Phantom Assassin vs Warlock

How this matchup plays

Trying to burst down a key target is Phantom Assassin's whole game plan, and Warlock is often that target. The matchup comes down to a race: can Phantom Assassin find and eliminate Warlock before he can cast his teamfight-winning spells? PA can close the distance instantly with Phantom Strike and often has enough damage to kill a poorly positioned Warlock before Chaotic Offering lands. If she gets the jump, Warlock contributes nothing and the fight is won. But if he survives the initial burst, his spells can turn the engagement completely around.

As the game develops, Phantom Assassin usually has the advantage in the mid-game. She can roam the map looking for kills, and a lone Warlock is easy prey. The game feels good for PA when she's snowballing off these pickoffs. However, if the game stalls out and devolves into five-on-five fights, Warlock's value goes up. He can stay behind his teammates, making him a much harder target to reach. A well-placed Fatal Bonds and Golem can make it impossible for PA to fight effectively, which is why this matchup often feels like it could go either way.