Alchemist vs Pugna

How this matchup plays

Fighting an Alchemist who's running at you can be a problem, but Pugna has the perfect tool to manage it. Decrepify can be cast on Alchemist to stop his physical attacks entirely, creating a window to burst him down with magic. Alternatively, Pugna can cast it on himself or an ally to save them from Alchemist's onslaught. This interaction is the core of the matchup. However, Alchemist isn't without answers. The massive regeneration from Chemical Rage often lets him survive Pugna's initial spell combo, and a well-timed Unstable Concoction will cancel Life Drain, turning the fight back in his favor.

The dynamic shifts as the game progresses. Early on, Pugna can bully the lane and disrupt Alchemist's farm with Nether Blast. Once Alchemist gets a few items, he becomes the aggressor, looking for openings to stun Pugna before he can react. Fights often come down to baiting out key spells. If Pugna uses Decrepify too early, Alchemist can wait it out or switch targets. If Alchemist gets caught without his ultimate, he's very vulnerable. An eventual Black King Bar on Alchemist becomes the deciding factor, letting him ignore Decrepify and run Pugna down.