Monkey King counter picks: who to choose against this hero in Dota 2

Monkey King, or MK, is a bright and creative hero who can defeat any enemy in close combat. He confidently jumps through the crowns of trees and purposefully looks for an opponent with whom he could start a glorious battle. Monkey King knows how to take opponents by surprise.

He unexpectedly attacks from height, and this is where his key strength lies. MK literally reverses the course of events. Enlisting the support of an army of fellow soldiers, he erases everything in his path. The elusive trickster can stop the fugitives with his staff, he triumphs in the chaos of battle.

Defeating Monkey King in the mid or safe lane is very difficult, but if you choose the right player to counter him and acquire the right artifacts, it is quite possible to turn the tide of the fight.

Heroes that counter Monkey King

• Windranger. A seemingly fragile hero, Windranger can easily take down Monkey King. Her unique ability, Powershot, allows her to deal significant damage to the enemy, and with Wind Run, Monkey King's attacks will miss unless he purchases a Monkey King Bar.
• Bounty Hunter. Monkey King thrives on quickly activating his passive ability. Bounty Hunter can slow down this activation and apply his ultimate, which reveals Monkey King to all allies.
• Slardar. Slardar's ultimate works similarly to Bounty Hunter’s, plus he can also break Monkey King's armor. Slardar's high physical damage can be devastating in a surprise attack, allowing him to take down Monkey King’s heal or even kill him outright.
• Timbersaw. This hero is considered the most effective counter to Monkey King. Not only does he destroy the trees Monkey King uses to move, but he also deals heavy physical damage that can overwhelm him in direct combat.
• Batrider. By cutting trees and using Flaming Lasso, Batrider can pull Monkey King out of his ultimate area and disable it, rendering him vulnerable.
• Sniper. Using his Shrapnel, Sniper can scout and cut down nearby trees during fights, leaving Monkey King powerless. With his long attack range, Sniper can confidently deal damage from a distance.
• Pudge. Pudge can pull Monkey King out of his ultimate area. Once Monkey King's ability is disabled, you can engage him aggressively.

Items against Monkey King

• Force Staff – helps you escape from Wukong’s Command.
• Ghost Scepter / Ethereal Blade – protects against his physical damage.
• Gleipnir – immobilizes Monkey King, preventing him from jumping on trees.
• Crimson Guard – reduces damage from Wukong’s Command.
• Shiva’s Guard – slows down Monkey King's attack speed and reveals him in the trees.
• Heaven’s Halberd – disarms MK, preventing him from attacking.

How to play against Monkey King

Early game

Don't let Monkey King stack up 4 charges of Jingu Mastery. Use ranged heroes to reduce his health and prevent him from exchanging hits. Control the trees to limit his mobility.

Mid game

Monkey King is strong in fights but depends on his ultimate. Avoid battles within his Wukong’s Command, and use Force Staff or mobility abilities to get out of his area of effect. Use vision to reveal his positions in the trees and take him down before the fight begins.

Late game

Control and positioning are key against Monkey King. Avoid clustering up to prevent AoE damage from his ultimate. Items that reduce physical damage, like Crimson Guard and Shiva’s Guard, can significantly diminish his impact. If the game goes long, rely on disables to neutralize him before his BKB activates.

Key principle against Monkey King

Control the trees to prevent Monkey King from moving freely and use vision to spot him out. Disrupt formations during his ultimate to minimize damage, and don't let him stack Jingu Mastery charges.