Grimstroke vs Pudge

How this matchup plays

Trying to Dismember a target with Ink Swell on it is a nightmare for Pudge. The moment his channel starts, the Ink Swell detonates, stunning him and breaking his ultimate. This interaction single-handedly turns Pudge's most reliable lockdown into a self-inflicted liability. Grimstroke can cast this defensively on a hooked ally or offensively on a frontline hero that Pudge is likely to target. Even before that, Stroke of Fate's wide, long-range arc is great for checking trees and high ground, making it difficult for Pudge to find a safe spot to throw hooks from without being revealed and harassed.

This dynamic forces Pudge to change his entire approach. He can no longer confidently jump on the first hero he sees. Instead, he has to either try to snipe Grimstroke first—a difficult task given Grimstroke's typical backline position—or wait for Ink Swell to be used on someone else. Grimstroke, on the other hand, can play aggressively, knowing his carry is safe from a Dismember follow-up. In teamfights, Pudge is often left waiting for a perfect window that Grimstroke can easily deny, rendering one of the game's strongest single-target lockdowns ineffective for crucial moments.