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[old manatee]

In the beginning you just need to get matches under your belt. Read a few guides on a hero, play a bot match to figure out how they work in a basic way, try to play a few games on-line, repeat for another hero. After about 100 games I started randoming until I had played a few games with every hero and it made a huge impact on my understanding of the game.

The best advice is probably to just mute people that are raging at you.

 

[DisenLedZep]

My recommendations:

1. Watch the Dota thread in community. It's really great. In the OP you'll find lots of info of heroes for beginners and stuff like that. (I always recommend Lich, Wind, Shadow Shaman, Witch Doctor, etc).

2. If you start with supports, you'll get the feel of the game very quickly, even more if you start with carries and start obsessing about last hitting. Give yourself a lot of time learning wards positions (there're a lot... always change them), dewarding, rune timing, harassing (VERY important), item use (also very important, most supports have loads of items crucial to the teamfight (pipe, meka, euls, forcestaff, etc)).

3. Try to pick different heroes. This is a hard thing to do, due to the fact that you'll like your comfort zone. But choosing different heroes, with the same "rol" will help you get the animation attacks, timing, and will learn more skills quickly.

4. Use the in game guides. They're really good, especially the ones that have good rating. The best ones almost offers variations due to the game status, like if you need more survivability or less farm and more hit, etc.

And that's that... the game is a BAZILLION times better if you play it with friends. So join fellow gaffers that are in your same situation (starting) by joining in the GAF Steam Group!

Anywho, have fun. The game is GREAT. The lows are really lows... but the highs are so good man... you'll enjoy it a lot. Actually... this reminds me of a drug... :S

 

[The Lamonster]

Ugh, I think the only way someone will enjoy that game is if they haven't played another MOBA. It looks painfully casual. Only cool thing is the active arenas.

I'm a big Blizzard fan so I'm looking forward to playing with all of the beloved characters. I'm sure it'll have enough depth.

 

[gogosox8]

First off I just wanna thanks to everyone for all the helpful tips suggestions. It really has been helpful. How do I join steamgaf for dota? Do i need a password or something? Was messing around in with my setting in a practice game and I randomed Outworld Devourer( I think that's his name). Used an in game guide that was very helpful. He was pretty fun especially when you can start spamming your q. Might try him in an actual game. You can only play him as a carry right? All guides said carry mid for him.

Definately practice practice practice. Like has been said, having at least one game with each hero gives you a rough idea of what they can do, so when you are against them you know what moves they might throw at you. The best advice I could probably give is keep an eye on the minimap, like its your rear view mirror in a car. If the enemy X's have suddenly disappeared, think about where you are positioned and how safe you are. Running back to your tower might be a safe bet just to be sure

And yeah, call out missing. If you Alt-Click on an enemy protrait at the top of the screen, it auto calls them missing!

Thanks for the tip I was calling missing when I couldn't see the Viper but that would definitely make it easier.

Someone already linked Purge's website, but I think it's even more helpful to watch his YouTube channel. He gives great replay commentaries on his games for practically every character. Very informative chill dude.

http://www.youtube.com/user/PurgeGamers

That's his name. Purge is the guy who's skill guide I used. I watched one of his games on yt. That's basically the build he suggested. I probably did it poorly, but I think it actually helped me a lot and yes your right he's very informative and knows his stuff. Will definitely check out more of his videos.

OP makes this game sound not fun at all. I tried to get into HoN and it was a very similar experience. I'm just gonna wait for Heroes of the Storm.

Its a lot of fun. Its just that there are a lot of mechanics to the game that you have to account for. You can't just go into it all half assed saying "I'll figure it out as I go" since that wouldn't be fair to the rest of the team hence the 50 hour in practice co op games. But I do agree Heroes of the Storm looks interesting.

You must play with friends. If you don't, you're gonna have a bad time.

I don't really have any friends who game definately none that would play a moba

wr isnt really a beginner hero
always get lich as a starter imo
i never played with bots/practice, just go straight into matches

watch what other ppl do, you'll learn what to do by observing team plays and how your opponents use their heroes
copy what they do right, dont do what they do wrong

But I like WR But I looked up lich and he does look pretty fun. I'll try him out since everyone keeps on suggesting I try him.

 

[ChawlieTheFair]

wat

CS is just as bad if not worse

Had some dude try to kick me because he died peeking and got mad at something and blamed it on me. no one knew what the hell he was bitching about so of course I didn't get booted but still, there are some real shitheads in this community.

Yeah every online game will have assholes, but at least im decent and know what's going on in CS to know if I fucked up lol.

 

[Hylian7]

I won't be able to watch the replay for a week, however I checked out the Dotabuff on the game (really useful game scoreboard viewing tool, and lets you use other useful details as well): http://dotabuff.com/matches/415161878

-From what I can tell, you did just fine and did your job.

-Judging by the screenshots, you bought wards. Good job, you are ahead of 80% of the players at your level. Make sure you place them in effective spots as soon as you can.

-With your team comp, I think Windrunner mid is a bit weird, but it did seem to work out for you guys. What I would have done for lanes in that situation would be Lifestealer Jungle, Tiny mid, Sniper supported by Crystal Maiden top, and you would be soloing bot, or the "offlane". Basically your job in the solo offlane would be to stay alive, getting EXP and occasional farm, as well as a bit of harassment with Power shot. If things get hairy, you can Shackle and Windrun to safety.

-Really good item choices! Remember that every team should have one and only one Mek, and use it in fights, or when a anyone needs healing badly.

-Your opponents had an extremely greedy lineup, the only straight up support on that team (not counting anything unusual like support Alchemist) was Sand King, and his items make no sense.

-On that note, if you play Sand King, don't buy Basher on him. Also Slark's items were crap too.

I'd also suggest getting a GAFfer to coach you with the new coaching feature. They can point stuff out to you as you play and talk to you. I'm out of town till Friday, but I would be willing to coach you. http://steamcommunity.com/id/hylianseven

 

[cripterion]

Had 3 great games with Dark Seer, Nature's Prophet and Witch Doctor. Felt so good.
Bit tired of playing with randoms though. More than half my games people speak in Russian, quit, insult each other, feed intentionally, etc..

 

[Sentenza]

One thing I've learned is that most of the people who act like that are generally the worst players on the team.

Yep. you can even be on your best game, carrying your team like a champ and going on rampage on the enemies, and yet there will be this angry guy doing terribly, calling you a "fucking noob" or a "killstealer" in the process and asking everyone to report you for god-only-knows what crime.

 

[Usobuko]

Well, same as any multi-player oriented game, never allow trash talking to affect your play. Even if your random teammate is being a self-conceited prima donna who doesn't understand the basic concept of working together. Most of the time, after a great fight that turns around the game, they will return to their meekly nature.