Wraith, a Deadlock hero
Split-Push teams

How to Counter Split-Push Teams in Deadlock

Keep waves covered, track the missing pusher, and send enough help to protect the objective without giving away the rest of the map.

Common threatsMirageWraithApolloPocket

Wave coverage and timely rotations come first. Clear the immediate pressure, account for the pusher’s escape, and avoid sending the whole team after one enemy while another objective is exposed.

Best counter items against split-push teams

Monster Rounds
When to buy

Choose it when a smaller wave- or summon-clear purchase lets you protect the lane without delaying the rest of your build.

Watch for

Use the improved clear from a safe angle; it does not make an unsupported duel against the pusher safe.

Ricochet
When to buy

Choose it when your weapon build can use a larger investment against waves or summons as well as in fights.

Watch for

Buy for repeated value across your build. Do not rush a large purchase solely because one wave is at an objective.

Slowing Hex
When to buy

Choose it when the pusher survives rotations through a movement ability this item can disable.

Watch for

Apply before the escape, then follow with damage from teammates who can reach the target.

Silence Wave
When to buy

Choose it when a cast repeatedly defeats your coordinated catch.

Watch for

Use before the cast and respect protection or cleanse tools. It is not a map-coverage solution by itself.

Knockdown
When to buy

Choose it when your group can cover the delay and finish the pusher after the stun.

Watch for

Check the target’s protection and keep damage in reach; a warning over their head does not guarantee a kill.

Choose the item that answers the recurring threat and fits your hero. These are situational options, not a five-item shopping list.

Cover the wave

Respond before the objective is overwhelmed.

Track the route

Know what a missing enemy can pressure.

Rotate efficiently

Send enough help, then reassess the map.

How to recognise this team style

Split-push is a map decision rather than a fixed hero class. Look for someone repeatedly taking a side wave or objective while the rest of their team occupies your attention elsewhere.

A fast clearer or mobile hero can support that plan, but hero selection alone does not prove the enemy is split-pushing. Read the wave state, visibility and objective pressure.

Positioning and approach

Assign a player who can clear the immediate pressure without taking a losing duel. If they need help, make the rotation explicit and check which other lane or objective becomes vulnerable when that help leaves.

Move early enough to protect the objective. Arriving after the pusher has already cleared the wave and escaped may gain little. Keep nearby routes covered where practical, while accounting for enemies missing from the rest of the map.

Teamfight decisions

Use a coordinated catch when the pusher’s position and escape route are known. Do not over-rotate all available players unless the reward justifies what you give up elsewhere.

If the enemy pusher remains far away and your team has a strong local advantage, a useful objective commitment may be better than a long chase. Reassess the trade: what can they take, what can you secure, and how safely can your defender hold?

Heroes that can contribute to this style

These are examples of the threat, not a fixed draft recipe. Builds and team decisions change the way these heroes contribute. For split-push especially, look at the map behaviour rather than treating the tag as a permanent hero role.

GravesMcGinnisMirageWraith

Common mistakes

  • Buying a counter active while leaving the wave uncovered.
  • Sending the whole team to chase one pusher.
  • Choosing a defender who cannot clear or survive the matchup.
Dive teams

How to Counter Dive Comps in Deadlock

Enemies close the distance to overwhelm a carry or support before your team can respond.

Items & game plan Poke teams

How to Counter Poke Comps in Deadlock

Enemies wear you down from range and control the open approaches.

Items & game plan Heavy CC teams

How to Counter CC-Heavy Teams in Deadlock

Enemies chain stuns, roots, silence or displacement to deny your response.

Items & game plan Sustain teams

How to Counter Healing and Sustain Comps in Deadlock

Enemies extend fights through healing, recovery, barriers and saves.

Items & game plan Burst teams

How to Counter Burst Comps in Deadlock

Enemies pack their damage into a short combo or a catch-and-finish window.

Items & game plan

Frequently asked questions

What is the best counter to split-push in Deadlock?
Cover waves early, choose a defender who can clear safely and rotate only the help needed. Items support the plan, but do not replace map coverage.
Should everyone rotate to a split-pusher?
Usually send enough help for the actual threat and check what you give up elsewhere. Over-rotating can let the rest of the enemy team take another objective.
Does a mobile hero always count as split-push?
No. Split-push describes repeated side-lane pressure while teammates occupy another area. Tag the strategy you observe rather than assuming every mobile hero plays it.

Have their hero picks?

Compare counter buys against the actual enemy heroes.

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