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Bristleback

How to counter Bristleback in Dota 2

Best counters to Bristleback: Io, Nyx Assassin, Lone Druid. Through BKB: Quill Spray, Hairball.

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Best counters to Bristleback

win rate vs this hero in public matches
Io 67.7%31 gamesNyx Assassin 66.7%48 gamesLone Druid 65.7%35 gamesKeeper of the Light 65.5%55 gamesKunkka 64.6%48 gamesBane 64.5%31 gamesPhoenix 63.8%130 gamesBatrider 63.7%91 games

Worst picks vs Bristleback

Brewmaster 33.3%51 gamesMedusa 36.8%38 gamesTemplar Assassin 37.6%85 gamesTechies 40.3%72 gamesVengeful Spirit 41.9%43 gamesRazor 42.5%87 gamesDragon Knight 43.6%110 gamesDark Willow 44.1%68 games

Bristleback spells: BKB and dispel

what BKB blocks and what can be dispelled
Viscous Nasal GooBlocked by BKBBasic DispelCD 1.75

Covers a target in snot, causing it to have reduced armor and movement speed for 5 seconds. Multiple casts stack and refresh the duration.

Quill SprayPierces BKBCannot be DispelledPhysicalCD 3

Sprays enemy units with quills dealing damage in an area of effect around Bristleback. Deals bonus damage for every time a unit was hit by Quill Spray in the last 14 seconds.

BristlebackPassive / BuffInstant EffectCD —

Bristleback takes less damage if hit on the sides or rear. If Bristleback takes enough damage from the rear, he releases a Quill Spray of the current level.

HairballPierces BKBBasic DispelCD 13

Coughs a quill-packed hairball towards the target location. Erupts at the location, hitting enemies with Viscous Nasal Goo stacks and Quill Spray.

WarpathPassive / BuffCannot be DispelledCD —

Bristleback works himself up into a fury every time he casts a spell, increasing his movement speed and damage.

PricklyBlocked by BKBBasic DispelPhysicalCD —

Bristleback has bonus damage and debuff duration amp against enemy heroes that are behind him.

Items against Bristleback

5 counter items with buy timings and conditions: when to buy and which of Bristleback’s spells each one shuts down. Tailored to your hero and role.

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What Bristleback builds

popular purchases by stage
Early game
Boots of SpeedBracerPower TreadsRing of HealthSoul Ring
Mid game
Aghanim's ShardSangeLotus OrbYashaSange and Yasha
Late game
Heart of TarrasqueSange and YashaYashaBlack King BarSange

When Bristleback is strongest

Laning (0–12m)
4/5
Mid Game (12–28m)
4/5
Late Game (28m+)
3/5
A plan vs Bristleback for your hero and rolePick your hero and position — the coach lays out laning, mid and late game, how to play around each spell and when to buy counter items.
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FAQ

Who counters Bristleback?

By public match stats, Io, Nyx Assassin, Lone Druid do best against Bristleback.

Do Bristleback's spells pierce BKB?

Through BKB: Quill Spray, Hairball. BKB blocks the rest.

Which heroes struggle against Bristleback?

Brewmaster, Medusa, Templar Assassin struggle the most against Bristleback.

Which of Bristleback's effects can be dispelled?

Dispellable: Viscous Nasal Goo, Hairball, Prickly.

Bristleback: win rate by rank, builds and common mistakes →

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