Defence of the Ancients is a very popular map in Warcraft III; almost an obsession with some players, probably due to the constant changes; each new version gains fame and followers. It is not surprising therefore, that DOTA tactics and strategy tips are populating the Web these days. Hero building is the prime focus; heroes acquire abilities and strength through purchases with gold, so acquiring gold becomes the prime objective. DOTA Heroes gain gold by killing or destroying enemy assets or personnel, in particular by killing creeps. Experience is relatively easy to acquire but gaining gold is more complex. Waiting for the health of an enemy to decrease or cast a spell will help. The last hit gains the gold so timing is crucial! Spells that deal multiple damage can gain several creep kills at one time.
Start by finding what type of hero you have: Strength, Intelligence, or Agility. Buy items that will boost these skills. A useful first item is Boots of Speed, which will give increased speed to attack or withdraw. Rings of regeneration, sapphire waters, ironwood branches and circlets of nobility are also useful. Some items combine to form recipes, and may not cost gold to obtain.
Getting the best from your hero means understanding their attributes and limitations. As you progress, you will need to increase your knowledge of the characters and their attributes to maintain your mastery of the game. Aim to maximize damage, employ optimum survival tactics, seek to avoid unnecessary deaths and limit damage as much as possible. All these small incidents add up, and reduce your health and gold little by little.
Buy health potions to save returns to base. Make enemy heroes return to base to heal, it wastes time. Various sites and forums will show you ways to increase gold and acquire abilities; do not overlook damage limitation!
At first you will be killed in relatively few hits, so will need the aid of your creeps. As you improve, you will develop your abilities and be able to destroy a tower alone without much harm to yourself. Eventually you will find yourself destroying towers with ease.
