Alchemist + Warlock

Why this works

Putting these two heroes on a team creates a conflict in game pace. Alchemist's entire plan revolves around using Greevil's Greed to farm items far faster than anyone else, hitting a timing where he can run over the game. This requires immense space and resources. Warlock, on the other hand, is a slow, defensive hero whose game impact is almost entirely tied to the long cooldown of Chaotic Offering. This pairing often leaves a team with two heroes who aren't creating early pressure, making it easy for opponents to seize map control while one hero farms and the other waits.

The game plan is to survive the early game and then use Warlock's ultimate to set up a fight for a farmed Alchemist. A well-placed Fatal Bonds combined with Alchemist's damage can end a fight quickly. The problem is reaching that point. Opponents will recognize the lack of early stuns and pressure, ganking Alchemist to slow his farm or taking objectives uncontested. While Alchemist can eventually gift Warlock a powerful Aghanim's Scepter, the game is often decided by the time that happens. The combo isn't weak in a vacuum, but it gives the enemy too much time to execute their own strategy.