(combat_log={"max_entries": 1000})

for entry in result.combat_log.entries:
    print(f"[{entry.game_time_str}] {entry.attacker_name} -> {entry.target_name}: {entry.value} damage")

Get Match Statistics

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(messages={"filter": "CDOTAUserMsg_StatsMatchDetails", "max_messages": 10})

if result.success and result.messages.messages:
    stats = result.messages.messages[0].data
    print(f"Match stats: {stats}")

Multiple Data Types in Single Pass

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")

# Collect ALL data in ONE parse instead of multiple passes
result = parser.parse(
    header=True,
    game_info=True,
    messages={"filter": "ChatMessage", "max_messages": 100},
    combat_log={"heroes_only": True, "max_entries": 500},
)

print(f"Map: {result.header.map_name}")
print(f"Picks: {len([p for p in result.game_info.picks_bans if p.is_pick])}")
print(f"Chat messages: {len(result.messages.messages)}")
print(f"Combat entries: {len(result.combat_log.entries)}")

---

Development Setup

When you clone this repository, the shared library (.so/.dylib/.dll) is not included. You have two options:

Option 1: Download Pre-built Library (Recommended)

git clone https://github.com/DeepBlueCoding/python-manta.git
cd python-manta
python scripts/download_library.py
pip install -e '.[dev]'

Option 2: Build from Source

Requires Go 1.19+ installed.

git clone https://github.com/DeepBlueCoding/python-manta.git
cd python-manta
git clone https://github.com/dotabuff/manta.git ../manta
./build.sh
pip install -e '.[dev]'

Verify Installation

python -c "from python_manta import Parser; print('Success!')"

Running Tests

# Unit tests only
python run_tests.py --unit

# Integration tests (requires .dem files)
python run_tests.py --integration

# All tests with coverage
python run_tests.py --all --coverage

---

Architecture

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                      Python Application                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  python_manta Package                                        │
│  ├── Parser (main interface)                                │
│  ├── Pydantic Models (type-safe data structures)            │
│  └── ctypes bindings (FFI to shared library)                │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  libmanta_wrapper.so (CGO Shared Library)                   │
│  ├── CGO exports (Parse, BuildIndex, GetSnapshot, etc.)     │
│  ├── 272 callback implementations                           │
│  └── JSON serialization                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  dotabuff/manta (Go Library)                                │
│  ├── PBDEMS2 format parser                                  │
│  ├── Protobuf message decoding                              │
│  └── Callback system                                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                              │
                              ▼
                    ┌─────────────────┐
                    │  .dem Replay    │
                    │     File        │
                    └─────────────────┘

Data Flow

1. Python creates Parser("match.dem") and calls parse(**collectors)
2. ctypes marshals parameters to C strings
3. CGO wrapper receives call, opens file
4. Manta Go library parses the binary .dem file
5. Registered callbacks capture matching messages based on collectors
6. All data collected in single pass
7. Data serialized to JSON and returned to Python
8. Pydantic models validate and structure the data

---

AI Integration Guide

This section helps AI systems (LLMs, agents, coding assistants) understand and use this library effectively.

Library Philosophy (Important for AI Agents)

Python Manta is a low-level data extraction library, not an analytics tool.

✅ In Scope	❌ Out of Scope
Raw data extraction	Analysis/aggregation logic
Enums/constants (RuneType, EntityType, CombatLogType, DamageType, Team)	Fight detection algorithms
Type-safe Pydantic models	Statistics computation
Helper properties (e.g., is_pro_match())	Data interpretation

When generating code: Extract raw data with this library, then write analysis logic separately. Don't expect high-level functions like "get_teamfights()" or "calculate_gpm()" - those belong in user code.

Quick Reference

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")

# Single-pass parsing - collect ALL data at once
result = parser.parse(
    header=True,                                         # Match metadata
    game_info=True,                                      # Picks, bans, teams
    messages={"filter": "ChatMessage", "max_messages": 100},  # Chat messages
    combat_log={"heroes_only": True, "max_entries": 100},     # Combat events
    entities={"interval_ticks": 900, "max_snapshots": 50},    # Hero positions
    game_events={"event_filter": "dota_combatlog", "max_events": 100},
    modifiers={"max_modifiers": 100},
    parser_info=True,
)

# Access all results from the single parse
print(result.header.map_name)
print(len(result.game_info.picks_bans))
print(len(result.messages.messages))
print(len(result.combat_log.entries))

Which API to Use

Task	Collector Config	Notes
Match metadata	header=True	Build number, map, server
Draft sequence	game_info=True	Picks/bans with hero IDs
Pro match info	game_info=True	Teams, league, players, winner
Hero positions	entities={"interval_ticks": 900}	Position, stats at intervals
Chat messages	messages={"filter": "ChatMessage"}	Player text chat
Item purchases	messages={"filter": "ItemPurchased"}	Item buy events
Map pings	messages={"filter": "LocationPing"}	Ping coordinates
Combat damage	combat_log={"types": [0]}	Structured damage events
Hero kills	combat_log={"heroes_only": True}	Hero-related combat
Buff tracking	modifiers={}	Active buffs/debuffs
Hero state	entities={}	Entity state snapshots
Game events	game_events={}	364 named event types
Player info	string_tables={"table_names": ["userinfo"]}	Steam IDs, names

Common Patterns

Extract multiple data types in single pass:

from python_manta import Parser

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(
    header=True,
    game_info=True,
    combat_log={"heroes_only": True, "max_entries": 500},
)

print(f"Map: {result.header.map_name}")
for entry in result.combat_log.entries:
    print(f"{entry.attacker_name} hit {entry.target_name} for {entry.value}")

Track all damage to heroes:

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(combat_log={"types": [0], "heroes_only": True, "max_entries": 1000})
for entry in result.combat_log.entries:
    print(f"{entry.attacker_name} hit {entry.target_name} for {entry.value} damage")

Find specific game events:

parser = Parser("match.dem")
result = parser.parse(game_events={"event_filter": "dota_player_kill", "max_events": 100})
for event in result.game_events.events:
    print(f"Kill at tick {event.tick}: {event.fields}")

Key Constraints

1. Callback names are case-sensitive - Use exact names from the callback list
2. Message filter uses substring matching - "Chat" matches CDOTAUserMsg_ChatMessage and CDOTAUserMsg_ChatEvent
3. Always set max_* limits - Prevents memory issues with large replays
4. Entity queries return end-of-replay state - For time-series data, use combat log or game events
5. Combat log only starts after ~12-17 minutes - HLTV broadcast delay; use entity snapshots for early game

---

Troubleshooting

Library Not Found

FileNotFoundError: Shared library not found

Solution: Install from PyPI (pip install python-manta) or build from source with ./build.sh.

Demo File Not Found

FileNotFoundError: Demo file not found: match.dem

Solution: Provide absolute path or verify the file exists.

Parsing Returns Empty Results

1. Check the callback name is exact (case-sensitive)
2. The message type may not exist in that replay
3. Try without a filter to see all messages: parser.parse(messages={"filter": "", "max_messages": 100})

Memory Issues with Large Replays

Solution: Always set max_messages to a reasonable limit:

# Good - limits memory usage
result = parser.parse_universal("match.dem", "CNETMsg_Tick", 1000)

# Bad - could consume gigabytes of RAM
result = parser.parse_universal("match.dem", "CNETMsg_Tick", 0)

Platform-Specific Issues

macOS Apple Silicon:

• Ensure you have the ARM64 wheel or build from source on ARM

Windows:

• The library file is libmanta_wrapper.dll
• Ensure Visual C++ redistributables are installed

Linux:

• The library file is libmanta_wrapper.so
• Ensure glibc version compatibility

---

Project Links

• GitHub: https://github.com/DeepBlueCoding/python-manta
• Documentation: https://deepbluecoding.github.io/python-manta/
• PyPI: https://pypi.org/project/python-manta/
• Original Manta (Go): https://github.com/dotabuff/manta
• Dotabuff: https://www.dotabuff.com

Related Projects

• clarity - Java Dota 2 replay parser
• demoinfo-go - CS:GO demo parser in Go
• Yasha - Source 1 Dota 2 parser (archived)

---

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please:

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Run tests: python run_tests.py --all
5. Submit a pull request

---

License

MIT License - see LICENSE file.

---

Acknowledgments

• Manta - The Go replay parser that does all the real work
• Dotabuff - For maintaining Manta and supporting the community
• Valve Corporation - For Dota 2 and the replay format