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

Dazzle is a universal range hero, most often acting as support. He is strong on the lane, effectively supports his team in battle and can save an ally on the verge of death.

A good choice against Dazzle will be heroes that:

• Will not allow to save with the Shallow Grave
• Reduce healing and health regeneration
• Can quickly shorten range, catch, control and kill Dazzle.

Some of the best heroes against Dazzle:

• Axe - While Axe may have trouble against Dazzle on lane, his Culling Blade is the only ability in Dota 2 that will allow you to kill a hero under the effect of Shallow Grave.
• Ancient Apparition - Ice Blast is extremely effective against Dazzle, as the victim cannot heal or regenerate, and Ice Blast lasts much longer than Shallow Grave, making it extremely difficult for Dazzle to help his allies against Ancient Apparition.
• Riki - Quickly shortens range with Blink Strike and can easily kill Dazzle with Smoke Screen. Riki can also dodge Poison Touch with Tricks of the Trade.

Other good choices against Dazzle are Slark, Shadow Demon, Outworld Destroyer, Nyx Assassin, Abaddon, Tidehunter, Silencer, Skywrath Mage, Lion, Bane, Grimstroke, Venomancer, Doom, Morphling, and Night Stalker.

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

• Eul's Scepter of Divinity/Wind Waker - Dispels the effects of Poison Touch and will allow you to catch Dazzle.
• Shiva's Guard - The armor boost from Shiva's Guard will be extremely useful against Dazzle, as all of his abilities deal physical damage and his innate ability reduces armor.
• Assault Cuirass/Guardian Greaves/Lotus Orb - will also increase survivability against Dazzle.
• Spirit Vessel/Eye of Skadi - reduces the victim's healing and health regeneration.
• Nullifier - will help against save items that are often purchased on Dazzle, such as Glimmer Cape, Aeon Disk, Eul's Scepter of Divinity, and Force Staff. Nullifier also dispels the barrier from the Nothl Boon facet or from Solar Crest.
• Scythe Of Vyse/Skull Basher/Abyssal Blade/Orchid Malevolence/Bloodthorn - to control Dazzle.

How to counter Dazzle:

Start of the game:

Dazzle is a pretty strong laner, he effectively trades resources due to Weave, Poison Touch, and Shadow Wave. If Dazzle casts Poison Touch on you, it's worth breaking distance with him and preventing him from extending it. It is also important not to get hit by Shadow Wave when surrounded by a large number of units. Dazzle may have mana problems early on, which can be taken advantage of.

Mid-game:

Dazzle is able to support his team in battle extremely effectively. It is best not to enter combat without being able to control or kill Dazzle, as her abilities are extremely strong in the mid-game, until items are available to counter them.

Late Stage:

A successfully applied Shallow Grave can completely turn the battle or even the game around. So unless you have an ability or item that will allow Dazzle to save an ally, it's best not to engage without killing him, or to control him in combat.

Overall strategy

Against Dazzle, it's crucial to prevent him from freely casting spells in fights. Focus him first to stop him from using Shallow Grave and saving allies. Avoid prolonged fights, as his abilities become more effective over time. Control and silences will help limit his impact in battle.