Sand King in Dota 2: counters, win rate and common mistakes

What to build against it

Black King BarScatterblast, Kisses globs and Spit Out are magic that doesn't pierce BKB.

Pipe of InsightCuts the constant magic spam and firespit pool damage on your team.

Blink DaggerLets you jump past Scatterblast and inside Kisses' minimum range.

Force StaffPushes you out of Cookie landing zones and firespit pools.

How to use the spells of Sand King

BurrowstrikeBurrowstrike onto Snapfire up close; the stun stops her Cookie escape.

EpicenterStart Epicenter inside Sand Storm or after Blink, once her Cookie is used.

Sand StormInvisibility won't save you from globs; leave the storm if Kisses lands on you.

Watch out for Snapfire

Mortimer KissesGlobs are slow; keep moving and close inside 600 range where she can't fire.

ScatterblastPoint-blank it hits harder; go in with BKB or after she's used it.

What to build against it

Black King BarBlocks Shadow Strike and Scream, though Sonic Wave pierces BKB.

Lotus OrbShadow Strike is unit-targeted, so Lotus reflects it back.

Spirit VesselReduces her Succubus spell lifesteal in close fights.

Blink DaggerLets you follow her Blink and land Burrowstrike instantly.

How to use the spells of Sand King

BurrowstrikeHold Burrowstrike until she Blinks, then stun her landing spot.

Sand StormInvisible in storm, she can't Shadow Strike you, and Scream reflects damage to her.

EpicenterEpicenter's slow forces her Blink; save your stun for it.

Watch out for Queen of Pain

Sonic WavePure damage that pierces BKB; don't line up with allies, keep HP buffer.

Shadow StrikeLong poison and slow; avoid committing while poisoned, engage after it's on cooldown.

What to build against it

Pipe of InsightAbsorbs constant magic damage from Fire Spirits, Icarus Dive and Sun Ray.

Black King BarCovers Spirits, Dive and Sun Ray; Supernova's stun pierces BKB.

Spirit VesselCuts Sun Ray healing on his allies and Phoenix's sustain.

Force StaffGets you out of Sun Ray's beam or Supernova range fast.

How to use the spells of Sand King

BurrowstrikeStun Phoenix while he's in Sun Ray or after Dive, when he's slow and exposed.

EpicenterDon't fire Epicenter into a ready Supernova; wait until he's used it.

StingerStinger slows; use it to chase him once Dive is used.

Watch out for Phoenix

SupernovaIts stun pierces BKB; leave the sun's area immediately instead of standing close.

Fire SpiritsThey slash attack speed; rely on magic spells, not attacks.

What to build against it

Linken's SphereShackleshot is unit-targeted, so Linken's blocks it.

Lotus OrbReflects Shackleshot back onto Windranger.

Ghost ScepterSaves you from Focus Fire's physical attacks.

Blink DaggerLets you catch her despite Windrun's speed.

How to use the spells of Sand King

BurrowstrikeA magic stun ignores Windrun evasion; it's your main way to catch her.

Sand StormIn storm you can't be Shackled; avoid standing with trees behind you.

EpicenterEpicenter is magic plus slow and works through Windrun.

Watch out for Windranger

ShackleshotDon't stand in line with creeps, allies or trees behind you.

Focus FireIt pierces BKB; stun her or get out of her range.

What to build against it

Black King BarAvalanche and Toss deal magic damage; BKB stops the combo.

Force StaffPushes you out of the 300 radius so Toss can't grab you.

Ghost ScepterProtects from heavy tree-grab hits after Grow.

Blade MailReturns damage from his big hits and Tree Volley.

How to use the spells of Sand King

BurrowstrikeInsurmountable shortens stuns; use Burrowstrike to interrupt Tree Volley, not for long lockdown.

Sand StormInvisible in storm, he can't target you with Toss; keep it up in fights.

EpicenterHis Slow Resistance weakens the slow; aim Epicenter at his allies.

Watch out for Tiny

AvalancheRepeated stun ticks; leave the area instantly or pop BKB beforehand.

TossGrabs the nearest unit within 300; keep distance and keep creeps between you.