description DotA (Warcraft III) Overview
Defense of the Ancients, commonly called DotA, was a custom map for Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and its expansion The Frozen Throne. Players controlled individual hero characters, gained experience and resources, and fought with allied units against another team aiming to destroy its opposing base. The map grew through contributions from creators including Eul, Steve Feak, and IceFrog, and helped establish the team-based format later associated with multiplayer online battle arena games.
help DotA (Warcraft III) FAQ
What exactly was DotA in Warcraft III?
Defense of the Ancients was a custom map played inside Blizzard's Warcraft III rather than a separate commercial game. It turned the game's map editor and multiplayer systems into a team-based hero battle.
Who were Eul and IceFrog in DotA's development?
Eul was one of the early creators of the original Defense of the Ancients map, while IceFrog became the leading developer associated with DotA Allstars. Their work helped establish the design language later used by Dota 2.
Is the original DotA the same game as Dota 2?
No, the Warcraft III map and Dota 2 are separate games, although Dota 2 is their direct standalone successor. Valve released Dota 2 in 2013 after IceFrog joined the project.
How is a standard DotA match played?
The usual format has two teams of five heroes fighting through lanes, destroying enemy structures, and ultimately attacking the opposing Ancient. Each hero gains experience, buys items, and uses a distinct set of abilities during the match.
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