Bristleback vs Medusa

How this matchup plays

Facing a Bristleback as Medusa can feel like a losing battle of attrition. Her Mana Shield is designed to soak up damage and let her outlast opponents, but Bristleback’s constant stream of Quill Sprays puts her mana pool under immense pressure. Each stack makes the next spray hurt more, and over a long fight, this sustained physical damage will drain her mana completely, leaving her exposed. He doesn't have the burst to kill her outright, but he doesn't need it. Turning to use Stone Gaze isn't a great solution either, since he's happy to show you his back and keep spraying.

This dynamic means Bristleback often wants to frontline and walk directly at Medusa in teamfights, forcing her to deal with him. If he can stick on her, it’s very difficult for her to survive, let alone output damage. The matchup isn't completely one-sided, though. Medusa can still win if her team provides enough control to keep Bristleback off her, or if she builds items to counter his passive and regeneration. It really comes down to whether Bristleback can maintain pressure on Medusa or if her team can successfully peel for her.