Dota 2 is an absolute beast of a game. It’s complex, unforgiving, and throws a lot at you, right from the get-go. With so many mechanics to learn and more than 100 heroes to master, the basics can feel overwhelming, even for most veteran gamers!
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll help flatten the steep learning curve by explaining all the essentials of how to play Dota 2. That includes a breakdown of the map, lanes, and roles as well as some core mechanics and starter heroes to choose.
What Is Dota 2?
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Valve Corporation. It involves two teams of five players who control different heroes and fight to destroy a central building (the “Ancient”) located in the enemy team’s base. The match ends when the enemy Ancient is destroyed.
From the sound of the horn (signaling the game’s start), teams must work together to destroy a series of defensive “towers” guarding three lanes leading to each team’s base.
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Map Layout
The Dota 2 map is split diagonally by a central river that divides the two factions: Radiant (Blue) and Dire (Red). Each side has three lanes—top, mid, and bottom (or “bot”)—that connect the bases and are protected by a series of towers. The space between these lanes is called the “jungle” and is filled with neutral creep camps.
Since the Wandering Waters update, the map has been expanded with tributary rivers running parallel to the safe lanes (more on that in a bit) and flowing from the outer edges of the map toward the central river. You’ll also find Roshan pits, Lotus Pools, Watchers, Runes, Shrines of Wisdom, and Tormentors on the map.
Note: The top lane is Radiant’s “offlane” and Dire’s “safe lane.” This is because creeps meet closer to Dire’s tower, making it riskier for Radiant and safer for Dire. The opposite is true for the bot lane.
What Are The Different Roles In Dota 2?
Dota 2 has five core roles, each built around specific responsibilities and playstyles. Most heroes are picked to fit these roles. However, picks can change depending on team strategy or in-game situations.
Here’s an overview of each role (in order of farm priority):
- Carry: Primary damage dealers. Carry players need a ton of farm and levels to scale into the late game. They’re usually protected by the Hard Support in the safe lane early on. Examples: Phantom Assassin, Sven, and Luna.
- Midlaner: Self-sufficient and mobile. Midlaners don’t need much support and often rotate to gank the side lanes. Examples: Puck, Invoker, and Storm Spirit.
- Offlaner: Your tanks and initiators. These heroes are durable and usually melee-ranged, and they lead the charge in teamfights. They have the highest impact in the early to mid game. Examples: Axe, Mars, and Legion Commander.
- Soft Support: These heroes focus on early rotations, pressuring the enemy team, and setting up kills. They also buy utility items that help the team. Examples: Tusk, Pudge, and Rubick.
- Hard Support: The backbone of the team. They control vision and buy items that maximize the survivability of the Carry. Most heroes are spellcasters with strong disables or nukes. Examples: Crystal Maiden, Lion, and Shadow Shaman.
Dota 2’s Core Gameplay Mechanics
Dota 2 is packed with complex mechanics, but we wanted to keep our guide welcoming for new players. Here are a few of the fundamental elements you should focus on as a first-time player:
Last Hitting and Denying
You’ll gain passive gold as the game progresses. However, if you want to scale into the late game, you need to know how to “last hit,” which means landing the “final blow” on a creep. Each last hit grants a gold bounty, so the more efficient you are at farming, the faster you’ll earn gold to buy better items.
Pro Tip: You can also kill allied creeps if their health is low enough to “deny” enemy heroes the gold bounty. You can practice last hitting and denying in bot matches.
Vision Control
Every friendly unit provides vision, but you can expand your map awareness by “warding.” This involves placing Observer Wards around key areas, like high grounds and power rune spawn spots. Wards are important for tracking enemy movements and staying safe, especially at night when vision is restricted.
You can deny the enemy’s vision by “dewarding.” This involves placing Sentry Wards to reveal and destroy their Observer Wards. There are also Watchers scattered around the jungle areas that, when captured, grant a small field of vision. Vision is key because it gives your team extra map control.
Item Builds
Item builds are a core part of Dota 2 gameplay. They shape how you play with the hero you pick. By purchasing the right items, you can boost your hero (e.g., gain bonus movement speed, damage, armor, or attributes) and have a better fighting chance against enemy heroes.
You can buy most items (like the Teleport Scroll, Tangos, or Healing Salve) from the Shop inside your Fountain. However, certain advanced items and recipe components (like Point Booster or Demon Edge) are only available at the Secret Shop.
Objectives
You have to take objectives to win in Dota 2. In particular, you have to destroy your opponent’s towers. To reach the enemy Ancient, a team must first break all the towers in at least one lane. If you don’t do this basic objective and instead farm jungle creeps, you’ll experience drawn-out matches and unnecessary losses.
Another key objective is Roshan. You can find this powerful neutral creep in one of two pits on the map. If a team kills him, they receive a hefty bounty and valuable items, including the Aegis of the Immortal (which revives the carrier) and Cheese (which instantly restores health and mana).
And then there are Tormentors. Once destroyed, they grant a free Aghanim’s Shard to a random allied hero who doesn’t already have one. The only catch is that these “creeps” are heavily armored and reflect damage to attackers but offer a massive power boost, especially for supports.
The Best Dota 2 Starter Heroes
There are 126 heroes in Dota 2, the newest being Kez (added on Nov. 7, 2024). However, not all are well-suited for new players. Here are a few options to get you started.
Sniper
Sniper is a simple “point-and-click” hero. He has a long attack range, simple abilities, and strong attack damage, allowing you to hit creeps and heroes without putting yourself in much danger. Don’t be fooled by Sniper’s simplicity. He’s an excellent time investment, as even the pros take this simplicity to the big leagues, boasting a whopping 51% pick rate at The International 2024!
Wraith King
While he’s far from being a new hero, there’s a reason Wraith King is on this list. He (kind of) can’t die! His ultimate allows you to return to life after you’re killed, as long as it’s not on cooldown, giving you a ton of room for error. He also hits like a truck and excels at pushing lanes and destroying towers.
Dragon Knight
Dragon Knight is arguably one of the best Dota 2 heroes and is often picked at esports tournaments for his tankiness, strong laning phase, and tower-pushing ability. His kit is also quite simple for beginners, featuring a stun, health regen passive, and an ultimate that transforms him into a dragon.
Underlord
If you’re picking up Dota 2 with a friend, it can take some of the pressure off to perform while you’re getting used to the game. Underlord thrives when supporting a team. He’s got a very simple set of abilities, with access to burst damage, crowd control and has a passive that reduces damage if you get jumped.
Your Dota 2 Journey Begins
Mastering Dota 2 can feel like an uphill climb at first, but it’s an epic gaming journey worth undertaking. Once you learn the map layout, roles, and core gameplay mechanics, the overwhelming feeling you once had will fade. In its place, you’ll see a strategic battleground where every decision matters.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or chasing the esports dream, Dota 2 has a place for you. Just remember that the best way to improve is through practice, experimentation, and communication with your team. Enjoy the grind and you’ll soon carve your path to victory.
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