Dota is popularly known as the oldest and most competitive MOBA game. It's worth mentioning that Dota was originally released as a fan-made mod for Warcraft III. This game was then transformed into Dota 2 and became successful enough to exist as a separate project with Valve as the developer.
The game is famous for its intricacy, high learning curve, and all-encompassing strategic gameplay that could only be scary for novices. However, with the right approach anyone can start playing and enjoy this game no matter the road they lay ahead.
The Rise of Esports and Dota Betting Odds
In the esports world, Dota has reached heights and become part of an international spectacular event, bringing gamers worldwide into the spotlight.
The International, for instance, is an annual Dota 2 championship event with a prize pool exceeding millions of dollars and is responsible for the game's global recognition. Here is where Dota betting odds can really affect the situation. Whether it's an intense tournament or regional playoffs, betting odds don't just provide data on team performance and match predictions; they also give sound advice.
The Essentials of Dota Understanding
Dota is a game developed on the basis of a 5v5 strategy team. It is a map with a perfectly symmetrical layout where all fights are to take place in one of the mapped three lanes. They are the top, middle, and bottom lanes. Every team has a base and the game goal is easy: break the enemy's Ancient first and then your team's one will not be demolished by the enemy.
The Heroes
Of the more than 120 characters which you can choose from in Dota 2, each has special skills, and special roles. Among the different characters the abilities, forces, and weaknesses of the characters vary greatly. The main and the most general are the so-called umbra-roles:
- Carry – These are heroes who are not very powerful from the start but become very powerful later on.
- Support – They are heroes that contribute to the team's cause by healing, stunning enemies, or providing vision and utility.
- Offlaner – The heroes of this category are the ones who can not be easily defeated and use the space well for their team.
Every hero is also defined by its attribute (Strength, Agility, or Intelligence), which tells us about their main talents and the way they develop over time.
The Map
The lanes are the three main paths on the map where the fights take place. They are the top, middle, and bottom lanes. Each lane has a different role and a different type of enemy. The top lane is the most important lane and the one that requires the most attention. The middle lane is the second most important lane and the one that requires the second most attention. The bottom lane is the least important lane and the one that requires the least attention.
The Items
Two parts as a map belonging to Radiant and Dire with their respective sides represent the environment of the Dota 2 battleground. On each side are located towers, barracks, the jungle filled with neutral creeps, and strategic champions like Roshan, a powerful neutral boss. Having the control of the map and the constant surveillance of the same are the two most important features of the game.
Getting Started: How to Learn and Improve
When you have the knowledge about the basics, it is then the right moment to practice. To get comfortable with Dota, here is a guide on how to do that without any hassle:
Start with Bot Matches
Launch with the first game against the AI. It's a learning process of the controls, how the heroes work, where the items are built, and the general scheme of the map but you are not playing with live human players, so it is without the pressure to be the best.
Focus on a Few Heroes
Choosing one or two heroes and playing them for a period is more beneficial than attempting all the heroes at the same time and confusing yourself with everyone. Good starting heroes to pick are the following:
- Sniper (carry, ranged damage)
- Lich (support, lane control)
- Dragon Knight (durable and straightforward)
Learn the Basics of the Game
The game is not only about the heroes and the items. It is also about the map and the general scheme of the game. You need to know where to go, when to attack, and when to defend.
Learn Last Hitting
By killing the enemy, you receive gold, and this is called the “last hit” modus operandi. In a situation where last hits become impossible, every single miss hit can knock you out and leave you years behind in gold and experience. Practice last hits with bots until you can get those last hits at a regular pace. It will also be your player identity in the early game so there is a strong power threshold.
Understand Items and Builds
From a strategic point of view, the item system in Dota is a big game-changer. First, every hero is given some basic items that help to define their roles. At the start, the beginners should strictly follow the built-in items in the game interface, and later, they will catch up with the meta and be able to change the builds in response to the circumstances.
Watch and Learn
Keep track of live games on DotaTV, the official broadcasting channel, or popular streaming services such as Twitch and YouTube. In this way, you can watch how the pros play, learn from their moves, adopt their strategies, and know the current and all-new strategies and meta of the game.
Tips for Climbing and Team Play
Dota is a team game, and in order to be successful at gaming, you have to win not just with your skills but also with how well you get along with your teammates.
- Communication is the key - Use voice or text chat to share information like the positions of the enemy, missing heroes, or when your skills are ready.
- Do not get angry - Even if your team is not in the best situation, remain unshakable. Tipped players are in a mental state to make bad decisions.
- Warding makes you the game winner - As a support, use the Observer Wards not only to earn vision but also to give your team vision of the area. The person controlling the vision often decides the fate of the battle.
Progress in Dota requires players to think and work as a team as much as it is about individual skills.
