Centaur Warrunner vs Shadow Fiend

How this matchup plays

Drafting an initiator into Shadow Fiend can be a difficult decision. Centaur Warrunner offers a direct, physical solution to the problem. A well-timed Stampede allows his entire team to close the gap on Shadow Fiend, who lacks a natural escape mechanism. Once in range, Hoof Stomp can provide the lockdown needed to secure a kill. Centaur’s high health pool and Retaliate passive also make him a difficult target for Shadow Fiend to fight back against with right-clicks, forcing SF to rely entirely on his spells and positioning to survive any engagement.

This game plan is not foolproof, however. If the Stampede charge is poorly coordinated or anticipated, a good Shadow Fiend player can sidestep the initiation and punish the aggression with waves of Shadowrazes. Centaur’s massive health means little against that much magic damage. Furthermore, a successful Requiem of Souls can completely turn the tables if Centaur and his team group up too tightly on their approach. The matchup often boils down to which hero gets the jump on the other first.