Bard Champion Guide: Master the Mystical Support in LoL Patch 14.16.1
Bard is a versatile support champion who combines high damage potential with unique map mobility. While often considered a "fun pick," mastering Bard's mechanics can lead to significant game impact.
Core Abilities and Priorities:
- Cosmic Binding (Q)
- Primary ability for damage and crowd control
- Max first for increased damage and reduced cooldown
- Key to winning trades and securing kills
- Caretaker's Shrine (W)
- Provides healing and movement speed
- Scales better in late game
- Max second for improved healing values
- Magical Journey (E)
- Creates tunnels through terrain
- Excellent for roaming and escaping
- Max last as cooldown reduction is less impactful
Optimal Build Path:
Starting Items:
- Spellthief's Edge
- 2 Health Potions
- Stealth Ward
Core Items:
- Shurelya's Battlesong
- Dead Man's Plate
- Rapid Firecannon
Situational Items:
- Redemption (for team sustain)
- Mikael's Blessing (against heavy CC)
- Knight's Vow (to protect carries)
Gameplay Strategy:
Early Game:
- Collect Meeps (passive) to maintain lane presence
- Use Q for poke and zone control
- Place W shrines strategically for lane sustain
Mid Game:
- Roam to assist other lanes
- Set up vision control using Magical Journey
- Coordinate with jungler for objective control
Late Game:
- Focus on team fight initiation
- Use ultimate for engage or disengage
- Maintain map mobility for split-push threat
Tips for Success:
- Master Q angles for double stuns
- Coordinate Magical Journey paths with team
- Balance roaming with lane presence
- Use Meeps efficiently for trading
- Practice ultimate timing for maximum impact