Invoker can cast a wide variety of spells by combining the Quas, Wex, and Exort orbs. He can control enemies, deal area damage, and help allies across the map. This article covers Invoker counterpicks for every position, items to get against him, and ways to keep him from developing freely.
Hero Overview
Invoker usually plays position 2—the midlaner—but can also play support. His spell kit lets him adapt to the situation: Cold Snap and Tornado provide control, EMP burns mana, and Sun Strike helps attack a target anywhere on the map. As he gains levels and items, Invoker becomes dangerous in team fights.
Early in the game, the hero has low survivability and needs time to unlock his abilities. Lane pressure, silence, and quick disables make it harder for him to execute combos. Protection from magic damage and timely evasion help you survive his spell combo.
Best Heroes Against Invoker
Invoker most often plays position 2—the midlaner—and sometimes position 4—the support. Heroes who can win the lane, quickly close the gap, or stop him from casting spells are useful against him.
Carry
- Lifestealer uses Rage to survive most of Invoker's magic damage and quickly gets into melee range of him.
- Juggernaut avoids many spells with Blade Fury and can punish Invoker if he is left without protection.
Midlaner
- Templar Assassin does well in lane thanks to Psi Blades, while Refraction blocks several sources of damage and makes it harder for Invoker to trade spells.
- Huskar applies strong pressure with Burning Spear and can prevent Invoker from gaining levels and farming safely in mid.
Offlaner
- Doom prevents Invoker from using abilities with Doom and lets the team quickly focus him down.
- Legion Commander catches Invoker with Duel and can dispel Cold Snap from herself or an ally with Press the Attack.
Support
- Silencer stops Invoker from executing combos with Global Silence and punishes him for frequently casting spells with Arcane Curse.
- Nyx Assassin quickly closes in and stuns Invoker with Impale, preventing him from calmly preparing counter-spells.
Hard Support
- Abaddon dispels Cold Snap and other dispellable effects from an ally with Aphotic Shield.
- Oracle helps an ally survive Invoker's spell combo with False Promise and can dispel some effects with his abilities.
What to Build Against Invoker
- Black King Bar protects against most of Invoker's magic spells for the duration of the item.
- Force Staff helps an ally escape a dangerous combo or reposition after Tornado.
- Pipe of Insight reduces magic damage for its wielder and nearby allies.
- Orchid Malevolence silences Invoker and prevents him from casting spells to escape.
- Scythe of Vyse provides reliable control and helps catch the hero quickly.
- Lotus Orb dispels some negative effects from an ally and reflects targeted abilities.
How to Play Against Invoker at Different Stages
Laning
Take advantage of Invoker's weak early laning and don't let him last-hit creeps safely. Watch his orbs and mana pool: combos require resources. If you're facing a Quas-Wex Invoker in lane, place vision on the side lanes and warn your allies about a possible early rotation.
Mid Game
Don't group up under his area spells, and save disables for when Invoker shows up in lane. Don't let him farm several waves in a row uncontested. Silence and quick focus prevent him from executing a full combo.
Late Game
In the late game, Invoker can start a fight from afar or support it with Sun Strike. Save Black King Bar and save abilities for his spell combo, but don't use them on the first spell that comes your way. If Invoker has spent his key abilities, attack him before he can put his combo back together.
