Undying counterpicks: who to choose against this hero in Dota 2

Undying is a melee strength hero. Thanks to his abilities, he can effectively weaken opponents, strengthen himself and his allies, and change the outcome of fights using Tombstone and by turning into a powerful aggressor with Flesh Golem. He has a high health pool and performs well not only in the early game but also in the late game, especially in team fights. Most commonly, he is seen as a support, but he is also capable of playing as an offlaner.

Good picks against Undying are heroes who:

• Have high damage output
• Possess high mobility
• Can quickly destroy Tombstone

Some of the best heroes against Undying:

• Lifestealer – The Feast ability deals percentage-based damage based on the target’s maximum health, allowing him to deal quickly with heroes like Undying. Open Wounds will slow him down, adding extra control, while Infest helps Lifestealer escape from zombie attacks caused by Tombstone. Moreover, with Rage, he can safely destroy the tombstone without fear of being controlled.
• Phantom Lancer – At the very least, Undying cannot steal strength from illusions using Decay. Additionally, a large number of copies can easily take down Tombstone, while the frequently purchased Diffusal Blade will drain the zombie’s mana.
• Medusa – She has a massive mana pool, increasing her survivability thanks to Mana Shield. She can also deal significant damage with Split Shot, allowing her to quickly destroy Tombstone and the zombies around her. Stone Gaze can turn the tide of a fight, forcing opponents to retreat. Moreover, if Undying is petrified, he becomes an easy target for the team.

Other good picks against Undying include Ancient Apparition, Troll Warlord, Void Spirit, Clinkz, Luna, Drow Ranger, Weaver, Brewmaster, Sniper, Anti-Mage, Riki, Pangolier, Nature's Prophet, Terrorblade, Legion Commander.

Items effective against Undying:

• Magic Stick/Magic Wand – to replenish resources in the lane.
• Crimson Guard – against physical attacks.
• Eye of Skadi/Spirit Vessel – reduce his health regeneration.
• Assault Cuirass – provides extra armor against physical attacks and increases attack speed to destroy Tombstone quickly.
• Orchid Malevolence/Bloodthorn – silences him, preventing ability use.
• Ghost Scepter – an excellent choice for supports against physical attacks.
• Pipe of Insight/Mage Slayer – counter magic damage from Decay and Soul Rip.
• Glimmer Cape/Force Staff/Hurricane Pike/Eul's Scepter of Divinity/Wind Waker – great save items that help avoid zombie attacks from Tombstone.

How to counter Undying:

Early game:

During the laning stage, always buy a Magic Stick, as it charges from the constant Decay spam and replenishes your resources. Avoid standing too close to your teammates to reduce Decay’s effectiveness and deny Undying extra strength. Focus on destroying Tombstone quickly if he places it, or avoid fighting within its area of effect.

Mid game:

Do not let Undying place Tombstone in advantageous spots: avoid fighting in areas with high ground or hard-to-reach locations. In fights, always prioritize destroying the tombstone quickly.

With Aghanim’s Shard, Tombstone gains a new ability: allies (including Undying himself) can hide inside it and become invulnerable. Notably, breaking the tombstone will stun those inside for a few seconds, creating an opportunity to capitalize.

Late game:

If Undying is not the main threat, ignore him until more dangerous opponents are dealt with. If he buys Aghanim’s Scepter, the strength stolen from Decay becomes even greater, so avoid prolonged fights.

It is also worth noting his frequent purchase of Lotus Orb. In such cases, watch for targeted abilities and items to use them effectively and avoid becoming an unexpected victim.

Overall strategy

To successfully play against Undying, avoid fighting in areas where his Tombstone will be most effective. Prioritize destroying the Tombstone to prevent your opponent from gaining an advantage. It is also crucial to deny Undying the ability to build up strength through Decay — keep your distance and don’t let him steal your health. Control and high damage will help quickly neutralize his impact in fights.