Alchemist vs Phantom Lancer

How this matchup plays

Facing a Phantom Lancer pick can make you question if Alchemist is the right choice. On paper, Acid Spray seems like a decent answer to illusions, but it's a static area that a good Phantom Lancer can simply fight outside of. More importantly, PL can use Doppelganger to dodge the Unstable Concoction stun, which is Alchemist’s primary way to lock down a single target. Once Phantom Lancer gets a Diffusal Blade, he starts burning through Alchemist’s mana pool, making it difficult to keep Chemical Rage active for a whole fight.

The matchup often comes down to a race. Alchemist needs to leverage Greevil's Greed to hit a massive item timing and end the game before PL comes online. If Alchemist gets a fast Radiance or a similar farming item, he can control the map for a while. However, if Phantom Lancer can survive this window and complete his own core items, his scaling takes over. A late-game Phantom Lancer's army of illusions will eventually overwhelm an Alchemist who can’t cast his spells or fight back effectively.