Dark Willow counterpicks: who to choose against this hero in Dota 2

Dark Willow is a ranged intelligence hero. She has a lot of control and can deal a lot of magic damage.

A good choice against Dark Willow will be heroes that:

• Have high resistance to magic damage
• Can catch, control, and kill Dark Willow (mostly heroes with AoE abilities that can deal damage or stun DW under Shadow Realm's).
• Can dispel negative effects

Some of the best heroes against Dark Willow:

• Oracle - Able to dispel negative effects with Fortune's End. In addition, his Fate's Edict gives 100% magic resistance, which is extremely effective against DW.
• Axe - Berserker's Call is an excellent control against Dark Willow, which forces her out of Shadow Realm. Even after buying Aghanim's Scepter, DW is still at risk of dying due to Blade Mail, which is often purchased on Axe.
• Zeus - While Thundergod's Wrath and Arc Lightning aren't dangerous to Dark Willow in Shadow Realm, Lightning Bolt and Nimbus from Aghanim's Scepter will damage and stun DW under the second ability, which will allow her to knock down her ultimate or teleportation cast.

Other good choices against Dark Willow are Abaddon, Pudge, Mars, Queen of Pain, Puck, Riki, Bristleback, Legion Commander, Phantom Lancer, Slark, Morphling, Sand King, Invoker, Centaur Warrunner, Earthshaker, Pangolier, Rubick, Timbersaw, and Silencer.

In addition to heroes, the following items will be effective against DW:

• Eul's Scepter of Divinity/Wind Waker - helps buy time, dispels all Dark Willow debuffs, and will allow you to escape Terrorize.
• Force Staff/Hurricane Pike/Wind Waker - helps you escape from Terrorize or break distance with Dark Willow.
• Black King Bar/Pipe of Insight/Glimmer Cape - useful against magic damage.
• Scythe Of Vyse/Skull Basher/Abyssal Blade/Orchid Malevolence/Bloodthorn - for controlling Dark Willow.
• Lotus Orb - dispels all DW debuffs.
• Manta Style - also dispels debuffs. In addition, experienced players are able to dodge Terrorize with Manta Style.
• Blade Mail - Dark Willow is capable of dealing a large amount of magic damage, but is unable to absorb it herself due to her relatively low health.
• Ghost/Ethereal Blade - Will be useful against DW in late stages if she has acquired Aghanim's Scepter, as it will allow to avoid Shadow Realm damage.
• Magic Stick/Infused Raindrops - will be useful on lane

How to counter Dark Willow:

Beginning of the game:

Dark Willow can set up kills with Bramble Maze and Cursed Crown already early on, and her Shadow Realm is not only a great save, but will allow you to effectively harass enemies on lane. Try not to get rooted by Bramble Maze and temporarily wait behind trees while Shadow Realm is activated. If you under Cursed Crown, stay away from your allies so you don't stun them. DW may have mana problems early on due to the high manacost of his abilities, which can be taken advantage of.

Mid-game:

It's best not to engage without being able to control or kill Dark Willow, as her abilities are extremely strong in the mid-game, until items to counter them become available.

Late Stage:

Most of Dark Willow's abilities aren't as dangerous at late game unless she has another control on her team, which she can extend with Cursed Crown or Terrorize. But in late stage, DW can acquire Aghanim's Scepter with Mask of Madness or Moon Shard and start dealing massive damage under Shadow Realm. In this case, you should consider her as another core hero on the enemy team. You should kill Dark Willow as quickly as possible or control her, but you will not allow DW to attack freely under Shadow Realm for the entire fight, as she can overwhelm your entire team.

Overall strategy

Against Dark Willow, avoid her control and Bedlam damage. Stay apart from teammates to minimize the impact of Bramble Maze. Use silences and disables to prevent her from escaping with Shadow Realm. Quick focus is key, as she is vulnerable without mobility.