Arc Warden is a ranged hero who creates a copy of himself with Tempest Double. While one version of the hero joins a fight or pressures a lane, the other can farm and threaten another part of the map. In this article, we’ll cover Arc Warden counters for each position, items against him, and ways to contain him throughout the match.

Hero Overview

Spark Wraith creates a trap that damages and slows an enemy who approaches it. Magnetic Field protects Arc Warden and his allies from ranged attacks, and also lets them pick up runes from a distance. Tempest Double creates a copy that can use abilities and items. This lets the hero farm quickly, defend buildings, and pressure multiple lanes at once.

Arc Warden wants to keep his distance and attack from a safe position. If you can reach him quickly and apply disables, it’s difficult for him to survive the assault. Pressure in lane and an early move across the map prevent him from comfortably farming his items. It’s also important not to mistake the copy for the real hero or waste all your key abilities on it.

Best Heroes Against Arc Warden

Arc Warden most often plays position 2—the midlaner—although he is also picked as a carry. He is dangerous from a distance and can split the team’s attention between himself and his copy. Heroes with high mobility, disables, and the ability to clear lanes quickly are useful against him. Here are options for each role.

Carry

  • Phantom Lancer creates many illusions and can quickly close the gap with Arc Warden. With a large group of units around, it’s harder for the hero to pick out the real target.
  • Slark moves quickly around a fight and can reach Arc Warden while he is keeping his distance. Pounce helps prevent him from getting away freely.

Midlaner

  • Storm Spirit can cross Magnetic Field and quickly reach the real Arc Warden with Ball Lightning. His mobility also helps him escape Spark Wraith.
  • Queen of Pain can close the distance with Blink, deal damage, and retreat before the enemy can respond. This mobility makes it difficult for Arc Warden to comfortably use his attack range advantage.

Offlaner

  • Axe initiates fights with Blink Dagger and Berserker’s Call. If he catches Arc Warden or his copy, it’s easier for the team to reach the real hero.
  • Beastmaster helps find Arc Warden with summoned units and vision, while Primal Roar gives the team reliable lockdown. His units also speed up lane pressure.

Support

  • Earthshaker is good at defending buildings from the copy and other units thanks to his area abilities. He can stun Arc Warden if he gets close.
  • Tusk quickly joins an attack and saves an ally with Snowball. His disables help reach a hero who stays behind his team.

Hard Support

  • Ogre Magi is durable enough to withstand some of the copy’s damage and can stun Arc Warden with Fireblast. Ignite makes it harder for the enemy to move around freely.
  • Winter Wyvern saves an ally from physical attacks with Cold Embrace. Winter’s Curse can stop enemies and make them attack each other.

What to Buy Against Arc Warden

  • Black King Bar protects against many of Arc Warden’s magical abilities and disables.
  • Force Staff helps you leave Magnetic Field, get out of a dangerous area, or save an ally.
  • Monkey King Bar helps attacks land on heroes inside Magnetic Field.
  • Scythe of Vyse provides lockdown that prevents Arc Warden from retreating or continuing his attack.
  • Abyssal Blade helps stun the hero and reach him in the late game.
  • Heaven’s Halberd temporarily disarms Arc Warden and prevents him from dealing damage with attacks.
  • Blink Dagger helps you quickly initiate an attack if Arc Warden shows on a lane or in a dangerous position.

How to Play Against Arc Warden at Different Stages

Laning

Arc Warden usually tries to farm safely in the mid lane. Pressure him when he uses abilities on creeps, and don’t stand near Spark Wraith. Keep an eye on the copy: it can come to help while the real hero stays in lane.

Mid Game

Don’t send one hero after the copy if Arc Warden can punish them from a safe position. Place vision near the approaches to lanes and, if possible, look for the real hero.

Late Game

Arc Warden can pressure several lanes at once, so distribute your defense in advance and save your Town Portal Scrolls to respond. Don’t use key abilities on the copy if the real hero might be nearby. Initiate with disables and try not to let Arc Warden attack from Magnetic Field.