Dota 101: Introduction to the 1-5 system

While Dota 2 is a game with a great variety of strategies where anything is possible, there are some constants that seem to be part of every successful strategy.

One of these constants is the classic system of farming positions that range from one to five, today we will explain exactly what these are and how they work.

Scarcity

At the core of any economy the concept of scarcity can be found, with the Dota economy being no different. One of the most effective ways to acquire gold and experience is through farming, however there is a finite amount of resources on the map that can be farmed. There are only six creeps waves and nine camps of neutral creeps every minute, so this wealth needs to be divided in some way. Contrary to Marx’s belief, in Dota 2 total equality is not a very effective way to victory. Instead time has taught us that assigning a simple priority system of one to five creates more successful outcomes for all. In this system the number 1 is supposed to take all the farm they can get their greedy grabbers on, while the number 5 has to scrape by with the scraps left after all their friends have left the scene.

This slightly arbitrary farm distribution system involves much more though, as it has evolved into a de facto role system. Going so far that it is currently enshrined into the Dota 2 client through the magical role que. The given roles of Hard Support, Soft Support, Offlane, Midlane and Safelane are merely fancy names for that same farm distribution system from number 5 as Hard Support to number 1 as Safelane. So if this system has entrenched itself so deeply within the psyche of the dota 2 player base, what exactly do they expect from these roles?

#1 – The hard carry

On top of the farming priority we can find our hard carry. This is often a hero that needs a lot of items to be effective. But when they have found this farm they can form the sole winning condition for your team. Often your team’s strategy will be heavily influenced by the hero you have chosen for this position. Playing around their power spikes and creating a game where your number 1 can excel is a surefire way to victory. While the hard carry plays a huge part in achieving victory, they are also very reliant on the rest of the team so make sure they have your back.

#2 – The midlane

Traditionally the hero who would control the game’s tempo after a good start in the profitable middle lane, the role is now very versatile. In reality any hero can be played on the midlane as long as they fit in the grand plan of your game. From heroes like Templar Assassin who function more like a position 1, to heroes like Skywrath Mage who just want to take some quick levels to start ganking. The one thing all mid laners have in common however is their ability to duke it out in a one versus one slugfest in the middle lane. Win this intense mechanical battle of the early game, and as a position 2 you can set up your team for victory.

#3 – The Offlane

Another role that has undergone many changes over time, once sent off to survive on their own up against three different enemies in lane. The modern offlaner is a bully who will make the opposing carry hate their life, while creating opportunities for their own carry to fire on all cylinders. These are often tanky/evasive heroes who possess disables and/or team fighting abilities. They use the farm they get not to improve their own damage output but to provide a solid base for their team to succeed through aura items like Guardian Greaves or Pipe of Insight.

#4 – The Soft Support

Together with their offlaner the soft support forms half of the axis of aggression that your team relies on to make plays. The soft support can be filled in by a wide variety of heroes that support a variety of playstyles. Sometimes your soft support won’t even need the offlaner in their quest for kills as they roam the map on their own instead. The soft support often has an AOE nuke so they can quickly vacuum up all the farm your 3 core roles have missed out on, so that even without a direct lane to farm they are still far from poverty.

#5 – The Hard Support

All the way down in the 5th position we find the selfless Hard Support. Instead of collecting farm yourself, you are there to keep your vulnerable position 1 safe in their quest for development. Therefore most of the heroes played in this position possess healing, saving or buffing abilities. While often seen as a thankless role, an effective Hard Support can make or break the game. And while you might have the lowest farming priority, if there is nobody else who can take the farm instead of you. You can still take home a good amount of money.

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