No man is an island. And the saying also holds true when it comes to playing Defense of the Ancients or DOTA. In a competitive computer game which requires an effective team play more importantly than just individual know-how, teams are being built hoping they could be the best team, clan or guild out there in the game of DOTA. DOTA tournaments are being held every season in every part of the world and so guilds and clans are always getting ready and practicing so that they could show their top game when the tournament will be held. Since these tournaments are usually done thru the internet or thru GG-client, higher level players are more or less scouted for the guild.

If you think you are good enough and ready to venture into the competitive world of DOTA and would like to join a guild, go to DOTA websites and you are sure to find a guild that would welcome you. Of course, you should be able to meet their requirements. You want to be in the best guild, the guilds want the best players, too. Some guilds require their recruits to submit an application form, sort of like a resume, so that they will know if the neophytes will be skilled enough for their guild. Having a vast knowledge of DOTA heroes and skills will not cut it. Recruits should be good in the strategic play making. A good lane control, map knowledge and alertness, skills in money shot and denies are just some of the many skill requirements needed to know by the guild administrators. Of course, knowing how to build good heroes is definitely a must. You must have an idea what role is most suited for your hero, should it be a carrier, ganker, support, tanker or initiator. One hero may be able to play more than one role and it may also be suited in that role. Knowing what good skills should be leveled up first, where in the map should your hero be positioned, which heroes should you look out for, and what items should you buy for your hero will give you an impressive application. You should also know where to place wards, whether the wards are bought from your item shop or it is a part of your skill.

Knowing the basics and how to play the game just won’t do. Playing casually once a week will not cut it either. Some clans looking for new recruits usually require their players to be online and play at least three times a week or eight to ten hours per week. Ventrilo and Mic and even mIRC are also some of the technical requirements the guilds are looking for. Some clans are also looking for more mature players, namely those aged 17 years old and above. Those are just the first few requirements.

When you have met the standards mentioned above, your application must then be submitted to the clan for their approval and within their said deadline. The clan administrators will give you a format on what your application should consist of. Usually, a Bnet name is asked along with your age. Whether you have a Ventrilo and Mic are also asked. Some guilds would query you on whether or not you have previous league experiences and clans. It would be better if you could give them the URL of your game replays if you have them. Some would require you being safelisted in TDA, IHCS, IHL, and such. And just like any applications or interviews, a sort of like short essay is usually included in the format. Some would ask you what your expectations would be if you have been accepted in the clan. Some would ask what you would bring to their clan if you get accepted, how do you think you’d make the guild more progressive. Some clans, if they are just newly formed, some clans would look for more recruits which are around six to eight players if they want to keep the clan small and active. Some would just be even looking for three to four players if they are just scouting for players that would replace their former members. If that is the case, it would be harder to get into the clan because you should live up to the standards of the guild member that you would be substituting for. You should be at level, if not greater, than that member. Having good communication skills is also a big plus for the recruit because team play is made through good communication and you need this as your competition starts. Winning DOTA tournaments is not just about the prize money, it’s also about the pride of your guild. But lastly, you should have fun with the clan!