Despite the popularity ofDota 2as a MOBA, there is no denying that the game can get a bit stale after the first few thousand matches of using the same MOBA mechanics. Thankfully, players looking for a change of pace can look intoDota 2and its downloadable content to discover a plethora of other game modes to try out.
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One such game mode isAuto Chess, which turns the idea of Chess over in its head and adds aDota 2spin to it. Here are just a few things beginners should know to optimize their experience with this game mode.
Understanding The Core Gameplay
Unlikethe usual MOBA setup ofDota 2, Auto Chess is available as an in-game downloadable mode for players to enjoy within theDota 2client. In this custom game mode, numerous 8x8-tile chess boards appear in an Overworld, where each board is populated by players either fighting AI opponents or other players.
However, instead of the chess boards having pieces, they instead haveDota 2Heroes as their units. Similar to the core MOBA, these Heroes have special Passive and Active abilities, can equip Items, and can earn resources to further improve their stats. The goal here is to be the last man standing, slowly obliterating enemy opponents throughout the game. Players fight A.I. for the first three rounds before proceeding to fight other players.
The Usual Round Progression
Unlike typical chess, Auto Chess inDota 2does have a specific round progression system that players have to follow throughout the match. Here’s the usual cycle of how rounds work during each match:
Economy Plays A Lot Here
Similar toDota 2, theeconomy of resources in the game plays a huge roleon how matches could play out. While the game gives players gold after the end of each turn, there are a lot of other ways players can earn and spend their resources - to the point where resource management is a mini-game that needs to be managed. Here are things to consider:
Understand The Hero Basics
Similar to chess in real life, units in Auto Chess do have designations and specific abilities. These are divided into two categories, Species and Classes, both of which offer specific synergies depending on how many of them exist in the board. Here are things to consider:
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Consider Upgrade Breakdown
Just because players can purchasea more powerful Herowith Gold doesn’t mean they’re automatically powerful. In fact, some cheaper units in the game can end up wrecking powerful units by virtue of being fully-upgraded. In Auto Chess, players can combine units of the same name into 2-Star and into 3-Star variants. At its core, each star progression boosts both the durability and overall damage to the unit, making them deadlier in combat. Here are certain considerations:
Take Beginner-Friendly Synergies
While players can definitely mix and match different Species and Classes depending on their favored setups, sometimes certain synergies do work quite well when it comes to their general effects in the battlefield. For newcomers, it’s highly recommended they choose these kinds of synergies first:
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Consider Behind The Scenes For Units
Aside from the core strategies involving unit choice in Auto Chess, it’s important to remember that there are key elements playing out behind the scenes that can affect one’s performance throughout a match. Here are things players should consider:
