This repo contains all of the old DotA maps I used to play on. Feel free to download them and relive the olden days of DotA. Introduction of heroes like Techies (dota 2's techies week was not the first time that I had felt such pain) and bristleback (he sucked back in the day) are represented in these maps. Also included are several community-made AI maps of various versions, with the AI's matching the playstyle of the pub-era back in the day. Reckless solo dives for kills and timely turnarounds for defense were rampant in pub days. Some odd maps, such as a 6v6 map, are included as well. If anything, these are great to practise denying on, and they allow build idea generation that is scoffed at in the current meta. The old builds may still work, too (for example, rushing bfly for Juggernaught was core back in the day for his AS Ult build). My first map, 6.29b from 2006 is a map I love with all my heart. Look at the change in heroes and wonder at the changelogs of time.
You need an install of Warcraft 3 and the expansion, The Frozen Throne. They do not need to be up to date for offline play, but they need updates to go online. The client will auto-update when trying to connect online. The modern map is not included (which is what is played online), but it is downloadable at www.getdota.com. The players will auto-kick you if you do not have a modern map.
Once TFT is installed, go into the expansion's directory (not the original), and open the maps folder. Inside, if there is not a Downloads folder, make one. Download these files and whatever other maps you want in there, and fire her up.
Dota 1's mode picking is all text based. AI maps obviously have more commands. The map mode is decided by the first person who types it (you can imagine the trolls galore).
You can chain non-overlapping commands
Common commands: -ar (All Random) -ap (All Pick) -cm (Captains Mode) -cd (Captains Draft) -sd (Single Draft) -rd (random draft) -em (easy mode)
-em is chainable with all of the above. -apem is most popular for scrubs, -ap for tryhards. -em gives extra EXP from creep kills and extra GPM much like Normal Mode does to Ranked in DotA 2. There are many more commands, read the prompts upon connecting to the map.
There are trolls galore if you play online. Someone messing up the map mode is common. If you want to get an MMR in DotA 1, you will need to play on the private servers (When searching through games online, they will list the brand of server they use in the match title if it is ranked. Your MMR keeps among the brand). These servers are community owned and funded, so beware when someone in the match is using server commands or tries to boast of being an admin. It is not uncommon for server owners to be griefers and kick people they dislike (wether it be by request, or just to boost the server owner's own MMR). The nice thing about private servers is that they allow you to check your ping, usually with the command -ping or !ping. Servers auto-ping players upon joining a room, but oftentimes players from Russia, Peru, or Brazil will sneak in and time out during the match. Keep a thick skin and a low head, and you will do well.