Pugna vs Sniper

How this matchup plays

Getting your spells off as Pugna requires getting into the thick of things, which is exactly where Sniper doesn't want to be. The fundamental problem is range. Pugna needs to get relatively close for Nether Blast and has to stand still to channel Life Drain, making him a perfect, stationary target for long-range attacks. Sniper can deal his damage from well outside the effective radius of Nether Ward, which doesn't punish his right-clicks anyway. This forces Pugna to constantly put himself in a dangerous position to have an impact, while Sniper contributes from relative safety.

This advantage plays out most clearly during tower sieges and late-game teamfights. Sniper can safely defend high ground, chipping away at Pugna who needs to step forward to damage the tower. Pugna’s best defensive tool, Decrepify, can save someone from Sniper's attacks, but it also makes them immune to physical damage from Pugna's own team. The matchup really hinges on Pugna's ability to get on top of Sniper, usually with a Blink Dagger or strong initiators. Without that direct threat, Sniper is often free to dictate the spacing of fights and finish Pugna off with Assassinate if he gets low.