Undying vs Io

How this matchup plays

Picking one of these heroes often forces the game into a specific pattern that the other wants to disrupt. Undying can make the lane miserable for an Io and its partner, as both are prime targets for repeated Decay spam. A well-placed Tombstone can also zone them out of creep waves entirely. However, many carries that typically pair with Io have abilities that can clear out the resulting zombies fairly quickly, mitigating one of Undying's biggest threats. This leaves the lane as a contest of attrition versus sustain, with neither side gaining a decisive upper hand.

Later on, the matchup becomes a clash of strategic styles. Undying wants to force five-on-five teamfights, planting Tombstone and activating Flesh Golem to create a huge, slow-moving battle. Io's entire game plan revolves around avoiding exactly that scenario. Using Relocate, Io can create pickoffs across the map, forcing Undying's team to split up and react rather than group up. If a fight does break out, Io can also use Relocate to save its core from the powerful slow and damage amp. The game often comes down to which team can better impose its preferred pace.