How to Play DotA 1 on RGC — Updated 2026 Guide

DotA 1 remains one of the most classic and fiercely competitive multiplayer titles in gaming history. While modern MOBAs dominate the market, thousands of players still prefer the raw, strategic experience of Defense of the Ancients on Warcraft III. Thanks to RGC, a lightweight and efficient platform, connecting with players worldwide is easier than ever.

In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through how to play DotA 1 on RGC, from setting up your account to jumping into your very first match.

1. Registering an RGC Account

To get started, you will need to create a profile within the platform.

Download and install the RGC client on your PC.
Launch the program and click on the Register button to create a new account.
Fill out the registration form with the following details:
DISPLAY NAME: Your visible nickname during matches.
ACCOUNT: The username you will use to log into the client.
PASSWORD / CONFIRM: Your secure password and its confirmation.
Security Question: Solve the simple anti-bot math puzzle (e.g., 5 + 3 = 8).
Check the box that says "I am 13 years old and above."

Once submitted, you will see a confirmation message: "Your account has been registered successfully."

2. Linking Your Account to an Email

RGC requires all users to link their profiles to a valid email address before they can log in for the first time.

Go to the official RGC verification link: [login.rankedgaming.com/steam/oauth.php]
Enter your newly created username and password, then click Login.
Select the "Sign in with Google" option to link your account to your Gmail address.
Authorize the access permissions and click Continue.
You will be redirected back to the RGC website with a message stating: "Link New – Success!"

3. Initial RGC Client Configuration

With your account fully registered and verified, it is time to configure the client so it syncs with your game files.

Open the RGC client and log in using your credentials.
Click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
Interface Language: Head to the OTHER tab if you wish to change the client's display language.
Warcraft III Path: Go to the DOTA tab. If the client doesn't automatically locate your game, manually select the war3.exe file located inside your Warcraft III installation directory.
Click SAVE to apply your changes.

4. Adding Game Channels

RGC organizes its community through regional and custom rooms.

Click the "+" button located right next to CHANNELS.
Browse through the list of available regional and competitive game channels.
Double-click on the channels you want to add to your sidebar list.
Close the channel browser window and click on the specific channel where you want to queue up for a match.

5. Selecting a DotA 1 Game Mode

Before joining a match queue, you need to understand the popular game modes available on RGC. Each offers a unique competitive dynamic:

Game Mode	Name	Description
AP	All Pick	Free selection. Players can pick any hero from the entire pool.
AR	All Random	Every player is randomly assigned a hero.
SD	Single Draft	Players choose from 3 random heroes (1 Agility, 1 Strength, 1 Intelligence).
RD	Random Draft	20 random heroes are pooled; players take turns picking from them.
CD	Captains Draft	24 random heroes are pooled. Captains ban and pick heroes strategically.
CM	Captains Mode	The standard competitive mode. Two captains ban and pick heroes in a strict turn order.

Once you have decided on your preferred game mode, click the "SIGN" button to enter the matchmaking queue.

6. Creating and Joining the Match

As soon as 10 players sign up for the same mode, the RGC bot will automatically create a private game lobby.
To join, click the Warcraft III icon located in the top-left corner of the RGC client interface.
Choose your preferred execution interface to launch Warcraft III.
Once inside the game menu, navigate to Local Area Network (LAN).
Look for the newly hosted room—the title will be highlighted in blue font. Double-click to enter.
Once inside the lobby, type the chat command !ready.

Note: The match will start instantly as soon as all 10 players have confirmed they are ready.

If you want to master the lobby management or check out specific utility tools during a live match, feel free to explore our comprehensive guide on RGC Commands (Ranked Gaming Client).