How To Play Dota 2 [Beginner’s Guide]

Dota 2 is a hugely popular online game, with millions of players. It’s recognized for its thrilling gameplay, large tournaments with significant prize money, and even its own Netflix series. If you are new to the game or returning after a break, here’s a quick guide to help you get started.

What Is Dota 2?

Dota 2 is a MOBA game. Games like League of Legends, Heroes of the Storm, and SMITE are similar to Dota 2. In these games, powerful characters fight in lanes to demolish the opposing team’s bases.

In Dota 2, the tale revolves around a battle known as the Battle of the Ancients, where two ancient relics, The Radiant, and The Dire, fight each other. Heroes enter the war on behalf of these two factions. Some Heroes are better suited to one side than the other, yet they can be played on either squad.

How Much Does Dota 2 Cost?

Dota 2 is free to play and can be downloaded from Steam. You can immediately play all of the Heroes straight, without having to unlock them. The game derives revenue from cosmetic items that affect the appearance of Heroes.

During large tournaments such as The International, players can purchase a battle pass to help fund the prize pool and receive amazing goodies. There is also an extra feature called Dota Plus that can help you better with tips instructions, and other in-game features.

The Dota 2 Map

The Dota 2 map includes two main bases Radiant and Dire. Heroes begin in the fountain where they can heal and purchase supplies. The map has three lanes (top, middle, and bottom), each with towers to guard the bases. The river splits the map and houses the monster Roshan who provides unusual prizes when defeated. The rest of the map is a jungle filled with neutral monsters, hidden shops, and spots where heroes can farm and get stronger.

How Do I Get Items In Dota 2?

Items are important in Dota 2 because they boost your hero’s stats or provide helpful effects like healing or buffs. You can combine items to create even stronger versions which can turn the tide of a fight. At the start of the game, you can buy starting items to help you early on.

Later, you can get more items from your team’s base shop, secret shops in the jungle, or by killing neutral monsters. Each player can hold six items and one neutral item, along with Town Portal Scrolls for teleporting. Extra items can be stored in your backpack and shared stash.

What are the Player Roles in Dota 2?

Dota 2 team roles are simpler than individual hero roles. A normal squad consists of two supports and three carriers:

Hard Carry: This is the primary carry that operates in the safe lane alongside the Hard Support. They concentrate on becoming stronger throughout the game to finally lead the team to victory.
Solo Mid: This Core plays alone in the middle lane, leveraging the short lane and river buffs to gain strength. The Solo Mid shares carrying responsibilities with the safe laner.
Offline: This player is offline, typically facing the opponent’s safe lane. They need to farm while keeping the opponent from growing too powerful. They are frequently supported by Soft Support but may be left to tackle 1v2 scenarios.
Soft Support: This support extends over all lanes, attempting to give the entire team an advantage. They occasionally assist the Offlaner but are frequently moving about the map.
Hard Support: This role is focused on assisting the Cores, sacrificing money and resources to guarantee that the Core grows stronger and can carry the team later in the game.