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

Pangolier is a universal melee hero, most often used as a mid or offlaner. His abilities allow him to break opponents' position and wreak havoc in combat.

A good choice against Pangolier will be heroes that:

• Have a lot of control, including ignoring immunity to effects
• Have high mobility
• Can greatly hinder Pangolier early on.

One of the best heroes against Pangolier:

• Bloodseeker - Rupture is extremely effective against Rolling Thunder. Pangolier will be forced to interrupt the ultimates or most likely die.
• Windranger - Windrun is a great save against Rolling Thunder, Focus Fire and Shackleshot will allow you to quickly deal with Pangolier.
• Bane - Fiend's Grip will allow you to catch Pangolier under ultimate, moreover, he won't be saved by Linken's Sphere as Bane can knock it down with Brain Sap.

Other good choices against Pangolier are Grimstroke, Huskar, Monkey King, Silencer, Winter Wyvern, Riki, Weaver, Puck, Faceless Void, Enigma, Beastmaster, Treant Protector, Juggernaut, Queen of Pain, Lion, Shadow Shaman, Drow Ranger, Clockwerk, and Spirit Breaker.

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

• Guardian Greaves/Shiva's Guard/Crimson Guard/Assault Cuirass - against physical damage.
• Black King Bar/Eul's Scepter of Divinity/Wind Waker/Ghost/Ethereal Blade/Force Staff/Hurricane Pike - good save against Pangolier.
• Blink Dagger/Disperser - will also allow you to save or quickly shorten the distance with Pangolier.
• Scythe Of Vyse/Skull Basher/Abyssal Blade/Orchid Malevolence/Bloodthorn - to control Pangolier.

How to counter Pangolier:

Early-game:

Pangolier isn't the strongest laner and on most heroes you won't have any problems early on against him, especially if you have control abilities or that dispeling a Shield Crash barrier. However, it's worth limiting his farming as much as possible and trying to kill him, such as when Pangolier has spent Swashbuckle.

Mid-game:

As Pangolier gains ultimate, he will be looking for opportunities to implement them. If you don't have abilities that will allow you to control Pangolier in Rolling Thunder, it's worth kite his ultimates and taking the fight while it's recharging.

Late-game:

In late, you can try to kill Pangolier before the fight starts if you have enough control to not fear Rolling Thunder. If you have no way to kill or control Pangolier, try to avoid fighting in confined spaces (river or Rosh-pit) - this will not allow him to use his ultimates effectively.

Overall Strategy

Pangolier is strong due to his high mobility and AoE damage, so it is important to ensure you have enough control. Take a good position in the battle and acquire the necessary artifacts to counter him - this will greatly increase your chances of victory.