Anti-Mage is a carry who farms quickly, moves around the map with Blink, and burns enemies’ mana with his attacks. If left unchecked, he will eventually collect items and become dangerous in fights. This article covers suitable counters for each position, useful items, and ways to hinder Anti-Mage at different stages of the game.

Hero Characteristics

Mana Break burns mana with every attack, while Mana Void deals damage to enemies based on how much mana they are missing. Blink lets Anti-Mage move quickly between camps and lanes, as well as escape danger. With Counterspell, he reduces incoming magic damage and can reflect a targeted spell.

Early in the game, Anti-Mage depends on farming and is vulnerable while he has few items. Strong lane pressure, silences, and reliable disables hinder him. In a fight, it’s important not to use all your abilities into Counterspell: first make the hero use his defense, then catch him again. If he goes off to farm, take control of the map and don’t give him free lanes.

Best Heroes Against Anti-Mage

Anti-Mage almost always plays position 1—the carry. He tries to avoid early fights and quickly build his core items, so heroes who pressure him in lane, deprive him of mana, or can keep him locked down with disables are useful against him. Below are two options for each role.

Carry

  • Phantom Lancer creates many illusions, making it harder for Anti-Mage to quickly find the real hero. The illusions, together with Diffusal Blade, put pressure on his mana pool.
  • Ursa is strong in early skirmishes and can stop Anti-Mage from farming safely. If the team keeps the target disabled, Ursa will quickly deal a lot of damage.

Midlaner

  • Outworld Destroyer deals heavy damage with Arcane Orb and can temporarily remove Anti-Mage from the fight with Astral Imprisonment. This helps you weather his attack and buy time for the team.
  • Puck ’s ultimate, Dream Coil, prevents the use of Blink. If Anti-Mage tries to escape, he will be stunned and take damage.

Offlaner

  • Axe holds Anti-Mage in place with Berserker’s Call and stops him from escaping with Blink. Counter Helix deals damage at close range, while Culling Blade can finish off the target.
  • Doom uses his ultimate to prevent Anti-Mage from using abilities, including Blink. This gives the team time to lock him down and deal damage.

Support

  • Bane holds Anti-Mage in place for a long time with Fiend’s Grip and prevents him from using Blink. For a reliable kill, it’s important for allies to follow up quickly.
  • Lion can use Hex and Earth Spike in succession to catch Anti-Mage. Mana Drain also helps deprive him of mana if he can’t interrupt the ability.

Hard Support

  • Shadow Shaman can hold Anti-Mage in place with Hex and Shackles if he has already used Counterspell.
  • Clockwerk restricts Anti-Mage’s movement with Power Cogs and forces him to spend Blink to get out. Battery Assault makes it difficult for him to use abilities safely at close range.

What to Buy Against Anti-Mage

  • Scythe of Vyse turns Anti-Mage into a helpless animal and prevents him from using Blink while Hex is active.
  • Orchid Malevolence or Bloodthorn silence him and prevent him from escaping with Blink.
  • Abyssal Blade provides a stun that helps the team keep Anti-Mage locked down.
  • Heaven’s Halberd temporarily disarms him and reduces his attack damage.
  • Crimson Guard helps the team withstand some of the physical damage from Anti-Mage and his illusions.
  • Shiva’s Guard provides armor and slows the attack speed of nearby enemies.
  • Force Staff helps save an ally if Anti-Mage jumps onto the backline.

How to Play Against Anti-Mage at Different Stages

Laning

Pressure Anti-Mage while he is weak and has to approach creeps for last hits. The support should help the carry trade and prevent the opponent from restoring health safely. Keep Counterspell in mind: first force Anti-Mage to use his defense, then use disables.

Midgame

After buying Battle Fury, Anti-Mage clears lanes and the jungle quickly. Don’t give him the whole map: push out waves and place vision along his routes. If you plan to catch him, come as a group and save some disables for after Counterspell.

Late Game

Don’t leave heroes with large mana pools unsupported: Anti-Mage can jump on them and set up a powerful Mana Void. Stay close to an ally who has a disable or a way to save you. In a fight, wait until Anti-Mage uses Blink or Counterspell, and only then use your key abilities on him.