User blog comment:Nuclrdmntr/How to beat Darius AKA Dunkmaster D/@comment-89.67.39.142-20130130105059

I myself consider Vladimir a good counter to Darius. They both have weak starts, so even if one's reckless or unskilled there's no threat of actually dying on the first minutes of the game. Later, what makes Darius cry in rage and sorrow is Vlad's W. Darius has a pretty long windup animation on his R, which allows you to pool just in time to avoid his ultimate. Vlad also has great sustain, as soon as he grabs a Revolver (and I prefer some SV runes here as well). Any damage he might do to you with his Q, you gain back instantly with YOUR Q, whilst doing some damage on top of that. Also, Vlad's ultimate makes everyone a sponge, and Darius is no exception here.

Just make sure to pay attention when he has his hexdrinker's passive up, as with all AP's facing him.