If you feel it's too late to playing Dota 2, you made a big mistake. After all, this is a MOBA game, the mechanics are easy to learn and there are always new heroes to choose from so you won't get bored or feel stagnant.
The dynamic community and frequent updates ensure a fresh experience with every match, keeping the gameplay exciting and challenging for both new and veteran players alike. Now, after our guidance, you won’t become a pro - but we can promise you one thing - you will get better, and if you dedicate time to get some experience you are certainly heading into the PRO direction.
Updates are Important
As with any online game, there are always updates, patches and hotfixes. In Dota 2’s case, this happens regularly every season and small patches may come during mid-season. In the past, Valve normally would release one or two big patches yearly, each changing the game’s narrative.
These patches do not bring only new heroes and items but they can also bring rework of current ones. However, things with Valve are changing and evidently, they are taking a different approach. This means more frequent smaller patches that focus on game balance by addressing meta builds and heroes.
So, you are expected to always read the latest patch, or simply watch videos from expert Dota 2 YouTubers who can explain things about the changes and how they affect the game by mentioning which strategies should be taken by the heroes. For those of you who want to stay up-to-date, you can check out the Dota 2 live score which shows the latest match results and other information about Dota 2 tournaments.
Roles: Support, Carry, Offlaner... and Others - Focus on One
Make sure to set your priorities straight when choosing a position according to what you want to play. There are five positions:
Carry: In this role, the player focuses on farming mobs to gain gold and levels. The carry will be a very important part of the late game. They usually play on the “safe lane” which focuses on farming to gain gold and experience, aiming to become powerful in the later stages of the game.
Offlaner: Often found in the offlane, this player is tasked with disrupting the enemy's safe lane carry, often by being tanky or having escape mechanisms. They can be found all over the map, on both upper and lower lanes.
Offlaners: Often found in the offlane, this player is tasked with disrupting the enemy's safe carry path, often by becoming a tank or having an escape mechanism. They can be found all over the map, both in the upper and lower lanes.
Soft Support/Roamer: With this role, the player is assisting and supporting their allies - usually the carry or the offlaner. We can see these types of roles, helping set ganks, securing runes and providing vision with wards.
Hard Support: This player has a similar role as soft support/roamer, but it is more focused on things like controlling vision with wards, harassing the enemy offlaner, and ensuring the carry can farm safely.
Every role, as you read them, can sound difficult, but by getting the feeling with them you can always feel confident while playing them. For newbies, it is always to go with a support - the heroes are easy to learn and you always assemble the same gear.
Always Look at the Mini-Map
First of all the minimap is a shorter version of the battlefield’s map showing lanes, camps, towers, and other things. While it may take some time to get used to always watching it, once you get used to it - you will get better at the game!
Plus, spotting enemies is easier than ever, and watching what your teammates are up to has never been easy. For instance, you or your teammates can utilize the map by pinging on it so you can spot something and react fast - especially when it comes to ganking someone!
Be Positive with Yourself and Other
Let’s be honest - online games can be quite toxic. That is something that cannot be stopped even if Valve is doing everything they can to stop it. As a newbie, you tend to make more mistakes than others - and people can call you out. Don’t take their opinions to heart - it is a game after all and you are a newbie!
On the other hand, when you get better, you can easily lose your temper in the heat of battle, and say something bad to others. Remember, everything has consequences. Chill, learn the game with your tempo - you will get better regardless of what others think. Even if you don’t get better fast, remember to enjoy yourself. In the end, it is about having fun, not bashing others with mean words.
Learn the Meta
Each patch has its own story, and usually affects the heroes the most. The short way is to check out some of the best heroes and builds, and watch some videos where you can get insight into strategies and heroes. After that, play some games with the new information you have gained, and try to consolidate the new knowledge you have received. In addition, you can also monitor the esports live score to get the latest information on esports tournaments and see the progress of the big teams in the Dota 2 competition.
Also read: How to Record Dota 2 Games with Simple Controls
Embrace Continuous Improvement
Set up your mindset on continuous improvement. Whether through continuous practice, analytical replays of the best players in the game, or matching the techniques of professional gamers who spend more than 10 hours on the game daily, it is dedication that results in the best skill upgrade.
Focus on Long-Term Strategy
Be prepared for some strategic thinking and prioritize focusing on your previously set up objectives over short-term kills. While securing kills can provide temporary satisfaction, prioritizing objectives such as tower pushes and map control yields more enduring benefits. Keep in mind that your hero can use its full potential for a limited time.
Watch the Best of The Best - Competitive eSports Tournaments
The best way to learn how to play the game like a PRO is to learn from the players who play in the biggest tournaments. These tournaments showcase top-tier strategies, teamwork, and individual skills that can inspire and educate upcoming players. By observing the decision-making, positioning, and execution of professional gamers, one can gain valuable insights into the nuances of competitive play. One of the biggest tournaments is The International - an annual esports world championship tournament organized by Valve - which features the best teams from around the world competing for one of the largest prize pools in esports. There are also regional tournaments where other teams can make a name for themselves and qualify for The International.
Also, by gaining this knowledge you will start predicting the outcome of the games quite easily. The best way to monetize this knowledge is by betting online. There are dozens of ways on how you do it, and one of them is by playing on the best BTC esports betting websites online. There you need just connect your wallet, deposit crypto, and bet on the team you think is going to win.
Also read: Remembering Army Geniuses, Pioneers of the Dota 2 Team from Indonesia!
Enjoy Your Dota 2 Experience!
In the end, the primary objective of every video game is: enjoyment and having fun! Don’t get too lost in victories and feel anxious after the game - you are there to have fun in the first place. Try every hero, and every role, and play the games with enjoyment. The games usually last from 30 minutes to an hour - it is an experience that is worth it if you are having fun!