DotA is just like a game of chess, and of course,which every chess game, the first move is very important. The first move of the game however, is of course the picking phase. Drafting is so important that if with a correct draft, a team will reduces it’s burdens when it comes to winning by insane amounts.
A simple pick can be devastating for one team yet super advantageous for another. If running against a 3-5 melee hero match up, a simple Axe pickup can ruin the opponent line up quickly. If put in an advantageous matchup, however, all is not over, if played carefully, the game can still be won even if outdrafted.
Items are the most essential when it comes to games like these, pickups such as escape items, or damage appropriate items are the best things to go for to counteract certain heroes. Eul’s scepter is really good against the above mentioned- Axe, Ghost scepter is really good against heroes like OD, Orchid for invoker and so on.
So at the end of the day, play your cards right, and even if outdrafted, don’t be afraid to challenge your counters to victory!