Playing DOTA 2 for the first time

We’ve all been beginners at some point, but Dota 2 is unforgiving when it comes to rookie mistakes. It’s one of the toughest games for newcomers, requiring hundreds of hours just to become decent, and thousands to truly excel. Though difficult to master, Dota makes every victory incredibly rewarding and unforgettable.

We’ve compiled a set of tips to help beginners learn how to play Dota 2.

Finish the tutorial

As a beginner, it’s crucial not to jump straight into the game. Start with the basic tutorial, which will teach you how to move, attack, and purchase items. After completing it, consider playing against bots, or at least spend a week or two playing with other players in bot matches to build your skills.

Avoid charging into battle recklessly.

A common mistake beginners make is to charge at enemy heroes as soon as they get the chance, which often leads to certain death. In the early stages of the game, your focus should be on killing creeps to earn gold and experience or assisting your nearby allies. Attacking enemy heroes will only provoke the creeps to target you instead. The only exception is if you’re playing as a support hero.

Speak with your team

Dota 2 is a team-based game where interaction among teammates is crucial, and winning without communication is nearly impossible. It’s essential to learn how to coordinate your team’s actions effectively.

Chat enables you to develop strategies, discuss key points, and coordinate actions.

Phrases or the Chat Wheel (default key: Y) can alert your allies when you spot enemy heroes, request assistance, or suggest pulling back.

To ping, hold the Alt key and left-click on the game field or mini-map. Use pings to draw your allies’ attention to important events in the game. For instance, if you notice that enemies are closing in on you, ping yourself to alert your teammates to come to your aid.

Be ready to lose

Dota 2 is a highly challenging game, so be prepared for losses along the way. What makes Dota unique and appealing is that each player’s performance impacts the game. A single inexperienced ally or one misstep can determine the outcome of a match. Instead of getting upset about your losses, view them as valuable lessons. Learn from your experiences and strive to improve with every game you play.