Axe vs Necrophos

How this matchup plays

Trying to lock down a team with Berserker's Call works directly into what Necrophos wants. The longer Axe holds targets still, the more damage Heartstopper Aura deals to his entire group. Necrophos can stand at the edge of the fight, using Death Pulse to keep his allies alive while wearing down Axe's team. This turns Axe's primary initiation into a liability. Furthermore, Reaper's Scythe is a perfect tool to secure a kill on a hero Axe is trying to wear down for a Culling Blade, often beating him to the punch and denying him the reset.

Across the game, this creates a frustrating dynamic for Axe. Laning against the constant pressure of Heartstopper Aura is difficult, and in teamfights, his signature jump-in can be undone by Necrophos's healing. Even if Axe tries to target Necrophos himself, Ghost Shroud provides an easy escape from the physical damage of Berserker's Call and Counter Helix. Axe's success hinges on catching Necrophos out of position or having teammates with enough magic burst to eliminate him before he can turn the fight into a slow grind that he favors.