Lifestealer vs Templar Assassin

How this matchup plays

Thinking you can trade hits with Lifestealer because of Refraction is a big mistake. Templar Assassin relies on blocking a set number of attacks, but Lifestealer’s entire game plan involves hitting very fast, especially with Rage active. He will chew through all your Refraction charges in a moment and start healing himself with every swing from Feast. Once those charges are gone, you’re left with a very fragile hero facing an opponent who is now magic immune and sustaining through any return damage.

This leaves Templar Assassin with very few options as the game progresses. Lifestealer will often ignore the frontline and make a straight line for you, using Rage to shrug off any slows from Psionic Traps or stuns from your supports. Your only real play is to stay on the absolute edge of the fight, use Meld to reposition or hide, and hope he commits to a different target. If Lifestealer decides you're his focus, you need a Blink Dagger and a lot of help to survive him.