Where to head off now?

So, after my very first game of a public DoTA match, I'm still fairly unsure where to head off next. I insisted trying to play a support, so I asked the people in the match for a suggestion. They suggested Sniper, so I chose it. The only real thing I did at the beginning was probably denying, however as the time went on, I wasn't very sure where I was supposed to be anymore. Instead I ended up roaming around to attacked towers to help (mostly last hitting when the other people weren't around).

Overall, I felt as if I didn't do much for the team, rather, only farmed. I did ask the team what they'd like me to do, but only one or two of them said just to get more "DPS" and armour or something like that.

Is there a way someone can specifically help me (in-game preferably) in learning DoTA? I realise there is this "mentoring" system, I wasn't sure what it does but I'm assuming it's sort of a 1 on 1 teaching system???


On a side note, I read something on "pulling" neutral creeps as a support at 00:15 (since it's probably the "real" farming time I'm assuming). I came across 2 problems, one which was that I couldn't actually find where the neutral creeps lurk, and 2, they seem to stop following you after a certain distance from their camp, even if I stayed close to them. It just seemed impossible to pull them near my creeps. Am I doing anything wrong?

firstly sniper isnt a support xD they were probably trolling or something secondly buy wards, courier, gem, dust, smoke etc and in lane with a carry you main job should be to pull, stack, harass and make sure the carry does not die these are just a few simple things i guess

First off, Sniper isn't a support so that's a start =P

Second, supports' jobs are to make sure your team feel safe and can farm safely e.g. warding to spot ganks and runes, harassing the opposing team at the start (don't over extend) and the previously mentioned pulling/stacking. You should also carry a Town Portal Scroll at all times to help other lanes and get to team fights quicker. Also, a support should ALWAYS start the game buying either courier or wards.

Third, creeps spawn at 00:30 in each camp in the jungle then every minute (xx:00) after that if no units/wards are in a certain area, so you were either standing too close or you checked on 00:15 =)

Basically, the support should be right behind your team to (oh what a coincidence!) SUPPORT.

If you ask anyone on here, I'm sure they'll be able to help you with support techniques. I'm online tomorrow from about 7pm GMT if you want me to go through some =)

Early Game : You buy courier/wards. You place wards (as mentioned) to make it easier on the carries to farm without fear of ganks. Your job in a duel lane is protecting the carry and helping him farm. Can also assist with kills if mid comes for an early gank.

Mid Game : (10min) Still support, by keeping some vision using wards. At this point you can start helping with ganks by 'roaming'. For example, head mid to help the mid hero kill his opponent, or even go top for a 4 man push (with mid). Another thing to remember, and this was mentioned by Mr. Nuke, is always carry a TP scroll. If you see the enemy going on your carry or another hero at a tower, TPing in can save their lives and even score you kills.

Late Game : Teamfights. You throw your spells and disables and try not to die unless saving the carry.

One thing to remember is that supporting is all about being everwhere you are needed. For the record, Sniper isn't a support. A support is a hero that doesn't need gold or exp to be super effective. Examples are Crystal Maiden, Lion, Omniknight, etc. Heroes with a heal or a disable.

For a great guide, go here. It's a great guide by Sando that pretty much describes everything you need to know about playing the awesome role of support.

This guy may be a place to start actually, I may even try him myself =)

Feel free to add me guys. I'm almost always available to help.

Typically we'll watch replays together and play practice games for more technical stuff.

Just message when you've got an hour or two to kill.

http://steamcommunity.com/id/AngeloBangelo

I recommend Angelo, nicest mentor on this forum.

No, but seriously: Thanks Wulfstan. :3

I wish AngeloBangelo would pick up a dagon more often in his games. He never uses it. NEVER!

I've read somewhere in a guide to use Dagons (I'm guessing it was you?), why is it so good to use?