FlightOfHeaven said:
This game is a bit intimidating to someone who's just starting out and last played DotA 6.3x 4 years ago.
Anyone have any quick tips they can impart? That ward placement stuff is great, and I completely forgot about them. It seems neutrals are also much more important.
If you have general DotA knowledge, you are pretty much set. There are a few key differences that you have probably already noticed though:
- Number One, and most important to me is that tower agro is completely different and not "random" like in DotA. If you attack an enemy hero in their tower's range, it will automatically target you until you leave range. Damage scales up after every hit, so don't expect to easily be able to calculate the damage you'll take.
- Number Two, team play and ganking take priority of laning. There is a higher benefit from getting kills early and often, and not as much punishment for dying which gives incentives for players to be more agressive.
- Number Three, the Summoner System provides a meta game or element that remains throughout all of your games. At first it might seem unfair to the low level players, but it really makes sense because you most likely won't even face higher level players until later in the game.
- Number Four, there are lots of changes in the maps and stores that you have already noticed if you've played. One is the cover system, watch for AoE ults that are invisible unless you are also in the bush with them such as Nunu's. The stores have recommended items, which are great for starting out with champs, but you will want to customize your build as you get more acclimated to your own play style.
- Number Five, creeps give you buffs and team wide experience and gold, making them major objectives. "Dragon" gives your team +130 gold, and a lot of experience. "Golem" gives an individual increased mana regen and more Cooldown Reduction. "Lizard" gives an individual a secondary damage to each auto attack as well as a slow on hit. "Baron" gives +250 gold and lots of experience, but only spawns 15min into the game. He also gives major attack buffs along with a bunch of other stats.
- Number Six, there is an extra stat in the game called AP which allows magic damage to scale just as attack damage does. This makes spellcasters viable late game, and AP ratios for abilities are often very important.
I think I covered most everything, someone else can mention if I missed anything. Most important thing is to find a champ or type of champ you are comfortable and have fun with, and remember to enjoy the game and not get bogged down by bad teammates, games are supposed to be fun.
