How to start playing Dota

To start playing Dota you must own Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and its expansion: The Frozen Throne. You can buy these in a pack for under $30 at Amazon or somewhere. It is important that you buy your own copy because each game comes with a unique CD key and you must have one to play any online/multiplayer games.

Warcraft 3 battle chest

Once you own your own copy you have to then download the latest Dota map from getdota.com. It is important that you keep up with the latest maps because if you try to join a game that is hosted by a server, such as DotaCash or DotaPub you will be unable to enter the game since they are set to block people without the newest map (so don't panic if you try to join a game and can't enter, you probably just need the latest map). Also, if you join someone's private game and they see that you are downloading the game in the lobby they will probably kick you immediately.

Storm Spirit

That's all you need to play! Go get started!