Magnus Counters & Build

Earthshaker 4,642 matches

−3.1%

WhyOutside of the even laning phase, Magnus's playstyle directly enables Earthshaker's kit; Reverse Polarity groups multiple targets together, creating ideal setups for Earthshaker to counter-initiate with Echo Slam for massive overlapping echo damage. Furthermore, Earthshaker can use the long-range stun and impassable terrain of Fissure to interrupt Magnus during Skewer or isolate him from his follow-up.

Medusa 868 matches

−2.5%

WhyAlthough the lane is roughly even, Medusa counters Magnus in teamfights because Mana Shield absorbs the brunt of his burst initiation. When Magnus clumps enemies together using Reverse Polarity, it directly sets up Medusa's Stone Gaze and allows Split Shot to punish the tightly grouped targets.

Ember Spirit 3,897 matches

−2.0%

WhyWhile the laning stage is roughly even, Ember Spirit gains the upper hand later by using the mobility and invulnerability of Sleight of Fist to dodge Magnus's key setup spells like Reverse Polarity and Horn Toss. Flame Guard absorbs Magnus's incoming magic damage from abilities like Shockwave, and Activate Fire Remnant allows Ember Spirit to instantly reposition to safety even after being dragged by Skewer.

Tidehunter 2,586 matches

−1.8%

WhyTidehunter's Blubber can trigger a strong dispel after taking damage during Magnus's Reverse Polarity initiation, allowing him to break free and counter-initiate with Ravage. Furthermore, Anchor Smash reduces the attack damage of Magnus and his Empowered allies while Kraken Shell passively blocks physical attacks, blunting their follow-up damage.

Juggernaut 5,434 matches

−1.7%

WhyJuggernaut builds an early advantage by winning the laning phase against Magnus. Blade Fury grants debuff immunity and massive magic resistance to ignore Magnus's displacement tools like Shockwave, Skewer, and Horn Toss, while Omnislash's invulnerability allows Juggernaut to safely dodge initiation and cut Magnus down.

Pudge 8,374 matches

+2.4%

WhyWhile the lane matchup is roughly even, Magnus holds the advantage outside the laning phase due to Solid Core providing slow resistance against Pudge's Rot. Additionally, Magnus can easily interrupt Pudge's channeled Dismember and reposition him with the disables from Reverse Polarity, Horn Toss, or Skewer.

Dazzle 1,231 matches

+2.1%

WhyMagnus clearly loses the laning stage to Dazzle's ranged attacks and Poison Touch, but his advantage arrives in mid-to-late game teamfights. Reverse Polarity and Horn Toss provide decisive initiation that can group and stun targets before Dazzle can react with Shallow Grave, while Skewer can easily reposition and punish Dazzle's vulnerable physical body left behind during Nothl Projection. Furthermore, Solid Core grants Magnus innate slow resistance to mitigate the impact of Poison Touch.

Razor 1,639 matches

+1.3%

WhyMagnus clearly loses the laning stage against Razor's ranged harassment and damage-draining Static Link, but gains the upper hand in later teamfights. Skewer easily breaks the tether distance on Static Link while forcibly repositioning Razor into Magnus's team. Additionally, Solid Core's slow resistance mitigates Razor's Plasma Field and Storm Surge slows, letting Magnus initiate cleanly with Reverse Polarity and Horn Toss.

Sniper 5,658 matches

+1.1%

WhyWhile the laning stage is roughly even, Magnus gains the advantage in later teamfights because his Solid Core innate provides slow resistance and reduces knockback from Shrapnel, Headshot, and Concussive Grenade. This allows Magnus to reliably close the gap and displace the long-range Sniper with Reverse Polarity, Horn Toss, and Skewer.