Axe is a fearless warrior who charges into the thick of battle and forces his enemies to accept his challenge. He is known as one of the most dangerous initiators in Dota 2: he can jump into a fight, hold enemies in place, and finish off weakened foes. In this article, we’ll look at which heroes and items help counter Axe and how to play against him at different stages of the match.

Hero Strengths

Axe clears waves and camps quickly, and after buying a Blink Dagger, he can jump into a group of enemies with Berserker’s Call. His opponents are forced to attack him, triggering Counter Helix, while Culling Blade finishes off heroes with low health.

Axe is strong thanks to his reliable initiation, control, and ability to withstand physical damage. He struggles more when enemies keep their distance, disable his Blink Dagger with damage, or save allies during Berserker’s Call. If his jump doesn’t result in a kill, Axe becomes less dangerous after using his key abilities.

Best Heroes Against Axe

Axe is most often picked for the off lane, where he plays as an offlaner. He starts fights and creates space for his team, so counters against him are needed in every position. The carry and mid laner need to survive his jump and deal damage in return, while supports benefit from having abilities to save allies and interrupt his attacks. Below are heroes for each role who can help deal with Axe.

Carry

  • Lifestealer can survive his initiation with Rage and fight Axe for a long time thanks to his built-in health restoration.
  • Ursa reduces incoming damage with his ultimate and is dangerous to Axe in a prolonged fight. Avoid attacking recklessly under Berserker’s Call and Blade Mail.

Mid laner

  • Necrophos heals his team and deals magic damage that isn’t affected by Axe’s armor. Ghost Shroud helps him survive physical attacks during Berserker’s Call.
  • Viper slows Axe and makes it harder for him to reach his target. His abilities can also disable Counter Helix.

Offlaner

  • Underlord holds back Axe and his team’s advance with Firestorm and Pit of Malice. He can slow their push and buy time for his allies.
  • Bristleback withstands physical damage well, and his abilities let him respond in prolonged fights. However, Berserker’s Call turns him toward Axe and prevents him from relying on his passive defense.

Support

  • Shadow Demon saves an ally with Disruption so they can wait out Berserker’s Call. Demonic Purge slows Axe, and the Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade disables Counter Helix.
  • Dazzle supports his allies with healing and can prevent Axe from quickly finishing off a target. However, Culling Blade kills through Shallow Grave, so it’s important to save an ally before their health drops to the execution threshold.

Hard support

  • Phoenix can disable Blink Dagger with damage and support an ally with Sun Ray during a fight. His Supernova also forces Axe and his team to choose between attacking the egg and retreating.
  • Jakiro makes it difficult for Axe to close in on his team with slows and a stun. Ice Path is especially useful for stopping him after he jumps in or preventing him from continuing his attack.

What to Buy Against Axe

  • Force Staff helps push an ally out of Berserker’s Call’s area or create distance after a fight begins.
  • Eul’s Scepter of Divinity lets you wait out part of Berserker’s Call’s duration or briefly lift Axe into the air.
  • Mekansm / Guardian Greaves provide healing that can save an ally from being finished off with Culling Blade.
  • Lotus Orb helps remove some effects and reflects targeted abilities.
  • Scythe of Vyse disables Axe and prevents him from starting a fight or continuing a chase.
  • Silver Edge temporarily disables Counter Helix.
  • Ghost Scepter protects against physical attacks if Axe jumps on a support hero.

How to Play Against Axe at Different Stages

Laning

Don’t stand near a creep wave or trade hits with Axe at close range. Attacks he receives trigger Counter Helix. Ranged heroes should deal damage to him regularly and force him to spend resources on recovery. Watch Axe’s movements if he goes behind the lane or starts cutting waves.

Mid Game

After buying a Blink Dagger, Axe can start a fight. Place vision along approach routes and keep heroes spread apart so he can’t catch several allies with a single Berserker’s Call. Save defensive items for whoever he catches. If Axe uses his abilities without getting a kill, use that time to fight back or take an objective on the map.

Late Game

Don’t leave your carry without allied protection, and prepare saves in advance. Don’t group up tightly before a fight, and keep track of Axe’s position before using important abilities. If he has already used Berserker’s Call, focus on him or switch to other enemies while the ability is on cooldown.