The best counter to Lapu-Lapu has become a hot topic ever since the latest patch brought the hero back to the top of the META. Lapu-Lapu had received significant buffs that enhanced his durability in teamfights. His Skill 1 could now only be interrupted by suppression effects and had a shorter cooldown, while his Skill 2 had granted massive damage reduction—up to 46% when hitting multiple enemies.

With a deadly combination of high sustain and stable burst potential, Lapu-Lapu had emerged as an S-tier EXP laner. Many players had immediately started prioritizing him as a first-pick in both ranked games and competitive scrims. This, naturally, raised a crucial question within the MLBB community: Who can stop Lapu now?

Names like Yu Zhong, Arlott, Terizla, and even Paquito had been mentioned as possible solutions. But in reality, they had all fallen short in terms of efficiency and consistency when facing Lapu-Lapu—especially in large-scale teamfights. The situation had called for a hero who not only could survive lane pressure, but also apply equal or greater pressure in return during team clashes.

That answer came from a name long considered outdated. Esmeralda had become relevant again—not because she had received any buffs, but because the current patch environment had played perfectly into her hands. In the rise of sustain-heavy bruisers, Esme had proven to be the one hero that could shut them down from the core.

The Best Counter to Lapu-Lapu: Esmeralda, the Perfect Answer

Esmeralda has stood as the best counter to Lapu-Lapu thanks to her unique kit—something no other EXP laner possesses. She has absorbed shields, sustained through lanes for extended periods, and scaled into the late game effortlessly. Her Skill 1, which steals shields, and Skill 2, which boosts movement speed and durability, have consistently frustrated Lapu-Lapu from the earliest stages of the match.

In lane, Lapu may have tried to pressure with his enhanced skills. But when facing Esmeralda, all that damage had only turned into more sustain for her. Even when Lapu had hit level 4 first, Esme could still hold her ground with just a single early defense item. There had been no room for snowballing if the Esmeralda player knew how to manage the lane properly.

In teamfights, Esmeralda had also posed a direct threat to Lapu’s aggressive playstyle. When Lapu attempted to dive the backline, Esme had often tagged him first, disrupting his initiation. She had not only absorbed damage but had also kept the pressure up by zoning out enemy carries and punishing poor positioning.

The best counter to Lapu-Lapu today can only be attributed to one hero—Esmeralda. With her unrivaled sustain, anti-shield mechanics, and complete teamfight presence, she isn’t just a smart draft pick; she’s a game-changer when played correctly.

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