Kunkka vs Lich

How this matchup plays

Struggling to secure kills with Kunkka's combo often comes down to Lich's Frost Shield. When Kunkka lands his X Marks the Spot, Lich can simply cast the shield on the marked ally. The damage reduction and slow it provides are frequently enough to let the target survive the follow-up Torrent and Ghostship. This interference is also present in the lane, where Lich’s constant slows and protective spells make it very difficult for a melee hero to trade effectively or secure last hits against a ranged opponent.

As the game progresses, Kunkka is forced to play around this reality. He might have to bait out Frost Shield before committing his combo, or coordinate with his team to burst the target faster than Lich can react. A Kunkka who can't reliably pick off heroes is significantly less threatening. For Lich, the game plan is straightforward: stay close enough to key allies to provide the save. His Chain Frost also capitalizes on the way Kunkka's abilities tend to group enemies together for a moment.