 The Radiant and Dire occupy bases in opposite corners of the playing field , divided by a <unk> river . Within each base is a critical building called the " Ancient " , along with a fountain that <unk> and <unk> that side 's heroes . A match ends when one side breaches the enemy team 's base and destroys the Ancient within . The two bases are connected by three paths , referred to as " lanes " , which are guarded by defensive towers and computer @-@ controlled creatures called " creeps " . These creatures periodically spawn in groups and travel along the lanes to attack any enemy heroes , creeps , and buildings in sight . <unk> spawn from two buildings , called the " barracks " , that exist in each lane and are located in the base . Destroying all six of the enemy team 's barracks allows for stronger creeps for the attacking side to spawn with significantly enhanced health and damage , known as " mega creeps " . Also present are " neutral creeps " that are hostile to both Radiant and Dire side , and reside in marked locations on the map known as " camps " . Camps are located in the area between the lanes known as the " jungle " , which both sides of the map have . <unk> creeps do not attack unless provoked , and will respawn if killed . The most powerful neutral <unk> is named " <unk> " , who is a unique boss that may be killed by either side to obtain an item that allows a one @-@ time resurrection by the hero that holds it . <unk> will respawn between 8 – 11 minutes after being killed , and becomes progressively harder to kill as the match continues over time . 
