Dota 2 FAQ
Free to play, ranked roles, Turbo, and why you keep feeding the first ten minutes.
Is Dota 2 free?
Yes. Dota 2 is free to play on Steam. All heroes are available. Cosmetics are optional. The game is not hiding a pay-to-win item in the shop.
What should I play first?
New Player Mode, then unranked position 5, then offlane. Carry and mid wait until last-hitting and TPs are automatic. Turbo is fine for hero feel, not for learning towers.
Why do I keep feeding?
The wave is under their tower, you have no TP, and you are walking river alone. Pull, buy wards, stay with the carry or behind your T1. Feeding is usually a map mistake, not an aim mistake.
Should I use ranked roles?
Yes once you know one role well. Queueing all five roles is how you get mid with zero mid games. Support queues faster; that is a feature if you are learning.
How long until I am 'good'?
You will lose a lot. The goal after a month is: pull, ward, TP, take a tower after a kill, and not high-ground without a wave. MMR can wait.