Techies vs Witch Doctor

How this matchup plays

Trying to channel a full Death Ward against a Techies can be tricky. The threat of pre-placed mines or a well-aimed Sticky Bomb can force Witch Doctor to break his channel and reposition. On the other side, a well-bounced Paralyzing Cask is a perfect tool for stopping Techies from using Blast Off! or planting a new mine. Witch Doctor's Maledict is also less effective against the instant burst from Proximity Mines, as the damage has already been dealt before the curse can amplify much.

The matchup often comes down to which hero gets the initiation. If Witch Doctor and his team find Techies out of position, a Paralyzing Cask followed by Maledict is usually enough to secure the kill before he can use Blast Off! to escape. But if Techies gets the jump from the fog, he can silence Witch Doctor and apply enough burst damage to prevent a game-winning Death Ward from ever being cast. Both heroes want to control vision and play from the shadows, so the game often hinges on which team is better at securing map control.