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Ready for a challenge? Whether a seasoned gamer or a total novice, this course is your gateway into the world of DotA 2.

Start off strong by mastering the fundamentals of the game. The learning curve for DotA is one of the steepest in gaming. This course will jump-start your development through every basic aspect of the game, from basic the mechanics, all the way up to stepping into your first practice games as a Carry, Support, Offlane and Mid hero.

By the end of this course, you will know how to:

Read more

Ready for a challenge? Whether a seasoned gamer or a total novice, this course is your gateway into the world of DotA 2.

Start off strong by mastering the fundamentals of the game. The learning curve for DotA is one of the steepest in gaming. This course will jump-start your development through every basic aspect of the game, from basic the mechanics, all the way up to stepping into your first practice games as a Carry, Support, Offlane and Mid hero.

By the end of this course, you will know how to:

  • Earn experience and level-up your hero throughout a game
  • Last-hit enemy creeps to earn gold, as well as deny your own creeps to prevent your enemies earning gold
  • Claim control of the map by destroying enemy towers
  • Slay Roshan and claim the Aegis of the Immortal
  • Crush your enemies through spending gold on items to empower your hero

DotA 2 is a challenging game with dozens of mechanics and hundreds of heroes to master. From novice players to professionals, there is always something new to learn. An extremely popular and fun experience, DotA has produced international finals with prize pools tallying up to the millions. The game maintains a buzzing Esports scene with multiple tournaments hosted every week, which are great sources of learning and entertainment for players of all skill levels.

This course will catapult your base knowledge of DotA 2 from novice-level to beginner, a learning curve that might otherwise take 50-100 hours of gameplay to overcome.

Your host for this course is professional player and coach, BSJ.

BSJ has mastered everything there is to know about the game, with several years of professional experience and thousands of hours of player coaching under his belt. With his guidance, mastering the many fundamental aspects of DotA will come naturally, and you are certain to be well-prepared for your first real match.

Epic challenges and heroic victories await. Begin your journey today.

Enroll now

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what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops core skills for playing the video game DotA 2, including mechanics and strategies for playing as different types of heroes
Especially beneficial for novice players looking to improve their gameplay
Taught by professional player and coach BSJ, who provides expert guidance and insights
Provides a strong foundation for understanding the game's mechanics and strategies
May require additional experience or research to fully master the game

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Reviews summary

Essential dota 2 fundamentals for new players

According to students, The Complete DotA 2 Course for Beginners is a highly effective starting point for navigating DotA 2's steep learning curve. Learners praise the expert instruction by BSJ, who makes complex concepts easy to understand. The course is universally recommended for absolute beginners, providing a solid foundation in core mechanics like last-hitting, denying, and basic role responsibilities. While it excels at teaching fundamentals, some learners note it's not suitable for intermediate or advanced players seeking deeper strategies or hero-specific guides. Minor concerns include content becoming slightly outdated due to game patches, common for live-service titles. Overall, it effectively prepares new players for their first matches.
Provides a solid grounding in core game mechanics and roles.
"I finally feel like I know what I'm doing in a match, thanks to the insights into basic mechanics like creep equilibrium and warding spots."
"I understand last hitting, denying, and basic role responsibilities. The course covers every basic aspect of the game from ground up."
"The course covers everything from last-hitting to map control and Roshan. I learned how to effectively earn gold and claim map control."
BSJ's teaching style and deep knowledge are highly praised.
"BSJ is an amazing teacher, his explanations are so clear and he makes complex ideas easy to grasp. Highly recommend for total newbies."
"BSJ explains things so well. I was lost before, now I understand creep wave mechanics and why map awareness is so important."
"I appreciated how BSJ broke down every fundamental mechanic with patience. I used to just auto-attack creeps, now I'm actively last-hitting."
Perfect for new players, simplifying DotA 2's steep learning curve.
"This course delivers exactly what it promises: a complete guide for beginners. I knew nothing about DotA, and now I understand basic role responsibilities."
"For someone completely new to DotA 2, this course is invaluable. I can't imagine starting without it. The modules on roles were particularly helpful."
"This course really helped me get over the initial hurdle of DotA 2. It saved me dozens of hours of trial and error."
Content may occasionally become slightly outdated due to game patches.
"However, as the game updates, some specific details about items or hero abilities might shift, so keep an eye on patch notes."
"Like any course on a live service game, some minor details can get outdated quickly, but the core fundamentals remain very solid."
"I found a few minor things here and there that were slightly different after a major patch, but the main concepts are still valid."
May be too slow or basic for experienced players.
"While the course is great for absolute beginners, I found some parts a bit slow since I already had a basic understanding of MOBAs."
"I appreciate the foundational knowledge, but I wish there was more on advanced strategies or specific hero matchups. It's a great start."
"Good starting point. The lessons are clear, but if you've played any MOBA before, you might find yourself fast-forwarding a bit."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Complete DotA 2 Course for Beginners with these activities:
Practice last-hitting
Develop muscle memory for last-hitting to secure gold during gameplay.
Browse courses on Farming
Show steps
  • Enter a practice lobby or bot match.
  • Focus on killing enemy creeps with the last hit to earn gold.
  • Experiment with different heroes and abilities to enhance last-hitting skills.
Follow advanced warding tutorials
Gain strategic insights by studying expert warding techniques.
Browse courses on Vision
Show steps
  • Locate resources on advanced warding techniques (e.g., YouTube videos, articles).
  • Study the principles and strategies behind effective ward placement.
  • Practice implementing advanced warding tactics in practice lobbies or bot matches.
Join a Dota 2 coaching session
Accelerate progress by receiving personalized guidance and feedback from a skilled coach.
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Show steps
  • Connect with a reputable Dota 2 coach or mentor.
  • Set up a coaching session and discuss specific goals and areas for improvement.
  • Actively participate in the coaching session and follow the coach's instructions.
  • Review and reflect on the insights and feedback received during the session.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Design a Dota 2 hero concept
Foster creativity and develop a deeper understanding of hero mechanics and balance.
Browse courses on Game Development
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for a new Dota 2 hero, considering roles, abilities, lore, and visual design.
  • Sketch out the hero's abilities, stats, and playstyle.
  • Create a detailed description of the hero's lore and background.
  • Submit the hero concept to the Dota 2 community for feedback and discussion.
Teamfight simulations
Enhance team coordination and strategic decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Browse courses on Coordination
Show steps
  • Gather a team of players or join a practice lobby with teammates.
  • Create scenarios that simulate common teamfight situations (e.g., defending a siege).
  • Practice executing teamfight strategies, focusing on coordination, communication, and target prioritization.
  • Review the team's performance and identify areas for improvement.
Contribute to open-source Dota 2 projects
Gain hands-on experience in collaborative development and contribute to the Dota 2 ecosystem.
Browse courses on Game Development
Show steps
  • Identify open-source Dota 2 projects on platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
  • Select a project that aligns with your skills and interests.
  • Reach out to the project maintainers to discuss potential contributions.
  • Fork the project and create a pull request for your proposed changes or additions.

Career center

Learners who complete The Complete DotA 2 Course for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and Information Systems Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems. They ensure that systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and they work with users to identify and resolve any issues. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Computer and Information Systems Manager. You will learn about the fundamentals of computer systems, including hardware, software, and networking. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in IT management.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They work with users to identify their needs and then develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Computer Systems Analyst. You will learn about the fundamentals of computer systems, including hardware, software, and networking. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in IT systems analysis.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of databases. They work with users to identify their needs and then develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Database Administrator. You will learn about the fundamentals of database design, implementation, and maintenance. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in database administration.
IT Project Manager
IT Project Managers plan, implement, and manage IT projects. They work with stakeholders to identify project goals and objectives, and they develop and execute project plans. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful IT Project Manager. You will learn about project management methodologies, budgeting, and risk assessment. You will also learn about the fundamentals of computer systems, including hardware, software, and networking. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in IT project management.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. They work with users to identify their needs and then develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Network Administrator. You will learn about the fundamentals of computer networks, including hardware, software, and protocols. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in network administration.
Software Developer
Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with users to identify their needs and then develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Software Developer. You will learn about the fundamentals of software development, including programming languages, software design, and testing. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in software development.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer systems. They work with users to identify and resolve any issues, and they ensure that systems are running smoothly and efficiently. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Systems Administrator. You will learn about the fundamentals of computer systems, including hardware, software, and networking. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in systems administration.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They work with users to identify and resolve any issues, and they provide guidance on how to use computer systems effectively. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Technical Support Specialist. You will learn about the fundamentals of computer systems, including hardware, software, and networking. You will also learn about customer service and communication skills. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in technical support.
Web Developer
Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They work with users to identify their needs and then develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Web Developer. You will learn about the fundamentals of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in web development.
Computer Game Designer
Computer Game Designers design, develop, and maintain computer games. They work with users to identify their needs and then develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Computer Game Designer. You will learn about the fundamentals of computer game design, including game mechanics, level design, and storytelling. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in computer game design.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers design, develop, and maintain computer programs. They work with users to identify their needs and then develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Computer Programmer. You will learn about the fundamentals of computer programming, including programming languages, software design, and testing. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in computer programming.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with users to identify and resolve any security issues, and they develop and implement security measures to protect systems and data. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Information Security Analyst. You will learn about the fundamentals of information security, including security threats, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in information security.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with users to identify their needs and then develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Software Engineer. You will learn about the fundamentals of software engineering, including software design, development, and testing. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in software engineering.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design, develop, and maintain computer systems. They work with users to identify their needs and then develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Systems Analyst. You will learn about the fundamentals of systems analysis, including systems design, development, and testing. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in systems analysis.
Web Application Developer
Web Application Developers design, develop, and maintain web applications. They work with users to identify their needs and then develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Web Application Developer. You will learn about the fundamentals of web application development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side programming languages. You will also learn about project management, budgeting, and risk assessment. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in web application development.

Reading list

We've selected four books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Complete DotA 2 Course for Beginners.
This academic text provides a theoretical framework for understanding game strategy. It explores concepts such as Nash equilibrium and minimax algorithms, which can be applied to Dota 2 decision-making.
Delves into the psychological aspects of competition, including motivation, anxiety, and confidence. It provides insights into how to manage emotions and perform at your best in Dota 2 and other competitive games.
While this book is not specifically about Dota 2, it can be a great resource for players of any skill level. The Art of War classic text on strategy and warfare, and it can provide valuable insights into how to outplay your opponents and win more games.
Collection of comics that tell the story of the Dota 2 universe. It's a great way to learn more about the game's lore and characters, and it's also a lot of fun to read.

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