Dark Willow vs Drow Ranger

How this matchup plays

Getting jumped by a support is often a death sentence for Drow Ranger, but Dark Willow has a hard time delivering the killing blow herself. Willow's entire burst rotation with Bedlam and Cursed Crown is completely shut down by a well-timed Gust, which both pushes her away and silences her. This forces Willow to play around Drow's cooldown or find a different way in. On the other hand, if Dark Willow can set up a kill with Bramble Maze or Terrorize, Drow Ranger is an easy target who can't escape the lockdown. The matchup often comes down to who lands their key ability first.

Early on, Dark Willow can be a major threat in lane, using her spell damage to bully an otherwise weak Drow. As the game progresses, however, Drow’s situation improves. She can itemize for a BKB to negate Willow's control or simply rely on Gust to create space. While Willow is hard to click on during Shadow Realm, Drow Ranger’s Multishot can still hit her. If Willow can’t find a clean initiation, Drow’s superior sustained damage and ability to kite with Frost Arrows will typically win the fight, especially in the later stages of the game.