10 Best Champions To Counter Hecarim In League of Legends

Hecarim is a powerful jungler known for his high mobility, strong engages, and devastating burst damage. His ability to charge into fights at high speed with Devastating Charge (E) and disrupt entire teams with Onslaught of Shadows (R) makes him a nightmare to deal with. On top of that, his healing from Spirit of Dread (W) allows him to sustain through fights, making him difficult to take down.

However, like any champion, Hecarim has clear weaknesses that the right picks can exploit. Champions with hard crowd control, strong early-game pressure, or the ability to counter his mobility can make his life miserable. In this guide, we’ll cover the 10 best champions to counter Hecarim, explaining how each one can shut him down and prevent him from taking over the game.

#10: Nunu & Willump

Nunu & Willump is a great counter to Hecarim because of their strong early-game pressure, sustain, and crowd control. Since Hecarim relies on fast clears and snowballing through ganks, Nunu can invade him early, steal camps with Consume (Q), and slow him down before he gets a lead.

One of Nunu’s biggest advantages is his ability to shut down Hecarim’s engages. Biggest Snowball Ever! (W) gives Nunu a way to match Hecarim’s speed, while Snowball Barrage (E) applies heavy slows, making it difficult for Hecarim to escape or continue his charge. Additionally, Absolute Zero (R) forces Hecarim to either disengage or take massive damage while being slowed to a crawl.

To beat Hecarim with Nunu, invade early to deny his farm, use Snowball Barrage (E) to slow him down in fights, and save Absolute Zero (R) to counter his all-ins. If played correctly, Nunu can completely shut down Hecarim’s momentum and prevent him from becoming a late-game threat.

#9: Olaf

Olaf is a strong counter to Hecarim because of his early-game dueling power, high sustain, and ability to ignore crowd control. Hecarim relies on speed and disruption to engage fights, but Olaf can outfight him in 1v1 duels and prevent himself from being feared by Onslaught of Shadows (R) thanks to Ragnarok (R).

One of Olaf’s biggest advantages in this matchup is his early-game strength. With Undertow (Q) slowing Hecarim and Vicious Strikes (W) providing sustain, Olaf can win early fights and invades, preventing Hecarim from snowballing. If Hecarim tries to escape, Olaf can keep chasing with Undertow (Q) and his bonus movement speed from his passive (Berserker Rage).

To win this matchup, invade Hecarim early, use Undertow (Q) to slow him down in fights, and activate Ragnarok (R) when he tries to fear you. If played correctly, Olaf can dominate Hecarim in duels and make it impossible for him to engage or escape.

#8: Skarner

Skarner is a great counter to Hecarim because of his strong crowd control, tankiness, and ability to shut down engages. Hecarim relies on mobility and diving into fights, but Skarner’s Impale (R) allows him to completely stop Hecarim’s charge, pulling him out of position and making him an easy target for his team.

One of Skarner’s biggest advantages is his Spire control with Crystal Spires (Passive), which boosts his movement speed and attack speed when fighting inside them. Since Hecarim excels at fast jungle clears and quick engages, Skarner can contest objectives by using Fracture (E) to stun him and Smite-steal camps with his boosted attack speed.

Additionally, Crystalline Exoskeleton (W) provides a shield and movement speed, helping Skarner match Hecarim’s speed and prevent him from kiting or escaping. Once Skarner has Impale (R) ready, he can shut down Hecarim before he can use Onslaught of Shadows (R) to engage fights.

To beat Hecarim with Skarner, control key jungle areas with Crystal Spires, use Fracture (E) to slow and stun him, and lock him down with Impale (R) when he tries to engage. If played correctly, Skarner can completely neutralize Hecarim and make him useless in fights.

#7: Master Yi

Master Yi is a strong counter to Hecarim because of his ability to outscale him in duels, avoid his crowd control, and shred him in extended fights. Since Hecarim relies on burst engages and fear from Onslaught of Shadows (R), Master Yi can completely negate the fear effect using Highlander (R), allowing him to keep fighting without disruption.

One of Master Yi’s biggest advantages is Alpha Strike (Q), which lets him dodge Hecarim’s Devastating Charge (E) and burst damage, making it difficult for Hecarim to land a clean engage. Additionally, Wuju Style (E) gives Master Yi true damage, allowing him to cut through Hecarim’s durability, even if he builds tank items.

Another key factor is Master Yi’s Meditate (W), which provides damage reduction and healing, letting him survive Hecarim’s initial burst and turn fights in his favor. Since Master Yi scales incredibly well, he becomes stronger as the game progresses, making it difficult for Hecarim to deal with him in the mid-to-late game.

To beat Hecarim with Master Yi, use Alpha Strike (Q) to dodge his engage, activate Highlander (R) to ignore crowd control, and shred him down in extended fights with Wuju Style (E). If played correctly, Master Yi will outdamage and outscale Hecarim, making him a non-factor in the game.

#6: Volibear

Volibear is a great counter to Hecarim because of his early-game strength, crowd control, and ability to match his engages. Since Hecarim relies on fast-paced ganks and skirmishes, Volibear can shut him down with his tankiness and strong dueling power.

One of Volibear’s biggest strengths in this matchup is his Thundering Smash (Q), which stuns Hecarim mid-charge, stopping his momentum and preventing him from escaping or dealing full damage. Additionally, Frenzied Maul (W) provides sustain and damage, making Volibear a tough opponent for Hecarim in 1v1 fights.

A key advantage is Stormbringer (R), which allows Volibear to dive towers safely, making it much easier to punish Hecarim if he falls behind. Since Hecarim struggles against champions who can lock him down and deny his mobility, Volibear naturally makes his life difficult by forcing him into bad trades and stopping his engages.

To beat Hecarim with Volibear, engage aggressively with Thundering Smash (Q), sustain through fights with Frenzied Maul (W), and use Stormbringer (R) to secure dives and objectives. If played correctly, Volibear can dominate Hecarim and deny him the ability to carry the game.

#5: Gragas

Gragas is a strong counter to Hecarim because of his displacement, crowd control, and ability to disrupt engages. Since Hecarim relies on speed and momentum to dive into fights, Gragas can completely shut him down by knocking him away and interrupting his charge.

One of Gragas’ biggest advantages in this matchup is Body Slam (E), which can stop Hecarim mid-charge and stun him, preventing him from reaching the backline. Additionally, Explosive Cask (R) can be used defensively to knock Hecarim away, ruining his all-in attempts and forcing him out of fights.

Another key factor is Gragas’ sustain with Drunken Rage (W), which allows him to soak Hecarim’s damage while returning strong trades. Since Hecarim struggles against champions who can control his movement and disrupt his engages, Gragas naturally makes it difficult for him to find good fights.

To beat Hecarim with Gragas, use Body Slam (E) to stop his charge, save Explosive Cask (R) to knock him away from your carries, and play around your sustain to outlast him in fights. If played correctly, Gragas can completely ruin Hecarim’s engages and prevent him from snowballing.

#4: Ivern

Ivern is a great counter to Hecarim because of his peel, shielding, and ability to completely shut down engages. Since Hecarim relies on high-speed dives and burst engages, Ivern’s Brushmaker (W) and Triggerseed (E) allow him to deny Hecarim’s all-ins while keeping his teammates safe.

One of Ivern’s biggest advantages is Triggerseed (E), which provides a shield and a slow, making it extremely difficult for Hecarim to stick to his targets. Additionally, Rootcaller (Q) gives Ivern a long-range root, which can stop Hecarim mid-charge, preventing him from reaching priority targets.

The biggest problem for Hecarim in this matchup is Daisy (R). Since Daisy is a massive frontline disruption tool, she can knock Hecarim up, block his path, and prevent him from freely diving into fights. This makes it nearly impossible for Hecarim to execute his usual game plan of engaging, disrupting, and retreating.

To beat Hecarim with Ivern, use Triggerseed (E) to slow him down, root him with Rootcaller (Q) before he reaches your carries, and deploy Daisy (R) to block his engages. If played correctly, Ivern can completely neutralize Hecarim’s impact and make it impossible for him to dive the backline.

#3: Gwen

Gwen is a strong counter to Hecarim because of her damage output, sustain, and ability to block his engages with Hallowed Mist (W). Since Hecarim relies on charging into fights and dealing burst damage, Gwen can avoid most of his damage and crowd control while shredding him in extended trades.

One of Gwen’s biggest advantages in this matchup is Hallowed Mist (W), which makes her immune to Hecarim’s Devastating Charge (E) and Onslaught of Shadows (R) fear effect as long as she stays inside the mist. This completely ruins Hecarim’s all-in potential, forcing him to either disengage or fight her on her terms.

Additionally, Snip Snip! (Q) and Needlework (R) allow Gwen to deal massive sustained damage, making it hard for Hecarim to survive once she gets going. Since Hecarim struggles against champions who can outheal his burst and fight back in extended duels, Gwen naturally makes his life difficult by forcing long trades where he loses effectiveness.

To beat Hecarim with Gwen, use Hallowed Mist (W) to block his engage, trade aggressively with Snip Snip! (Q), and chase him down with Needlework (R). If played correctly, Gwen can outlast and outdamage Hecarim, making it impossible for him to execute his game plan.

#2: Rammus


Rammus is one of the best counters to Hecarim because of his ability to punish auto-attack-reliant champions, strong defensive stats, and built-in crowd control. Since Hecarim relies on movement speed and basic attacks for damage, Rammus can completely shut him down by reducing his attack power and reflecting damage back at him.

One of Rammus’ biggest advantages in this matchup is Defensive Ball Curl (W), which reduces incoming physical damage while reflecting damage back at Hecarim. Since Hecarim deals mostly physical damage and relies on auto attacks for his burst, Rammus becomes nearly unkillable in duels.

Another key factor is Frenzying Taunt (E), which forces Hecarim to attack Rammus instead of his intended targets. This completely disrupts Hecarim’s ability to dive into the backline, making him vulnerable in fights. Additionally, Powerball (Q) allows Rammus to match Hecarim’s speed, making it easier to chase him down or escape his engages.

To beat Hecarim with Rammus, activate Defensive Ball Curl (W) to mitigate his damage, use Frenzying Taunt (E) to force him into a bad fight, and counter his speed with Powerball (Q). If played correctly, Rammus can completely neutralize Hecarim’s threat and make him a non-factor in fights.

#1: Taliyah

Taliyah is the best counter to Hecarim because of her ability to shut down his engages, zone him out, and burst him down before he can escape. Since Hecarim relies on high-speed charges and all-in engages, Taliyah’s Unraveled Earth (E) completely counters his mobility, making it nearly impossible for him to play aggressively.

The biggest reason Taliyah is such a hard counter to Hecarim is Unraveled Earth (E). If Hecarim dashes through it with Devastating Charge (E) or Onslaught of Shadows (R), he gets stunned and takes bonus damage, completely ruining his engage. This alone forces Hecarim to play much more cautiously, limiting his impact in fights.

Additionally, Taliyah’s Seismic Shove (W) allows her to disrupt Hecarim’s charge by knocking him away from her team, denying him access to the backline. Since Hecarim has no way to reliably dodge her skill shots, Threaded Volley (Q) allows her to poke him down before he ever gets a chance to engage.

To beat Hecarim with Taliyah, position yourself safely, place Unraveled Earth (E) in his path to stun him, and use Seismic Shove (W) to disrupt his engages. If played correctly, Taliyah can completely shut down Hecarim’s playstyle and make him useless in fights.

Conclusion

Hecarim is a high-speed jungler who thrives on engaging fights, diving backlines, and snowballing through the game, but he has clear weaknesses that the right champions can exploit. Picks like Taliyah, Rammus, and Skarner counter him by disrupting his engages, locking him down with crowd control, and punishing his mobility. Whether you choose to deny his engages with zoning tools, outduel him with strong early-game pressure, or shut him down with hard crowd control, there are plenty of ways to make Hecarim struggle.

By understanding his weaknesses and using the right counters, you can prevent Hecarim from taking over the game and control fights in your favor. Play smart, time your abilities well, and keep him from getting the momentum he needs to dominate.