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Sniper

How to counter Sniper in Dota 2

Best counters to Sniper: Ember Spirit, Slark, Ancient Apparition. None of the spells pierce BKB.

A plan vs Sniper 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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Best counters to Sniper

win rate vs this hero in public matches

Worst picks vs Sniper

Sniper spells: BKB and dispel

what BKB blocks and what can be dispelled
ShrapnelBlocked by BKBCannot be DispelledMagicalCD —

Consumes a charge to launch a ball of shrapnel that showers the target area in explosive pellets. Enemies are subject to damage and slowed movement. Reveals the targeted area. Shrapnel charges restore every 35 seconds.

HeadshotBlocked by BKBInstant EffectPhysicalCD —

Sniper increases his accuracy, giving him a chance to deal 20 extra damage and knock back his enemies. Knockback distance increases based on how close the enemy is to Sniper. Headshots briefly slow enemy movement and attack speed by -100%.

Take AimPassive / BuffBasic DispelCD 20 / 18 / 16 / 14

Passively increases Sniper's attack range by 160. On cast, Sniper gains increased vision, Headshot chance, and attack range. Slows you by 65% for the duration and restricts your vision to a frontal cone.

Concussive GrenadeBlocked by BKBBasic DispelMagicalCD 10

Launches a grenade at the target area, dealing damage to enemies and knocking them and Sniper back. Enemies affected are disarmed and have their movement slowed after the knockback.

Keen ScopePassive / BuffInstant EffectCD —

Sniper’s attacks deal bonus damage for every 100 units of distance Sniper is from the target.

AssassinateBlocked by BKBCannot be DispelledMagicalCD 20 / 15 / 10

Sniper locks onto a target enemy unit and, after a short aiming duration, fires a devastating shot that deals Sniper's attack damage plus bonus damage at long range and mini-stuns the target. Whenever Sniper kills an enemy hero, Assassinate is refreshed.

Items against Sniper

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

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What Sniper builds

popular purchases by stage
Early game
Wraith BandBoots of SpeedPower TreadsBlade of AlacrityJavelin
Mid game
Dragon LanceMaelstromForce StaffHurricane PikeMjollnir
Late game
Black King BarCrystalysDaedalusHydra's BreathShadow Blade

When Sniper is strongest

Laning (0–12m)
2/5
Mid Game (12–28m)
4/5
Late Game (28m+)
4/5
A plan vs Sniper 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.
Build my plan →

FAQ

Who counters Sniper?

By public match stats, Ember Spirit, Slark, Ancient Apparition do best against Sniper.

Do Sniper's spells pierce BKB?

No — none of Sniper's spells pierce BKB.

Which heroes struggle against Sniper?

Death Prophet, Witch Doctor, Primal Beast struggle the most against Sniper.

Which of Sniper's effects can be dispelled?

Dispellable: Take Aim, Concussive Grenade.

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

Lost the game?Paste a match ID — we show who threw and why: deaths, lanes, items, map replay.