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Like League of Legends, Dota 2 (Defense of the Ancients) is also a MOBA game, developed and published by Valve. Here is a look at the objectives, roles and implications of the game from a fantasy standpoint.
Set your DraftKings lineups here: DOTA2 $20K Ancient Attack [$5K to 1st] (DPC AniMajor)
Genre of game
MOBA – Multiplayer Online Battle Arena
Breaking down the map
A Dota 2 map is divided into two distinct areas: Radiant and Dire. The radiant part of the map is the scenic section, while the dire part, as the name suggests, is the ominous, eerie section. There is also an offlane and safelane, which is crucial to understand because the Dota 2 map is not symmetrical.
There are also sectors of the map that are similar to Summoner’s Rift in League of Legends, including but not limited to three lanes – top, middle and bottom, a jungle between these lanes and towers that run along the lanes. In total, there are four different tiers of towers, ranging in varied importance from the base up to the river.
Objective of the game
As the title indicates, take down the opponent’s Ancient, a towering, glowing structure in the opposition home base.
Roles and fantasy implication
The roles in Dota 2 are not dissimilar from League of Legends, but there are several subtle changes that need to be analyzed carefully. Here is a look at some of those differences along with examples from Evil Geniuses’ current Dota 2 roster.
On DraftKings, you will have to fill seven slots: one Captain, three Core positions, two Support positions and one Team.
Carry
A carry hero in Dota 2 is tasked with leading the early farming of the most powerful items available. This position usually involves increased engagement with opposing players in order to free up the map and itemize appropriately.
On DraftKings: This position falls under the Core category.
Fantasy implication: As a rule of thumb, each team’s carry hero is a good place to begin structuring your team from. Considering this position involves several kills, there is also a strong influence on the game and a case to be made for Captain on DraftKings.
Example: Arteezy plays as the carry for EG in the safe lane. He has a fight participation rate of 55% with lane gold collection of 77%.
Mid
A mid hero will start in the middle lane with the most experience. Proximity to either lane and the jungle allows the mid hero significant potential to influence the game, just like a mid laner in League of Legends.
On DraftKings: This position falls under the Core category.
Fantasy implication: From a kills standpoint, a mid hero can also gather several kills per game. It’s a slightly more methodical position but one that is crucial to your Dota 2 fantasy roster.
Example: Abed plays in this position for EG. He has a fight participation of 63% and lane gold collection of 75%.
Offlaner
Usually a more passive position than mid or carry, an offlaner is tasked with keeping the opposition quiet and enhancing defensive capabilities.
On DraftKings: This position also falls under the Core category.
Fantasy implication: This position usually involves few fights comparatively considering its concerted nature. This is quite similar to the top laner in League of Legends.
Example: iceiceice is the offlaner for EG. He has a fight participation rate of 58% and lane gold collection of 67%.
Support
There are two different support positions in Dota 2 — a position four and position five support. A position five support is most similar to the support in League of Legends, entrusted with protecting the carry in the safe lane. The position four support’s role is a bit more dynamic, with movements across the map.
On DraftKings: Both position four and position five supports fall under the Support category.
Fantasy implication: Support heroes don’t usually rack up the kills, but depending on whether the player in the fourth or fifth support position, the fight participation rate will vary.
Set your DraftKings lineups here: DOTA2 $20K Ancient Attack [$5K to 1st] (DPC AniMajor)
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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.