Dark Willow is a support hero who controls enemies and deals magical damage. Bramble Maze restricts movement, Cursed Crown stuns its target after a delay, and Terrorize forces enemies to retreat. In this article, we’ll look at Dark Willow counters for every position, items against her, and tactics for different stages of the game.

Hero’s Strengths

Dark Willow is dangerous thanks to her combination of control and damage. Shadow Realm temporarily protects her from regular attacks and empowers her next attack, while Bedlam deals heavy damage to nearby enemies. In team fights, she can stop several heroes with Bramble Maze or turn the fight around with Terrorize.

At the same time, the hero has a small health pool and few ways to quickly escape pursuit. She struggles against sudden initiations, silences, and area damage. Dispels help remove some control effects, while a quick focus prevents her from comfortably using all her abilities.

Best Heroes Against Dark Willow

Dark Willow most often plays position 4—the support role—and sometimes position 5—the hard support role. She tries to stay behind her team and control enemies, so heroes who can quickly reach the backline or survive her spell combo are useful against her.

Carry

  • Juggernaut uses Blade Fury to avoid some magical damage and move through Bramble Maze. Omnislash is best used once Dark Willow has left Shadow Realm.
  • Lifestealer uses Rage to protect himself from many spells and can force the fragile Dark Willow into close combat.

Mid

  • Puck quickly closes in on Dark Willow with Illusory Orb and prevents her from using abilities by silencing her. Phase Shift helps dodge some attacks.
  • Queen of Pain uses Blink to quickly reach Dark Willow, while Silence prevents her from responding with spells or escaping into Shadow Realm.

Offlaner

  • Primal Beast quickly initiates a fight with Onslaught and holds Dark Willow in Pulverize.
  • Axe can catch her with Berserker’s Call and interrupt Bedlam or Freezing Field if he manages to use his control in time.

Support

  • Nyx Assassin can approach Dark Willow unnoticed and stop her with Impale’s stun.
  • Clockwerk finds Dark Willow with Hookshot and restricts her movement with Power Cogs.

Hard Support

  • Silencer prevents Dark Willow from using abilities with Global Silence and can stop her ultimate.
  • Disruptor restricts Dark Willow’s movement with Kinetic Field and can pull her back with Glimpse if she tries to retreat.

What to Buy Against Dark Willow

  • Black King Bar protects against most magical damage and control if used before key effects hit.
  • Lotus Orb helps remove some negative effects from an ally and reflects targeted abilities.
  • Manta Style removes some effects from its owner and helps confuse the enemy with illusions.
  • Force Staff helps you escape Bramble Maze or get out of a dangerous position.
  • Orchid Malevolence applies silence and prevents Dark Willow from using abilities.
  • Glimmer Cape protects an ally from magical damage if they haven’t been revealed by True Sight.

How to Play Against Dark Willow at Different Stages

Laning

Watch out for Bramble Maze and avoid walking into the brambles if you can go around them. Stay near an ally so Dark Willow can’t attack a hero with impunity. After she uses her abilities on a wave or in a trade, take advantage of the lull to apply pressure.

Mid Game

Don’t group up in a narrow passage: Bramble Maze and Terrorize can hit several heroes at once. Save your control for when Dark Willow uses Shadow Realm or starts casting Bedlam. If possible, attack her before the fight begins.

Late Game

In the late game, don’t let Dark Willow freely use her control from the backline. Approach from multiple directions and save silence or a stun to interrupt her abilities. Don’t waste targeted attacks on her while Shadow Realm is active.