Earthshaker vs Lion

How this matchup plays

Getting the first spell off is everything in this matchup. Lion has an instant Hex that can completely shut down Earthshaker’s Blink Dagger initiation, leaving him helpless and exposed. On the other hand, a well-placed Fissure from off-screen will lock Lion down long enough for Earthshaker to follow up and secure a kill on the fragile support. Both heroes are looking to catch the other one out, but their tools for doing so are almost perfectly opposed. One relies on an instant, single-target disable, while the other uses a delayed, area-of-effect stun to start things.

This tension plays out all game. During teamfights, the entire engagement can swing based on who finds who first. If Lion anticipates the Blink and has his finger on Hex, the Echo Slam never happens. If Earthshaker finds a good angle from the trees, Lion and his nearby allies get chain-stunned before they can react. It forces both players into a mind game of positioning and vision control. The team that provides better vision for their initiator, whether it's the Earthshaker or the Lion, will often find the opening they need to take control.