He keeps teleporting back and forth out of danger
Slowing HexWhat to do: Apply Slowing Hex before the reposition.
Why it helps: Removing the movement interaction makes Sinclair far easier to pin down after he commits.
Deadlock matchup guide
How to Counter Sinclair
Learn which items answer Sinclair’s threats, how to play the lane, and when to commit or disengage.
Jump to a section
Open quick counter helper →Best Items to Counter Sinclair
Buy for the threat you are facing. These are situational options, not a build to purchase in full. Tap an item for its breakdown.
Matchup Overview & Game Plan
Track the stolen ultimate before choosing which defensive cooldown to hold. Use vertical movement against Vexing Bolts and cover both assistant teleport endpoints. Grounding addresses the reposition; an interrupt or control-immunity purchase depends on the copied ultimate rather than being a universal answer.
Slowing Hex disrupts the teleport loop, Spellbreaker handles bolt burst, and Knockdown or Unstoppable depends on the ultimate he copied.
Laning Phase
- Double jump the Vexing Bolts after the assistant setup when the angle permits it.
- Cover both teleport endpoints with teammates instead of leaving the return route uncontested.
- Use cover and vertical movement to make the ranged burst harder to connect.
- Check the stolen ultimate before holding an interrupt or immunity item; the right response changes with the copied ability.
Most Common Problems vs Sinclair
Identify what is losing the exchange, then use the answer and timing below.
Slowing HexVexing Bolt burst is deleting you from range
SpellbreakerWhat to do: Build Spellbreaker or Spirit Shielding.
Why it helps: His high-damage bolt pattern is spirit-heavy and can be reduced substantially with dedicated spirit defense.
A stolen ultimate is creating a fight-winning CC window
UnstoppableWhat to do: Use Unstoppable when the copied ultimate is a major control threat.
Why it helps: Sinclair's danger changes by stolen ability, so flexible CC immunity is safer than buying for one specific copied spell.
Sinclair copied an airborne or channeled ultimate and is getting full value
KnockdownWhat to do: Keep Knockdown for copied ultimates that leave him airborne or channeling.
Why it helps: It is a flexible interrupt that remains useful even though the exact ultimate Sinclair steals changes from fight to fight.
Gameplay Counterplay
- Double jump the Vexing Bolts after the assistant is placed; much of his burst is wasted if those predictable projectiles miss.
- Cover both sides of the assistant teleport with teammates so he cannot bounce back and forth through one escape route.
- Track which ultimate he has copied before deciding which defensive cooldown you need to hold.
Mistakes to Avoid Against Sinclair
Defending only the original teleport position
Coordinate pressure at both ends so the assistant route does not create an uncontested exit.
Buying an ultimate answer without checking the stolen ability
The value of Knockdown and Unstoppable depends on what was copied. Reassess that threat before assuming the previous fight's response still applies.
Threat / Fight Plan
Spirit Defense
Mitigates ability-based burst and spirit damage.
Useful answers: Spirit Shielding · Spellbreaker
Lane Sustain
Survival tools against early lane poke and harassment.
Anti-CC & Combo Breaking
Limits control-led combos through immunity, a qualifying automatic response, shorter debuffs, or a barrier after the catch.
Useful answers: Unstoppable
Counter Items Breakdown
Slowing Hex
Slows the target and disables affected movement abilities.
- Pin down mobile heroes
- Stop recasts of move tools like Apollo's 2
Use in this matchup:
Knockdown
Delayed stun for grounding flyers or interrupting vulnerable channels.
- Ground flyers (longer stun)
- Stop channelled ults like Seven/Ivy
Use in this matchup:
Spellbreaker
Adds spirit defense and periodic protection against a large spirit hit.
- Helps survive a decisive spirit burst
- Adds durability against ability damage and debuff pressure
Use in this matchup:
Unstoppable
Proactive crowd-control immunity for an important commitment.
- Safe entries for your team
- Finish ultimates without being stunned
Use in this matchup:
Counterspell
Upgrades parry to block ability damage and effects.
- Blocks Lash grabs/Infernus ults
- Skill-based defense
Spirit Shielding
Grants a barrier after a burst of spirit damage.
- Survive burst in lane
- Standard defense vs casters
Stamina Mastery
Improves stamina for repeated dodges and escapes.
- Patterns like Dynamo/Sinclair
- Escape long range CC
Fleetfoot
Active speed boost for kiting and repositioning.
- Mobility
- Kiting