Gyrocopter vs Phantom Lancer

How this matchup plays

Teamfights feel impossible for Gyrocopter once Phantom Lancer gets going. Flak Cannon is supposed to be Gyro's answer to multiple enemies, but it runs out of attacks instantly on the swarm of illusions. This leaves the real Phantom Lancer completely untouched and free to close the distance. Worse, the illusions drain Gyrocopter's small mana pool with every hit, leaving him without Rocket Barrage or Call Down when he needs them most. Even if Gyro tries to burst him down, Phantom Lancer can use Doppelganger to disjoint the projectile or reposition safely, making him an incredibly frustrating target.

This dynamic forces Gyrocopter into a difficult position all game. He has a brief window to apply pressure early, but once Phantom Lancer has Diffusal Blade, the matchup spirals out of control. Gyro is forced to buy items defensively to try and survive, while PL can continue his normal item progression and simply overwhelm him later. Gyrocopter's only real hope is for his team to provide enough lockdown and magic damage to kill Phantom Lancer before he can create an army, because Gyro himself lacks the tools to deal with the problem head-on.