Bristleback is a durable hero who becomes more dangerous in prolonged fights. His passive ability reduces damage when enemies attack him from behind, while Quill Spray builds up damage against nearby opponents. In this article, we’ll look at Bristleback counters for each role, suitable items, and tactics for playing against him.
Hero characteristics
Bristleback slows enemies with Viscous Nasal Goo and deals continuous damage with Quill Spray. His passive ability reduces damage taken from the back and sides, and releases counterattacking quills once he has accumulated enough damage. That’s why a prolonged fight near him often works in Bristleback’s favor.
The hero is vulnerable to Break, which temporarily disables passive abilities, and to disables that prevent him from closing in. Don’t attack him from behind if you can choose another position, and don’t group up under Quill Spray. Items that reduce healing also help take him down faster.
Best heroes against Bristleback
Bristleback usually plays position 3—the offlaner—although he is sometimes picked as a carry. He tries to prolong fights and force opponents to attack him from behind. Heroes with Break, disables, and AoE damage are useful against him.
Carry
- Troll Warlord can attack Bristleback quickly and switch between melee and ranged combat. Silver Edge also helps temporarily disable his passive defense.
- Slark builds an advantage in prolonged fights thanks to Essence Shift. Dark Pact dispels some negative effects from him, but you shouldn’t chase Bristleback alone.
Midlaner
- Viper slows Bristleback and can disable his passive defense with Nethertoxin or an upgraded Viper Strike.
- Necrophos deals magic damage and supports his team with healing. Reaper’s Scythe helps finish off Bristleback once his health is low.
Offlaner
- Mars can stop Bristleback with his spear and turn him to face the team. This prevents him from relying on back-facing protection.
- Axe holds Bristleback in place with Berserker’s Call and forces him to attack. Counter Helix deals damage while the enemy is nearby.
Support
- Ancient Apparition prevents health restoration with Ice Blast. This is especially useful in a prolonged fight against Bristleback.
- Shadow Demon saves an ally with Disruption, while an upgraded Demonic Purge applies Break to Bristleback.
Hard Support
- Witch Doctor deals additional damage with Maledict and can use Death Ward when the team is keeping Bristleback disabled.
- Jakiro slows the enemy and deals AoE magic damage. His abilities help the team keep their distance and avoid an unfavorable melee fight.
What to buy against Bristleback
- Silver Edge applies Break and temporarily disables Bristleback’s passive defense.
- Spirit Vessel reduces health restoration and helps deal with the hero’s survivability.
- Eye of Skadi reduces healing and health restoration from attacks.
- Shiva’s Guard reduces the attack speed of nearby enemies and helps the team survive a prolonged fight.
- Scythe of Vyse provides control and prevents Bristleback from freely using his abilities.
- Heaven’s Halberd temporarily disarms the hero and reduces the threat from his attacks.
How to play against Bristleback at different stages
Laning
Don’t stand near Bristleback and his ally, so you don’t take damage from multiple Quill Sprays at once. If possible, attack the hero from the front and don’t chase him under his tower.
Midgame
Don’t start a fight with a prolonged exchange of attacks against Bristleback. Try to apply Break and disables, then focus your damage on him. If you don’t have those abilities, attack his allies first and don’t let Bristleback freely choose his attack direction.
Late game
Save Silver Edge or another source of Break for the start of a team fight. Don’t group up tightly: this lets Bristleback hit multiple heroes with Quill Spray. If he’s too tanky, try taking out his allies first, then return to him.
