As we all know, getting started in DOTA can be tough. It takes a long time to learn and master the game of DOTA, and we thought we would provide some tips on which hero's are best to start out with and which are the good basic items to use initially along with some DOTA newbie strategy and style play info.
Good DOTA Heros for Newbies:
- Lion
- Rhasta (Shadow Shaman)
- Dwarven Sniper
- Skeleton King
These heros all have attacks and abilities that are easy to understand. The first two, Lion and Rhasta being 'Intelligence' based heroes. These guys are best 'early' game, agility based heroes such as Dwarven Sniper are best 'mid game' and finally 'strength' hero's such as Skeleton King are handy late game.
The best bit of advice for newbies in DOTA is to play 'defensively'. By this I mean, do not charge in and attack enemy heroes. Stay back, use towers and creeps for defense - ALWAYS keep creeps in front of you initially. Watch you DOTA mini map. This is critical!
Finally, try to stay with a fellow hero / ally. This keeps you safe and minimizes the chances of a 'gank'. (Gank means several enemies attacking you at once)
Now for items. There are speciality items for each class (agility, intelligence and strength) however when starting out - you should pick some basic items that will simply sustain your life and let you learn the game.
Items for Newbies:
Boots (Always handy, ensure you have them - you will need them to get away at times)
Ring of Health (A 875 cost item, returns your health constantly)
Void Stone (A 900 cost item, this regen's your mana, when combined with ring o health - you get 'perserverence')
Mithrill Hammer (Adds damage, buy a gauntlet of strength and finally cranium basher recipie to make a nice stun / damage item)
Helmet of Iron Will (Buy this and buy a mask of death afterwards. This gives you armour, regen health and some lifesteal. Very handy in battle)
Conclusion.
DOTA is a tricky game, don't get put off by hard times and early deaths. Keep yourself alive and keep learning. Stay with allies and watch them do their stuff. It won't be long till you're owning at DOTA, and you won't be a newbie anymore!