Pangolier vs Pugna

How this matchup plays

Trying to close the gap on a Pugna can be a frustrating experience for Pangolier. The main tool for bursting a target, Swashbuckle, deals physical damage that can be completely avoided if Pugna casts Decrepify on himself. At the same time, Pangolier relies on spamming low-cooldown spells to fight and move, which plays right into Nether Ward. Each spell cast becomes a liability, draining his health and mana in a fight he might otherwise win. This creates a difficult situation where his aggressive tools are punished, and his damage is often negated.

This standoff defines how the matchup plays out. During teamfights, the outcome often depends on whether Pangolier can start his Rolling Thunder outside of the ward's range to gain spell immunity and run Pugna down. If he can't, he’ll be punished for every move he makes. Pugna, for his part, must position carefully to avoid being caught by the roll while still keeping his ward and Decrepify ready. The fight usually goes to whichever player has better timing or gets more support from their team, as their kits create a direct and mutual counter.