1 on 1 DOTA for Dummies

I had a game of DotA (Defense of the Ancients) with my cousin yesterday and it really got me inspired in writing this. It’s been quite a while since I’ve ever played a 1 on 1 game plus most competition is set at 3 vs 3 or 5 vs 5, after all DotA is a team based game. So here are some quick tips for those interested (Existenz take note).

First blood
The best thing about 1 on 1 is that each player automatically starts with 3.5k gold. That’s already enough to buy lots of lvl1 items but also the most important early game lvl3 item, the Daggon (Staff of wizardry 1000 + blades of attack 650 + recipe 1350 = 3000). At level 1 it can churn out bad-ass bolt of red lightning at 400 damage. That’s already enough* to take out low hp heroes like bone Fletcher, oblivion, rikimaru and even the drow ranger. (* might need to soften up the hero first).

Top 3 heroes that’s deadly with the Daggon in early game.
Goblin techies – Daggon (400) + Suicide squad, attack (650) = 1050dmg
Pugna (Oblivion) – Decrepify (+40%) + Daggon (400) = 560dmg
Zeus – Lightning bolt (100) + Daggon (400) = 500dmg

Note, damage might vary depending on enemy’s armor rating.

Seek and destroy
With clever use of observer wards, it’s easy to ambush and prevent ambushes. There are many blind spot and ambush points in the game so, knowing here and when to use is purely based on wisdom and experience. I would’ve provided a map if I could.

Staying in the game
The longer you stay in battles, the more experience you get (provided you are near enough when a creep dies). So, it’s always best to stock up on lesser clarity potion and flask of sapphire water to save trips from base to battlefield. Also, getting a courier chicken is advisable. Having a 1-2 level lead is important especially for spamming heroes as spells would grow stronger, thus giving an edge in the game. Attacking the opposing hero first to force him to return back to base to charge up is also an age old technique that’s still being used.

Practice practice practice
Title explains it all.

picture curtersy of http://dota-allstars.com/