Leshrac vs Pudge

How this matchup plays

Hooking an enemy is usually a death sentence, but Leshrac presents a real problem for Pudge. Pulling him closer is exactly what Leshrac wants to do. Even if Pudge follows up with a full Dismember, Leshrac’s Diabolic Edict and Pulse Nova will continue to shred Pudge and any allies standing nearby. This creates a situation where Pudge gets the lockdown he wants, but in exchange, he brings a source of massive, sustained area damage right into his team’s backline. The trade is often a wash, with both heroes taking a huge amount of punishment.

The lane often comes down to positioning. The threat of a Meat Hook can force Leshrac to play less aggressively, ceding space. Later in the game, it’s all about who gets the jump. A Pudge who catches Leshrac out of position with his team can secure a kill, but if Leshrac finds Pudge first, he can often overwhelm him with damage before Dismember becomes a factor. Success for either hero depends on which team has better vision and can control the start of the fight.