Mastering the Art of Countering Vlad in the Mid Lane
In the fast-paced world of multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), understanding how to counter specific champions can make all the difference between victory and defeat. One such champion who often proves to be a thorn in the side of many players is Vlad, a formidable mid-lane mage known for his burst damage and slippery mechanics. If you’re struggling to deal with Vlad in the mid lane, this guide is here to help you master the art of countering Vlad and turn the tables in your favor.
Understanding Vlad’s Strengths
Before diving into the counter strategies, it’s essential to understand what makes Vlad such a powerful opponent. Vlad excels at dealing magical damage from a distance, using his abilities to harass enemies in the early game and roam effectively in the mid to late game. His Siphon Power allows him to last-hit minions effortlessly, while Ghost Walk provides him with mobility to escape ganks or reposition in team fights. Perhaps his most dangerous tool, however, is Hemoplague, which can turn team fights around with its area-of-effect damage and healing reduction.
Key Strategies to Counter Vlad
Pick the Right Champions
When it comes to countering Vlad, champion select is your first line of defense. Look for champions who can either match his range or excel at close-range, all-ins. Some excellent picks include:
Lux: Her long-range abilities and ultimate can shut down Vlad before he gets close.
Sylas: With his ability to steal and counter Vlad’s spells, Sylas can turn Vlad’s strengths against him.
Kassadin: A hard engage mage who can dive onto Vlad and prevent him from using his abilities effectively.
Remember, the key is to disrupt Vlad’s rhythm early on. If he’s unable to farm or harass effectively, his impact in the late game will be significantly reduced.
Play Aggressively in the Early Game
Vlad thrives in the early game, where he can poke and farm safely. To counter this, play aggressively and constantly pressure him. Use your abilities to zone him away from minions, making it difficult for him to farm. If you have a summoner spell like Smite or Exhaust, don’t hesitate to use it to secure an early kill or burn his summoner spells.
Deny Vision Control
Vision is a critical factor in any MOBA, and Vlad relies heavily on warding key areas to avoid ganks and set up his own ambushes. To counter this, invest in warding and sweeping. Place wards in high-traffic areas like river and key objectives, and use control wards to deny his vision. Without vision, Vlad becomes much more vulnerable to ganks and all-ins.
Focus on Team Fights
In the mid to late game, Vlad’s power spikes significantly, especially if he’s allowed to roam freely. To counter this, focus on securing objectives like towers, inhibitors, and the Nexus. These objectives not only limit Vlad’s ability to roam but also force him to stay in lane, reducing his overall impact.
Additionally, in team fights, prioritize targeting Vlad early. Use hard crowd control abilities like stuns or roots to lock him down before he can cast Hemoplague or Transfusion. Without his damage and utility, Vlad becomes a much less formidable opponent.
Case Study: Countering Vlad with Sylas
One of the most effective ways to counter Vlad is by picking Sylas, a champion who can steal and counter Vlad’s abilities. Here’s how it works:
In the early game, use Sylas’s Chain Lasso to engage Vlad and disrupt his farming.
Once you’ve built enough ability power, steal Vlad’s Siphon Power and use it against him. This not only denies his ability to last-hit minions but also allows you to harass him relentlessly.
In team fights, steal Vlad’s Hemoplague and cast it on his own team. This turns his ultimate into a liability, giving your team a significant advantage.
By playing Sylas against Vlad, you’re not only countering his abilities but also outscaling him in the late game.
Conclusion
Countering Vlad in the mid lane requires a combination of champion select, aggressive play, and strategic vision control. By understanding his strengths and exploiting his weaknesses, you can turn this formidable mage into a liability for the enemy team. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newer player, mastering the art of countering