Lich vs Lina

How this matchup plays

Controlling the game's tempo is how Lich shuts down Lina's entire plan. Lina needs to hit an item or level timing and then snowball by bursting heroes down. Frost Shield is a direct answer to this, as it can be cast on her target to let them survive the initial Laguna Blade combo. The added slow also makes it harder for Lina to chase or escape, turning her aggressive gank into a wasted rotation and slowing her farm. Sinister Gaze is another major problem for her, offering a simple way to cancel her aggression and pull her into a bad position for an easy counter-kill.

This advantage for Lich starts in lane, where his constant harass makes it difficult for Lina to get the farm she needs. The problem gets worse in mid-game teamfights. Lina is a fragile hero who has to step into dangerous positions to use her spells, making her an ideal target for a bouncing Chain Frost. She has to play from the fog, trying to find a pickoff before a fight breaks out. If she can't kill her target instantly, she's often left exposed and vulnerable. A well-positioned Lich makes her job incredibly difficult at all stages of the game.