Dota Newb Guide

[Loioster]

Well this is a simple guide for beginners, especially for those who have hopped on to the DOTA wagon without even playing through the actualy WC3 campaign. Will update it when I have the time. If you guys need any info or want to suggest any modifications to the guide , feel free to PM me and I'll edit the post when I have the time.

What is DOTA?

DOTA stands for 'Defense of the Ancients' which is a custom map for Warcraft 3.
Players are split into 2 sides. Each with 6 players, 5 of which are human controlled and 1 AI controlled. The ultimate goal is to destroy the opposition Tree of Life or Frozen Throne. You choose from a list of heroes and battle it out for victory.

What are heroes?
A hero is the ‘avatar’ of your choice in the game. In other words, the character you choose to play. Heroes can gain levels by gaining experience (exp) from killing creeps or heroes, up to a maximum of 25 levels. Upon levelling up, a hero gains a skill point to ‘invest’. Every hero has 3 normal skills up to 4 levels, 1 ultimate skill up to 3 levels and 10 levels of stats. Heroes have 3 stats: Strength, Agility, and Intelligence. Heroes may carry up to six items.

What are items?

Items boost the stats of your hero or give them special abilities. Items can be bought from shops in your base and a secret shop. Certain higher level items created just by possessing some specific ones. Some higher level items require a recipe to create. NOTE: THERE IS NO WOOD IN THE GAME. You don't have to find wood to make the higher level items. They will automatically form when you have the necessary ingredients.

OMFG MY HERO IS DEAD! What now?!

Relax. Your hero will spawn back after some time at your base. Just look at the hero scores at the top right hand side of the screen to see when your hero will come back. The higher the level, the longer he takes so spawn. If you can't wait and you want your hero back immediately, you can buy back your hero from the tavern at a cost.

Explanation of game basics.


1.Game Modes

-ap | -allpick
All players are able to pick a hero from any tavern.

-tr | -teamrandom
All players receive a random hero from the taverns located on their side.
Cannot be used with: -rv, -dm

-ar | -allrandom
All players are given a random hero from any tavern.
Cannot be used with: -rv

-mr | -moderandom
Mode random mode. A random mode is activated from the following modes: Normal Mode, All Pick, Team Random, All Random.
Cannot be used with: -rv, dm

-rd | -randomdraft
Two taverns are filled with random heroes from all taverns, resulting in 22 possible heroes to pick from. Both sides take turns in picking heroes in a 1-2-2-2-2-1 order. One turn lasts 20 seconds, meaning that the player(s) who has to pick in a particular turn, must do so within those 20 seconds (not picking within the time limit results in acquiring a random hero). The first team to pick a hero is randomly chosen.
- The amount of players on each team must be equal in order to be activated
Cannot be used with: -aa, -ai, -as, -rv, -sh, -dm, -mm

-sd | -singledraft
Each player is given 3 random heroes (from any tavern) to pick from. The pick is done with the -pick # command, where # is replaced with 1, 2 or 3 for each option respectively.
- The first option is an Agility hero, the second is a Strength hero and the third is an Intelligence hero.
Cannot be used with: -aa, -ai, -as, -rv, -sh, -dm, -mm

-list
Re-displays the pick options, for use in case the text is removed by other commands/game messages.



-vr | -voterandom
Three random matchups are presented as voting options and each player can vote for the option they prefer. The voting is done with the -option # command, where # is replaced with 1, 2 or 3 for each option respectively.
- The amount of players on each team must be equal in order to be activated. In the event of a draw between the options, a random one is chosen.
Cannot be used with: -aa, -ai, -as, -sh, -rv, -dm, -mm

-lm | -leaguemode
Both sides take turns in picking heroes. The picking is in a 1-2-2-2-2-1 order, meaning the first team picks one hero, then the second teams picks 2 heroes, team one picks two heroes etc. until the second team picks one last hero. One turn lasts 20 seconds, meaning that the player(s) who has to pick in a particular turn, must do so within those 20 seconds (not picking within the time limit results in acquiring a random hero). The first team to pick a hero is randomly chosen.
- This mode can only be activated in 5 versus 5 games.
Cannot be used with: -aa, -ai, -as, -id, -np, -sc, -em, -du, -sh, -rv, -om, -nt, -nm, -nb, -dm, -mm

-xl | -extendedleague
Same as with League Mode listed above, with the exceptions that players may pick heroes from any tavern and that the Blue and Pink are given 20 seconds to remove up to four heroes from the game each before the picking process starts.
Cannot be used with: -aa, -ai, -as, -id, -np, -sc, -em, -du, -sh, -rv, -om, -nt, -nm, -nb, -dm, -mm


Additional Game Modes

Most of these modes can be combined with eachother and the Main Game Modes listed above (except where noted otherwise). However, there are incompatibilities in between these modes which are noted as above.

-sp | -shuffleplayers
Randomly shuffles the positions of all the players.
- This mode additionally balances the teams if the number of players on each team is uneven i.e. if the difference in the number of players between the teams is greater than one.

-aa | -allagility
Only Agility heroes can be picked.
Cannot be used with: -ai, -as, -dm

-ai | -allintelligence
Only Intelligence heroes can be picked.
Cannot be used with: -aa, -as, -dm

-as | -allstrength
Only Strength heroes can be picked.
Cannot be used with: -aa, -ai, -dm

-id | -itemdrop
Upon death, a random inventory slot is chosen and the item (if present) from that slot is dropped. This mode disables gold loss on death.

-np | -nopowerups
Rune spawning is disabled.

-sc | -supercreeps
A random super creep (Siege Golem, Scary Fish or Ancient Hydra) is spawned on a random lane for both teams every 13 minutes.

-em | -easymode
All towers have their Hit Points reduced by 300 and damage by 30. Additionally, heroes' experience gain is boosted to 150% and the periodical gold accumulation rate is doubled (from 8 per 7 seconds to 16 per 7 seconds).

-du | -duplicatemode
A hero can be picked multiple times by different players.

-sh | -samehero
All players will receive the same hero as the one that the player who entered the mode either picks or randoms.
Cannot be used with: -rv, -dm, -mm

-rv | -reverse
Teams choose the heroes for the enemy team.
- The amount of players on each team must be equal in order to be activated.
Cannot be used with: -sh, -dm

-om | onlymid
Disables creep spawning and tower vulnerability on the top and bottom lane.

-nt | -notop
Disables creep spawning on the top lane.

-nm | -nomid
Disables creep spawning on the middle lane.

-nb | -nobot
Disables creep spawning on the bottom lane.

-ns | -noswap
The -swap commands are disabled.
- Currently when this mode is activated, -gameinfo shows that -norepick is activated as well. However, players can still repick.

-nr | -norepick
The -repick command is disabled.

-dm | -deathmatch
Every hero that gets killed is removed from the game. The player that controlled that hero acquires a new one in par with the primary game mode i.e. if it's normal mode (only -dm was entered) the hero picks a new hero from the taverns on his side. Aside from losing by World Tree/Frozen Throne destruction, the game is lost when the deaths equal 44 (can be modified with the Death Match optional mode -lives xx).
Deathmatch optional modes:

-nd
The Respawn time is removed.
-lives xx
Modifies the number of 'lives' or heroes each team has available. The game ends when a team gets xx kills/enemy team gets xx deaths. The xx is replaced by a number from 10 to 44.

Cannot be used with: -aa, -ai, -as, -rv, -sh, -mm

-wtf
Every time an ability is used, the cooldown is reset and mana set to full. Some triggered abilities passively create exceptions, ex. abilities that drain mana over time when activated, still drain your mana.
- This mode must be entered separately from other game modes, but still within the first 15 game seconds.

-mm | -mirrormatch
After a period of time, one of the heroes controlled by the corresponding players from each team (first player in both teams, second player in both teams, etc.) is randomly chosen to be played by both the players. The result is an identical matchup on both teams.
- The amount of players on each team must be equal in order to be activated.
Cannot be used with: -sh, -dm

-test
Enables the Single Player commands for all players in the game.
- This mode must be entered separately from other game modes, but still within the first 15 game seconds.

-ts | -terrainsnow
Activates an experimental mode that partially turns the terrain to a snowy one.

-ah
Turns on an experimental Anti Hack system. The player that enters the mode is presented with two options, -mode1 which only affects the minimap and -mode2 which deals with more possibilities and is labeled as the recommended mode.
- Must be entered separately, between 15 and 60 game seconds.

-oi | -observerinfo
Provides additional mouse-over hero information for game observers.

-pm | -poolingmode
Disables the anti pooling system which disables most item effects from benefiting heroes that haven't purchased the item.


Commands available to all players


These commands can be used to their effect by any player in the game.

-random
Player is given a random hero from the pool of heroes available to pick from.
- Bypasses the 250 hero gold cost. Must be entered when the heroes become available for picking, which is after the first 15 game seconds have elapsed.

-repick
Removes the current player controlled hero. The player is then presented with another hero which is either picked again (in pick modes) or randomed (in random modes).
- Can only repick once, within the first game minute, must be at full Health and Mana and have 350/400 gold for pick/random modes respectively.

-gameinfo
Displays the activated game modes accompanied by brief explanations.

-swap | -swaphero
The -swap/-swaphero command lists the teammates' heroes as swapping options, labeled with numbers from 1 to 5.

-swap #
The # is a number (range is from 1 to 5) from the options presented when the -swap | -swaphero command is typed. Entering this command prompts the player which controls the hero (option number) that an offer for swapping has been made. In order for two heroes to get swapped, both players have to type -swap #(entering eachother's option number).

- The options are generated by the player number, and are easily remembered by their color: Sentinel are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and scourge: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Example: The Blue player has to type -swap 4 and the Yellow player has to type -swap 1 in order to swap their heroes. Items and control over the hero will be switched. This command cannot be typed after the first wave of creep commences.
-swapcancel is activated after a successful swap.

-swapcancel
All swap requests from and to the player are canceled.

-swapall
Requests -swap/-swaphero with all players.
- -swapcancel is activated before the requests are made.

-recreate
This command is meant for some heroes that have the ability to undergo a metamorphosis (Dragon Knight, Lycanthrope and Soul Keeper) where there are rare problems with losing control of the unit. The command can be used when the hero is near team's Fountain area. There is a 200 game seconds channeling time, to prevent abuses.

-unstuck
Pauses your hero (cannot move or use skills) for 60 game seconds, after which he's transported to your fountain. This command is meant for use when your hero is stuck in an impassable part of terrain/blocked between trees.

-ma | -matchup
Displays a list of the enemy players, the heroes that they control and their levels and optionally if they left the game, the game time when they left.

-ms
Displays the player's hero current movement speed.

-disablehelp / -enablehelp
These two commands are designed to prevent abuses of spells that can be cast on allies. Spells currently affected by this commands are: Chen's Test of Faith, Obsidian Destroyer's Astral Imprisonment and Furion's Sprout. If you type -disablehelp, allied casts of Test of Faith, Sprout and Astral Imprisonment will not work on you. If you type -enablehelp later on, the spells can be cast on you once again.
- -enablehelp is on by default.

-cs | -creepstats
Displays the number of killed enemy creeps, killed allied creeps (denies) and the number of killed neutral creeps.

-cson / -csoff
Shows / Hides the current creep kills and denies in the game scoreboard title.
- -csoff is in effect by default.

-showdeny / -hidedeny
Show / Hide signalization whenever a creep or a building is killed by its allied player (denied). The signal is an exclamation mark that appears at the denied target's location and it's color is the one of the player that has denied it.

-di | -denyinfo
Activates both -cson and -showdeny.

-hidemsg / -showmsg
Disables / Enables all triggered in-game messages.
- -showmsg is in effect by default.

-weather moonlight / -weather wind / -weather rain / -weather snow
Each command activates a weather effect.
- The effects cannot be seen if Particles is set to Low in the Warcraft III Options > Video settings.

-weather random
Enables a random weather effect that changes automatically every 5 minutes.

-weather off
Turns off weather effects, if activated.
- This is in effect by default.

-don | -deathon / -doff | -deathoff
Enables / Disables a timer board that shows up when your hero dies, and presents the remaining respawn time.
- -deathon is in effect by default

-hhn | -hideheronames
Removes the hero names that are added after the players' names in DotA.

-mute
Disables the kill sounds.

-afk
Shows how much time a player hasn't issued a command. If a player doesn't issue any commands in 10 game minutes, a -kickafk command is displayed to all players, which if typed by anyone it removes the afk player from the game.

-apm
Displays current player's actions per minute.

-clear
Clears the screen of all triggered game messages.

-courier
Toggles an idle courier icon (same as with an idle worker unit in ladder).

-roll / -roll #(1-2000)
Gives a random number from 0 to 100 / from 0 to the number you typed up to 2000 which is shown to all players. For example, if you type -roll 2000, you will get a random number from 0-2000.
- This command serves for anything you want it to serve for.

-rollon / -rolloff
Enables / Disables the -roll game messages.

-invokelist
Lists all of Invoker's spells, the combinations of Quas, Wex and Exort needed to invoke them and their hotkeys.

-fs | -fleshstr
Shows how much Strength is gained from the Flesh Heap ability.
- Only in effect when the hero played is Pudge.

-music ***
Enables music in game. The *** specifies which background music will be played and is any of the following options: off , random, nightelf1, nightelf2, nightelf3, human1, human2, human3, orc1, orc2, orc3, undead1, undead2, undead3, other1, other2, other3, other4, other5
- Must have music from Warcraft III enabled.


Single Player commands

These commands are meant for easier testing of certain mechanics. They are on by default when a game is started in Single Player, and can be activated by the host in multiplayer with the -test command.

-spawncreeps
Spawns a creep wave (both Sentinel and Scourge, all lanes)

-neutrals
Triggers the neutral creeps respawn code.

-kill
Kills the current hero.

-killsent / -killscourge
Kills all sentinel / scourge creeps.

-killall
Kills both sentinel and scourge creeps.

-powerup
Activates the rune respawn code.

-gold xxxx
Adds xxxx gold.

-lvlup / -lvlup #
Raises the current hero's level by 1 / by # levels.

-refresh
Resets all skill/item cooldowns and sets the hero's Hit Points and mana to full.

-time #
Sets the current game time of day to # (0-23).

-noherolimit
Enables picking of multiple heroes.


2.Stats

Strength
Each point in strength gives…
- 19hp
- Increased hp regeneration (About 0.03)
- Additional 1 damage (Strength Heroes)

Agility
Each point in agility gives
- 1% increased attack speed
- 7 points of agility gives 1 point in armour
- Additional 1 damage (Agility Heroes)

Intelligence
Each point in intelligence gives
- 13 mana
- Increased mana regeneration (About 0.04)
- Additional 1 damage (Intel Heroes)

3.Orb Effects
Thanks to Malle from DotA-Allstars.com - Welcome for compiling this orb effects table.


Special notes on ranged:
Cold Attack isn't really an orb effect on ranged units, it only adds a debuff on hit to your attack, and as WC3 is coded, each attack may only place one debuff each attack. This leads to some special cases with Cold Attack on ranged:

Feedback and Cold Attack: If the target has mana, feedback will take effect. Otherwise, Cold Attack will take effect.
Chain Lightning and Cold Attack: If Chain Lightning activates, Chain Lightning will take effect. If Chain Lightning doesn't activate, Cold Attack will take effect.
Maim and Cold Attack: If Maim activates, Maim will take effect. If Maim doesn't activate, Cold Attack will take effect.

Maim
Effect: Slows down target slow and causes it to take extra damage. (% wise anyone knows?)
Item/s: Sange and Yasha

Lifesteal
Effect: Lifeleech of X%, as listed on the items
Item/s: Mask of Death, Helm of Dominator, Mask of Madness, Satanic

Feedback
Effect: Every attack burns X mana and deals X damage, as listed on item.
Item/s: Diffusal Blade, Manta Style

Chain Lightning
Effect: 20% chance of releasing a 150 damage chain lightning
Item/s: Maelstrom

Corruption
Effect: -6 to Armour
Item/s: Stygian Desolator

Cold Attack
Effect: Slows down the target. (% wise anyone knows?)
Item/s: Eye of Skadi

Hero orb effects to be added later

4.Stacking of Effects
Critical Hit
Bashing
Cleaving
Armour
Evasion
Magic Resistance
Attack Speed
Movement Speed
Misc

To be edited later.

5.Minimap

Damn that is a awesome mini map!!!
6.Misc
Some commands are available to all players. Just press enter and type "-(Command)".
Matchup - Displays what heroes are on the opposite team and who is using them.
Movespeed - Displays the current movement speed of your hero.

522 is the maximum top speed achievable.





All credit goes to: Dj_skyE
And MYM Homepage (For In-Game commands)

[xiN]

Woow, nice guide. Thanks for sharring.

[Loioster]

Gonna add new Mini map very soon .. since old one is from 6.46 or before. lol

[Shad0wKn1ght]

thx for sharing didn't know anything of this -.-

[MaRcDk]

Thanks for sharing, nice guide

[DrStyles]

What is the point of secret shops if they're almost necessary and everyone knows about them? Look how long your guide is, and that doesn't even cover all of it. DoTA is memorizing a bunch of imba stuff. Even the terrain is bad. Now i know ppl ganna be like "omfg you dum u nver playd DoTA so uu wudent no" I have played DoTA more then once and my friend always tries to show me do this this and this or w/e but its all memorizing stuff. In conclusion your newb guide to DoTA will get ppl kicked because...

DoTA --> "if your not pro, your baned."

[forgotmylogin]

i dont play dota but what ill say is what noobs really need is a good build order they can copy for recipes

[Jolinar]

Correct. A proper itembuild and skillbuild and basic WC3 (not necessarily DotA) hero gameplay skills are all you need to pwn. But still, remembering a build for 95 heroes is not that easy, that's why it takes a while till you can be a hard pro at stuff like -ar

[moozle]

wow... this is helpful..thx

[Kaskame]

Wow Big Guide...didn't read all but what I read was nicely done
Nice Guide to the First Time players and that orb effects WOW good job ^^