Bounty Hunter vs Phantom Lancer

How this matchup plays

Believing that Track is a clean answer to Phantom Lancer often leads to disappointment. Phantom Lancer can purge the debuff with a well-timed Doppelganger, and frequently builds other items that can do the same. This negates the main advantage of the spell. Beyond the dispel, Bounty Hunter's entire kit is focused on bursting down one hero, which is completely ineffective against a screen full of illusions. He has no way to clear the fakes and struggles to find the real hero in the chaos, rendering his primary contribution useless.

The early game provides a window for Bounty Hunter to find kills on a weak Phantom Lancer, securing gold before the escape tools come online. As the game progresses, however, the matchup becomes much harder. Phantom Lancer becomes comfortable playing into Track, knowing he can remove it or use the ensuing confusion to his advantage. Bounty Hunter is then forced to rely entirely on his team's area damage to clear the way for him, while Phantom Lancer is free to split the map, knowing a solo Bounty Hunter poses little threat.