Lich is a ranged hero who helps allies with protection and slows enemies with icy spells. His Chain Frost is especially dangerous to heroes standing close together, while Frost Shield reduces damage to a chosen ally. In this article, we’ll look at Lich’s strengths and weaknesses, pick heroes to counter him in each position, list useful items, and discuss tactics for every stage of the game.

Hero characteristics

Lich is strong in lane thanks to Frost Blast and his ability to keep the enemy from farming comfortably. Frost Shield helps an ally withstand attacks and protects towers, while Sinister Gaze pulls a target toward Lich and prevents them from escaping. Chain Frost deals heavy damage if there are several heroes or creeps nearby for the projectile to bounce between.

However, Lich is not very mobile and is position-dependent. He has a harder time influencing a fight if enemies spread out and prevent Chain Frost from bouncing between targets. Mobile heroes can quickly reach the support, while silence and stun prevent him from using defensive abilities. Don’t stand in a tight group, and don’t waste important abilities on Frost Shield if you can simply switch targets.

Best heroes against Lich

Lich usually plays position 5, the hard support, or position 4, the support. The hero’s main job is to protect allies and control enemies. Role-based counterpicks can help you both catch Lich quickly and protect your team from Chain Frost.

Carry

  • Slark quickly closes the gap on Lich with Pounce, while Dark Pact dispels some slows and disables. His mobility helps him avoid standing near allies during Chain Frost and continue chasing after a fight begins.
  • Juggernaut can withstand some magical damage with Blade Fury and restore his team’s health with Healing Ward. Omnislash is dangerous for Lich if he is left without creeps or allies nearby.

Mid

  • Storm Spirit can quickly reach the support and prevent him from comfortably staying behind his allies. Ball Lightning helps dodge spells, while the silence from Orchid Malevolence leaves Lich unable to respond.
  • Queen of Pain dodges targeted abilities with Blink and can attack Lich from an awkward angle. She doesn’t have to commit to a prolonged fight: it’s enough to quickly force the support to use his abilities and retreat.

Offlaner

  • Clockwerk finds Lich with Hookshot and isolates him behind Power Cogs. It’s difficult for the support to keep helping his allies inside the cogs, giving his team a chance to quickly take him out.
  • Primal Beast quickly initiates a fight and holds Lich in place with Pulverize. He prevents the support from retreating after using Chain Frost if his team follows up on the attack.

Support

  • Nyx Assassin catches Lich with Impale and can approach him unnoticed with Vendetta. Mana Burn punishes the hero for his high Intelligence, while Spiked Carapace helps reflect targeted attacks.
  • Rubick can steal Lich’s useful spells and use them against his team. Telekinesis interrupts Sinister Gaze and helps pull an ally out of a dangerous position.

Hard support

  • Oracle protects an ally from magical damage with Fate’s Edict and can save them with his ultimate, False Promise. Fortune’s End helps dispel some negative effects and prepare a retreat.
  • Shadow Demon removes an ally from the path of Chain Frost with Disruption. He can also save a hero held by Lich’s Sinister Gaze and give his team time to reposition.

What to buy against Lich

  • Glimmer Cape helps save an ally from magical damage and conceal them while retreating.
  • Force Staff lets you create distance between heroes and get out of an awkward position.
  • Black King Bar protects your core from magical abilities and helps them keep fighting under enemy control.
  • Lotus Orb grants armor and can reflect some targeted abilities if used at the right time.
  • Pipe of Insight reduces magical damage to your team, especially when enemies are forced to fight at close range.

How to play against Lich at different stages

Laning

In lane, Lich tries to damage both a hero and creeps at the same time, so don’t stand near an ally or approach the wave unnecessarily. Keep an eye on your mana and health: frequent spells can gradually force you out of lane. Don’t attack a hero under Frost Shield if you can switch to another enemy or wait for the effect to end. Save your disables after Sinister Gaze for a counterattack.

Mid game

During the mid game, keep heroes apart, especially if Lich hasn’t used Chain Frost yet. Don’t fight near large groups of creeps, where his ultimate can bounce between targets several times. Try to approach Lich from the flank before he starts a fight, and force him to use his defensive abilities on himself. Have a Force Staff or a save spell ready in advance for retreating.

Late game

In the late game, Chain Frost can deal enormous damage if the team groups up around one target. Spread out before a fight starts, and don’t chase Lich alone. Save defensive abilities for his ultimate and quickly switch to the support if he comes within reach. Once Chain Frost is on cooldown, launch a counterattack or take an important objective on the map.