Dragon Knight is a durable hero known for his high armor and health regeneration. In dragon form, he gains ranged attacks and can quickly destroy structures. In this article, we’ll look at Dragon Knight counters for every position, items against him, and tactics for different stages of the game.
Hero Overview
Dragon Knight most often plays position 2 — mid. Wyrm's Wrath increases the range of his abilities and adds magical damage to his attacks. Dragon Blood grants him armor and health regeneration, while Dragon Tail stuns an enemy. After getting Elder Dragon Form, he attacks from a distance and helps his team destroy structures.
His high armor makes it difficult to kill Dragon Knight quickly with regular attacks. Magic and percentage-based damage, healing reduction, and Break, which disables passive defenses, are effective against him. Slows, disarms, and saves also make it harder for him to keep attacking for long.
Best Heroes Against Dragon Knight
Dragon Knight is usually picked in position 2 — mid. Heroes who can pierce his defenses, stop him from attacking structures, or disable him in a team fight are effective against him.
Carry
- Ursa builds up damage with Fury Swipes attacks and can survive an enemy focus with Enrage.
- Slark gets stronger in prolonged fights thanks to Essence Shift, while Pounce makes it hard for Dragon Knight to retreat. Keep Dragon Tail's stun in mind when closing in.
Mid
- Viper applies lane pressure, and Viper Strike disables Dragon Knight's passive abilities, weakening his defenses.
- Necrophos gradually reduces Dragon Knight's health with Heartstopper Aura and can finish him off with Reaper’s Scythe.
Offlaner
- Timbersaw deals pure damage that ignores Dragon Knight's high armor and can keep his distance with Timber Chain.
- Underlord makes it difficult for Dragon Knight to advance down the lane with Pit of Malice and clears waves with Firestorm.
Support
- Shadow Demon saves an ally with Disruption and helps his team survive Dragon Tail's stun.
- Oracle protects an ally with False Promise and can dispel some negative effects with his abilities.
Hard Support
- Ancient Apparition prevents health regeneration with Ice Blast and deals magic damage from a safe distance.
- Winter Wyvern protects an ally from physical attacks with Cold Embrace and can stop enemies with Winter’s Curse.
What to Build Against Dragon Knight
- Silver Edge applies Break and temporarily disables Dragon Blood.
- Spirit Vessel reduces Dragon Knight's health regeneration.
- Shiva’s Guard slows nearby enemies and reduces their attack speed.
- Monkey King Bar helps you deal damage with attacks if Dragon Knight gains evasion after upgrading Elder Dragon Form.
- Black King Bar protects against some magic damage and disables.
- Heaven’s Halberd temporarily disarms Dragon Knight and prevents him from attacking structures.
How to Play Against Dragon Knight at Different Stages
Laning
Keep Dragon Knight's high armor and health regeneration in mind: don't expect to win the lane with regular attacks alone. Use magic damage and ask your allies to help apply pressure. Once he has used Dragon Tail, you can approach the creeps or trade more safely.
Mid Game
Watch for Elder Dragon Form to be ready and defend your structures when Dragon Knight pushes a lane. Try not to take a prolonged fight near a tower if the enemy has an advantage. Disables and healing reduction will help your team prevent him from attacking freely.
Late Game
Save Break and disables for the start of the fight. Don't let Dragon Knight hit your structures with impunity, but don't commit your whole team to chasing him if he retreats. When his dragon form ends, use the window to take a fight or control the map.
