Earthshaker vs Mars

How this matchup plays

Putting Mars Arena down seems like it would create the perfect setup, but it often works against you. The wall can block your own Fissures and it gives enemies enough space to spread out inside. When they’re on opposite teams, however, that same Arena becomes a prison for Mars's allies. Earthshaker can easily land a multi-hero Fissure inside, trapping targets against the wall. Echo Slam gets maximum value when the enemy team is stuck together, effectively turning Mars's signature spell into the setup for his own team's demise. Bulwark doesn't help much against the magical area damage either.

This dynamic defines the matchup from the mid-game onward. Mars wants to initiate on a core, but as soon as he commits Arena, he's created the ideal fighting ground for Earthshaker. A Blink Dagger on ES means he can instantly counter-initiate on everyone Mars has trapped. Mars's best bet is to try and catch Earthshaker himself with a Spear of Mars before he can get his spells off, but a patient ES will stay back until the trap is sprung. Before that, in lane, the threat of Fissure makes it much harder for Mars to posture for his own spear combos.