Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game. It is the sequel to Defense of the Ancients. As the follow-up to a community-created mod, Dota 2 requires a lot of team-centric work. If you are completely new to the game, you must dedicate significant time to see success on the battlefield.
Should you start playing this game?
The short answer is yes. There are so many positives that come out of playing Dota 2. As a game created by a community, there are lots of resources that can help you improve and build your understanding of the techniques.
The Game’s Premise
Each battle is composed of two teams of five. Each team defends its structure called the “Ancient.” The goal is to destroy the other team’s structure. Like other MOBA games, such as League of Legends (LoL), Dota 2 has five main roles with over one hundred heroes to select from. Picking the right heroes for specific positions can help your team achieve success.
Something that sets Dota 2 apart is its emphasis on teamwork and strategy. Gamers interested in Dota 2 should play if they enjoy MOBA games that opt for a community-based experience.
Additionally, it is a popular game because of its competitive nature and reliance on strategy. When players realize an effective strategy, they can achieve higher and more satisfying rewards. Dota 2 is also growing its professional scene.
Whereas LoL has teams competing worldwide, Dota 2 is expanding this level of gameplay.
Is the Game Beginner Friendly?
People unfamiliar with MOBA games may want to pick another one to start with. Compared to other similar e-sports, Dota 2 is on the more challenging side. However, that does not mean it is impossible to master.
Gamers experienced in other MOBA games have an easier time getting used to Dota 2. However, outright beginners find it more difficult because of the many characters. Being successful in the game often comes from matching heroes to the right roles based on their skill sets. Therefore, no matter who is starting to play, it takes some getting used to.
More committed players can typically get the hang of Dota 2 within a couple of months. More casual players can master the game between three months and one year—depending on how much time they spend playing.
Which Mode Should a Beginner Start With?
Valve has recently added a new player mode for beginners to test the waters of gameplay. However, this has you competing against other newbies, so you don’t get a challenge.
Instead, it is recommended that newbies start with Bot matches. Here, you begin competing against automated robots, which have more skills. You get used to the game without the consequences of playing more competitive opponents while avoiding other players with little to no experience.
Is Dota 2 Expensive?
The game is completely free to play. However, there are in-game purchases available that can tally up over time. Spending money is not necessary to get involved, but it could improve your gameplay experience.
Tips for Getting Started
There are a couple of things players can do to help ease them into the game.
Since Dota 2 is heavily team-oriented, players need to be communicative and have a unified mindset. The well-being of the team should come before individual needs. Being a team player is a necessary quality to have when playing.
Along with this is communication. A well-oiled machine cannot function without conversation. Communicating with your teammates can help you accomplish more and obtain greater success in defeating your opponent.
When it comes to game-specific tips for enhancing your familiarity with Dota 2, beginners should start with the easier heroes. This is a more obvious tip, but understanding who the less impressive characters are can help beginners tackle the game in a more achievable way.
If you are not sure what skills each hero has, you should try the “Demo Hero” feature. When scrolling through the roster, you can find this button which, upon clicking, takes you to a separate section to try out a hero’s capabilities. That way, you do not have to be in a match to understand what a character can and cannot do.
Finally, do not forget about your inventory. Dota 2 is all about strategy, and the items in your backpack can make or break a competition. Understanding the functionality of each item before going in can help you be more successful.
What You Need
Dota 2 is an intricate MOBA game, but it does not require advanced hardware. All you need is a reliable PC. The game is compatible with most.
The Bottom Line
Dota 2 is a complex multi-player online battle arena game that can pose some challenges at first. Anyone who is not familiar with this e-sport style may not want to start with Dota 2, but gamers who are should try it out.
