Counterpicks to Medusa in Dota 2

Medusa stands as a crafty and dangerous entity in the Dota 2 sphere. This elusive gladiator accompanies her team during group onslaughts, skilfully circumventing direct duel encounters whilst harnessing a dark mystique. You may encounter her anywhere across the battlefield throughout all segments of the game.

In the opening moments, Medusa retreats into the forest, executing an effective farm strategy – taking down mobs while hoarding gold. Yet, this character can unexpectedly shift into the mid-lane, striking when least anticipated.

When faced with a suitably equipped Medusa, maintaining a successful defense can prove highly arduous.

Seasoned players adeptly counter-pick Medusa's selections in Dota 2 – characters with abilities that can mitigate the threat the menacing gorgon poses.

The game strategy versus Medusa varies across different map sections and relies on the adversaries' selected tactics. Seasoned players might lure the gorgon into a one-on-one duel with mobile characters, especially if Medusa has communication issues with her team. Typically, more robust units shield the character, or Medusa retreats into the forest for quick farming.

On the Mid

Medusa rarely ventures solo mid. Spotting a lone gorgon on the central line implies that the user controlling the hero is inexperienced or the opponent has set a trap - a Medusa ally would emerge from amongst the shadows to shorten the distance.

The best way to counter-pick Medusa in Dota 2 mid would be to use characters that can burn through enemies' mana points – without adequate energy reserves, the gorgon becomes harmless and cannot support her allies. Outworld Devourer – best in countering Medusa – can drain the gorgon's mana and strengthen his massive attack.

The Devourer delivers a series of weak attacks to neutralize Medusa and finishes her with magic effects. Among the heroes that have shown good results against Medusa on mid are those that can drain mana points: Anti-Mag, Invoker, Sniper, Broodmother, and Riki.

On the Line

Playing against the gorgon on the line is harder, as by the time Medusa enters the line, she has already gathered the necessary artifacts. A correct character selection can counter-pick Medusa in Dota 2:

• Keeper of the Light instantly burns mana, preventing shield usage, possesses potent piercing damage, and can rapidly kill Medusa;
• Nyx can counter Medusa in Dota 2 without teammate support, can penetrate magic shields and, with an Aghanim's Lens artefact, can eliminate the gorgon in 3-4 attacks while having the ability to launch sneak attacks due to invisibility effects;
• Shadow Demon can create illusions with increased damage to distract Medusa while dispelling the gorgon's magic effects.

When attacking Medusa, experienced players advise checking the location for ambushes – dispatching a "scout" ahead. If Medusa is alone – an attack can be launched, but if there's enemy damage dealer hiding in ambush – it's advisable to add a tank with a high health level for support. A tip for playing against Medusa: if the character activates "Stone gaze," it's better to back off to avoid getting stunned. After the effect is used, you can confidently finish the gorgon off. Optimal – use mega hits after Medusa activates magic shield.

The passive ability of Medusa's Split Shot can be neutralized with the use of Viper's or Silver Edge's artefacts. Seasoned players advise launching a surprise attack on the gorgon and commencing combat by dispelling your enemy's passive effects.

According to the win-rate statistics (ratio of victories to defeats) in duel matches, the following heroes have demonstrated positive outcomes against Medusa:
- Nyx Assassin;
- Keeper of the Light;
- Shadow Demon;
- Winter Wyvern;
- Dark Willow;
- Anti-mage;
- Invoker;
- Sniper;
- Broodmother;
- Riki.

But Medusa's element is not duel matches. It's not always possible to face the gorgon 1v1, the hero usually has the support of allies.

Medusa, a terror for slow-paced characters with weak armor. Easy prey for this hero include Meepo, Templar Assassin, Storm Spirit, Lone Druid and Naga Siren. These characters won't be able to shake off the petrification and will quickly crumble under the onslaught of the Gorgon's triple arrows.

Medusa rarely goes on solo hunts for anti-picks, but when necessary, she can break the line and distract multiple weak characters simultaneously.

In the face-off against the Gorgon, players assemble artifacts which aid in defying the adversary and dealing more potent moves:
- Ghost Scepter – A paramount artefact that lowers susceptibility to physical damage.
- Crimson Guard renders Medusa's "Splitshot" capability redundant and can block up to 100% of penetrating damage.
- Diffusal Blade scorches additional mana upon attack, enhancing the inflicted damage.

Artifacts can be accumulated from the magic shop. These items are quite affordable and do not require prolonged gold farming. 

Medusa is a team-oriented hero that must be eliminated before a full-scale offensive commences on the adversary's lane.

The character's key weaknesses include mana dependency, low mobility, and a lack of combat readiness without an ample supply of energy.

Medusa poses the most significant threat around 30-40 minutes into the game, once she has collected the necessary artifacts. Until the final clash, her team is usually outnumbered, a weakness that seasoned opponents can exploit.