Spectre in Dota 2: counters, win rate and common mistakes

What to build against it

Black King BarHex, Earth Spike and Finger of Death don't pierce BKB, so Lion is useless against it.

Linken's SphereHex, Finger and Mana Drain are unit-target, so Linken's blocks the first one.

Magic WandLion casts often in lane, so Wand gains charges for emergency healing.

Manta StyleManta dispels the Mana Drain slow and confuses Lion's targeting.

How to use the spells of Spectre

HauntIn fights, cast Haunt and Reality onto Lion when he's out of position and isolated.

DesolateLion is fragile and often roams alone, so Desolate shreds him on rotations.

Spectral DaggerUse the dagger's path through trees to sidestep Earth Spike lines.

Watch out for Lion

HexHexed, you can't use Reality or Shadow Step — have BKB or Linken's ready before engaging.

Finger of DeathFinger deals massive damage — don't stay low HP within his cast range.

What to build against it

Black King BarSnowball, Ice Shards and Tag Team don't pierce BKB, removing most of Tusk's control.

Blade MailTusk deals physical damage with Punch and Tag Team, Blade Mail reflects it back.

Manta StyleManta dispels Tag Team and Walrus Punch slows.

Magic WandHelps survive early lane trades against Tusk.

How to use the spells of Spectre

Spectral DaggerDagger's path lets you phase through Ice Shards walls — use it to escape the trap.

DispersionTusk is a melee initiator, Dispersion punishes him for staying close.

Shadow StepSave Shadow Step to teleport back after being displaced by Walrus Kick.

Watch out for Tusk

Walrus PUNCH!Punch pierces BKB — don't stay near Tusk at low HP even under BKB.

SnowballSnowball often carries allies for ganks — ward up and don't farm without an escape route.

What to build against it

Black King BarScatterblast, Spit Out and Mortimer Kisses don't pierce BKB.

Manta StyleManta dispels Scatterblast and Mortimer Kisses slows.

Pipe of InsightSnapfire deals heavy AoE magic damage, Pipe protects the whole team.

How to use the spells of Spectre

Shadow StepDuring Mortimer Kisses, teleport right onto Snapfire — she has a minimum range and slow turn rate.

Spectral DaggerUse Dagger to exit firespit pools and chase a hopping Snapfire.

HauntHaunt pressures Snapfire and can disrupt her Kisses positioning.

Watch out for Snapfire

ScatterblastPoint-blank Scatterblast hits harder and slows longer — don't hug her without BKB.

Mortimer KissesZigzag out of the pools or jump straight onto her.

What to build against it

Linken's SphereTelekinesis and Fade Bolt are unit-target, Linken's blocks the first cast.

Black King BarTelekinesis and Fade Bolt don't pierce BKB.

Manta StyleManta dispels debuffs and confuses Rubick's targeting.

How to use the spells of Spectre

HauntCast Haunt when Rubick is far or his Spell Steal is used, otherwise he steals your ult.

Shadow StepShadow Step onto Rubick is ideal to catch him out of position.

DesolateRubick is fragile and often alone, so Desolate kills him fast.

Watch out for Rubick

Spell StealA stolen Haunt gives the enemy a strong tool — ult when Rubick can't see it.

TelekinesisTelekinesis takes you out of the fight — have Linken's or BKB before engaging.

What to build against it

Black King BarHoof Stomp and Double Edge don't pierce BKB.

RadianceRadiance deals damage without attacking, avoiding Retaliate triggers.

SatanicSatanic restores HP lost to Retaliate in long fights.

Manta StyleManta dispels the Stampede slow.

How to use the spells of Spectre

DispersionCentaur hits hard up close, Dispersion reflects damage back to him and nearby allies.

Shadow StepShadow Step onto a squishy target behind Centaur, not onto him.

Spectral DaggerUse Dagger to chase enemies running with Stampede.

Watch out for Centaur Warrunner

RetaliateRetaliate pierces BKB — don't hit Centaur for long, focus priority targets.

Hoof StompBack off during the Stomp windup — it has a short delay.