Breaking an RTS Habit

[Siuki]

So I've been getting into Dota 2 recently and the game requires a lot of coordination between keyboard and mouse actions. The problem is that I've always moved the camera around using the arrow keys, which restricts my use of items (1-6) and skills/player actions (q,w,e,r,a,s). I've tried to use just the mouse to move the camera, but I always return to the four directional keys. What would you guys suggest to help me break the habit? My current idea is to just unbind the four keys so that I have to use my mouse to move the camera no matter what.

 

[archaicmalevolence]

I used to do that when I started Dota years, and years ago. My advice is just to stop using the arrows entirely, it's too much of a handicap.
The way I did it was just through forcing myself to only use the mouse for movement, your way can work if you find yourself constantly moving back to the arrow keys, but if you do choose that method, or any, consider just playing a private lobby with bots until you start to get used to it.

 

[thesilentman]

So I've been getting into Dota 2 recently and the game requires a lot of coordination between keyboard and mouse actions. The problem is that I've always moved the camera around using the arrow keys, which restricts my use of items (1-6) and skills/player actions (q,w,e,r,a,s). I've tried to use just the mouse to move the camera, but I always return to the four directional keys. What would you guys suggest to help me break the habit? My current idea is to just unbind the four keys so that I have to use my mouse to move the camera no matter what.

I don't quite see why you'd like to unlearn that skill. Options are a good thing.

If you really want to unlearn it, I suggest you play the whole game with a mouse. Most of everything should be done quite well minus stopping, which is simple by right-clicking the map.

 

[Siuki]

I don't quite see why you'd like to unlearn that skill. Options are a good thing.

If you really want to unlearn it, I suggest you play the whole game with a mouse. Most of everything should be done quite well minus stopping, which is simple by right-clicking the map.

Well, I still think that using the directional keys for moving the camera is more error-free as opposed to using the mouse for the same purpose, but it's simply more efficient to keep my hands on my skills and items as opposed to constantly switching between the two on the keyboard. If I had three arms it would work out nicely, but otherwise I'll be working my way towards using just the mouse for camera movement.

 

[Siuki]

I used to do that when I started Dota years, and years ago. My advice is just to stop using the arrows entirely, it's too much of a handicap.
The way I did it was just through forcing myself to only use the mouse for movement, your way can work if you find yourself constantly moving back to the arrow keys, but if you do choose that method, or any, consider just playing a private lobby with bots until you start to get used to it.

I didn't think of playing a few practice games first, so thanks for your advice! I would have otherwise played a live match and probably amplify the mistakes I'd make in trying to only use the mouse for moving the camera around.

 

[thesilentman]

I don't quite see why you'd like to unlearn that skill. Options are a good thing.

If you really want to unlearn it, I suggest you play the whole game with a mouse. Most of everything should be done quite well minus stopping, which is simple by right-clicking the map.

Well, I still think that using the directional keys for moving the camera is more error-free as opposed to using the mouse for the same purpose, but it's simply more efficient to keep my hands on my skills and items as opposed to constantly switching between the two on the keyboard. If I had three arms it would work out nicely, but otherwise I'll be working my way towards using just the mouse for camera movement.

Have you tried a hybrid approach, using one hand for your mouse and one on the keyboard? I reread your original post, and that may help you. I do that and it's quite helpful to me when I play some DOTA.

 

[Siuki]

Have you tried a hybrid approach, using one hand for your mouse and one on the keyboard? I reread your original post, and that may help you. I do that and it's quite helpful to me when I play some DOTA.

I don't know if I created a misunderstanding, so to be specific, the current way I play Dota 2 is:
Left Hand: Switches between {qwer, 123456, a, s, tab, alt} and {Up, Down, Left, Right}
Right Hand: {mouse for moving character, leveling up, applying skill points}

The issue is that when I use the arrow keys with my left hand, I would have to use skills and items via mouse clicks or have to switch my left hand between the two areas of my keyboard, which is inefficient.