Batrider counters, Batrider is one of Dota 2’s most iconic initiators, known for his exceptional ability to isolate and disable enemy heroes, thereby turning the tides of fights in his team’s favor. However, while Batrider can be a terrifying force in the right hands, he is far from unbeatable. With the right strategies, itemization, and hero picks, you can effectively counter his abilities and significantly reduce his impact on the game. This guide dives deep into understanding Batrider’s skillset, his strengths and weaknesses, and actionable tactics you can use to counter him in your matches.
Understanding Batrider’s Abilities – Breaking Down His Strengths
Before learning how to counter Batrider, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of his abilities and playstyle. Batrider’s kit revolves around mobility, area control, and disabling key enemy heroes. Here’s a breakdown of his abilities and their implications:
Sticky Napalm
Sticky Napalm is Batrider’s signature ability that applies a stacking debuff on enemies. Each stack slows their movement and turn rate while amplifying the damage they take from Batrider’s attacks and spells. This ability allows him to zone heroes during the laning phase and deal massive single-target damage in fights. To counter it, it’s important to use heroes that can dispel the debuff or disengage quickly before too many stacks accumulate.
Flamebreak
Flamebreak is a mid-range AoE ability that knocks enemies back and deals damage. It can interrupt channeled spells and is often used to displace enemies or set up for a follow-up Flaming Lasso. Heroes with high mobility or blink mechanisms have an easier time avoiding the knockback or its initiation potential.
Firefly
Firefly allows Batrider to Fly over terrain and leave behind a trail of fire that damages enemies over time. This ability makes him highly elusive and difficult to chase. However, heroes that can track or disable him during Firefly render this ability less effective.
Flaming Lasso
Batrider’s ultimate ability, Flaming Lasso, is a powerful single-target disable that grabs an enemy and drags them for a short duration while dealing damage. It’s often used to isolate high-priority targets and pull them out of position. Heroes or items that dispel the Lasso orinterrupt Batrider during its duration are key in countering this devastating ability.
Hero Counters – Best Picks Against Batrider
Now that we understand Batrider’s abilities, let’s explore which heroes are most effective at countering him. These counters are determined based on their ability to neutralize his skills, survive his damage, and prevent him from snowballing.
Illusion-Based Heroes
Illusion-based heroes not only dilute Batrider’s focus but also confuse him when he tries to isolate targets with Flaming Lasso. Here are some top illusion-based counters to Batrider:
- Phantom Lancer: Batrider struggles to keep track of Phantom Lancer’s illusions, especially in the heat of battle. This confusion makes it difficult for Batrider to select the correct target for his Lasso.
- Chaos Knight: Chaos Knight’s illusions add to his durability and damage, making it challenging for Batrider to burst him down quickly.
- Naga Siren: With her illusions and area-controlling abilities, Naga Siren can wreak havoc on Batrider’s positioning and ability to initiate fights effectively.
Mobility and Escape Heroes
Heroes with superior mobility or quick escape mechanisms are excellent at evading Batrider’s skill combos, particularly Flaming Lasso:
- Queen of Pain: Her Blink ability allows her to reposition instantly, negating Batrider’s Lasso attempts.
- Puck: Puck excels against Batrider with Phase Shift to dodge his abilities and high mobility via Illusory Orb.
- Storm Spirit: Ball Lightning offers unparalleled mobility, enabling Storm Spirit to zip away from dangerous situations.
Disabling Heroes
Heroes with silences or disables can interrupt Batrider’s Firefly escapes and prevent him from executing his combo effectively:
- Lion: Lion’s Hex and Earth Spike disable Batrider, making it hard for him to use any of his abilities during fights.
- Bloodseeker: His Rupture and silence (via Bloodrage) stop Batrider from moving freely and casting spells.
- Bane: With Fiend’s Grip and Enfeeble, Bane can neutralize Batrider during crucial moments in fights.
Tracking Heroes
Tracking heroes counter Batrider’s mobility by keeping tabs on him during Firefly. This ensures he cannot escape unpunished after initiating:
- Slardar: Thanks to Sprint and Amplify Damage (Corrosive Haze), Slardar can keep up with Batrider even during Firefly.
- Tusk: Tusk’s Snowball and Ice Shards can trap Batrider and his allies, limiting their movement and escape routes.
General Strategies to Counter Batrider
Besides hero picks, there are general strategies you can use to counter Batrider’s gameplay effectively:
Focus on Team Coordination
One of Batrider’s greatest strengths is isolating a single target. By sticking together and coordinating to disable or kill him quickly, you can diminish his teamfight impact. Communication is key when you’re facing a Batrider.
Item Choices
Several items are particularly effective at mitigating Batrider’s abilities and survivability:
- Black King Bar (BKB): Prevents Flaming Lasso and disables like Sticky Napalm from affecting you.
- Linken’s Sphere: Blocks Flaming Lasso entirely, forcing Batrider to find alternate targets.
- Lotus Orb: Reflects Flaming Lasso back onto Batrider if timed correctly.
- Force Staff: Helps allies escape Flaming Lasso or reposition safely away from Firefly trails.
Lane Domination
Batrider depends heavily on a strong early-game start. Picking heroes that can dominate him in the laning phase can halt his momentum:
- Sven: Sven’s natural bulk and high damage output allow him to trade favorably with Batrider in the lane.
- Mirana: With Leap for mobility and solid ranged harass, Mirana can give Batrider a hard time farming safely.
How to Counter Batrider: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Analyze Drafts: During the drafting phase, anticipate a Batrider pick and counter with heroes and items mentioned above.
- Ward Proactively: Place wards in high-ground or jungle areas to spot Batrider when he tries to initiate with Firefly.
- Stick Together: Minimize the effectiveness of Flaming Lasso by staying close to your team to break his isolation tactics.
- Prioritize Disable Items: Pick up items like Eul’s Scepter, Abyssal Blade, or Scythe of Vyse to control Batrider during crucial fights.
- Control the Tempo: Pressure Batrider’s lane early and prevent him from achieving his levels and item timings quickly.
FAQ About Batrider Counters
What are the best heroes to counter Batrider?
Phantom Lancer, Queen of Pain, Puck, and Lion are among the top counters to Batrider due to their mobility, illusions, or ability to disable him.
How do mobility items help against Batrider?
Mobility items like Blink Dagger or Force Staff allow heroes to escape or reposition themselves when targeted by Flaming Lasso or Sticky Napalm.
Can Linken’s Sphere block Flaming Lasso?
Yes, Linken’s Sphere completely blocks Flaming Lasso, forcing Batrider to find ways to break the Linken’s before initiating.
What roles struggle the most against Batrider?
Squishy cores or heroes without mobility or dispel mechanics tend to struggle significantly against Batrider’s initiation and burst potential.
Does Batrider have any weaknesses?
His primary weakness lies in his reliance on items like Blink Dagger and Force Staff for mobility and Flaming Lasso setups. Shutting him down early prevents him from snowballing.
What is the best way to lane against Batrider?
Pick high-harassment heroes, maintain your distance to avoid Sticky Napalm stacks, and be proactive with consumables to sustain in the lane.
Does Black King Bar counter Batrider entirely?
BKB makes you immune to Flaming Lasso and other magic-based abilities, but timing it effectively before his initiation is key.
What is the best way to disable Batrider in fights?
Silences and hard disables like Hex, Fiend’s Grip, or Rupture work well to stop Batrider in his tracks during fights.
Are there any indirect strategies to counter Batrider?
Warding aggressively to prevent his initiations and controlling his jungle space so he can’t farm effectively are indirect but effective ways to counter him.
How do I deal with Batrider’s Firefly?
Consider heroes like Slardar or Tusk who can keep pace with him, or pick items like Glimmer Cape or Pipe of Insight to mitigate his fire trail damage.
Source : Dota2 WTF
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