Skins
Counters
Base Stats
Gameplay Ratings
Attack
Defense
Magic
Per Level
Abilities
E
Magical Journey
Bard opens a portal in nearby terrain. Allies and enemies alike can take a one-way trip through that terrain by moving into the portal.
Passive
Traveler's Call
<font color='#FF9900'>Meeps:</font> Bard attracts lesser spirits that assist with his basic attacks to deal extra magic damage. When Bard has collected enough <font color='#cccc00'>Chimes</font>, his meeps will also deal damage in an area and slow enemies hit.<br><br><font color='#FF9900'>Chimes:</font> Ancient <font color='#cccc00'>chimes</font> randomly appear for Bard to collect. These grant experience, restore mana, and provide out of combat Move Speed.
Q
Cosmic Binding
Bard fires a missile which will slow the first enemy struck, and continue onward. If it strikes a wall, it will stun the initial target; if it strikes another enemy, it will stun them both.
R (Ultimate)
Tempered Fate
Bard sends spirit energy arcing to a location, putting all champions, minions, monsters, and turrets hit into stasis for a brief time.
W
Caretaker's Shrine
Reveals a Health shrine which powers up over a short time, disappearing after healing and speeding up the first ally that touches it.
Playing As Bard
- -It's important to collect chimes to improve your meep's attacks, but don't neglect your lane partner! Try to make a big entrance by bringing an ally into the lane with you with Magical Journey.
- -Let your Caretaker's Shrines charge up - they heal for a lot more when at full power.
- -Don't forget that enemies can also use your Magical Journey doorways, and that your ultimate can also hit your allies!
Playing Against Bard
- -Bard's opponents can also travel through his Magical Journey doorways. You can follow him, if you think it's safe.
- -You can crush Bard's healing shrines just by walking over them. Don't let his allies take them without a fight.
- -Bard's ultimate, Tempered Fate, affects allies, enemies, monsters, and turrets alike. Sometimes it can be to your advantage to jump into it!
Lore
A traveler from beyond the stars, Bard is an agent of serendipity who fights to maintain a balance where life can endure the indifference of chaos. Many Runeterrans sing songs that ponder his extraordinary nature, yet they all agree that the cosmic vagabond is drawn to artifacts of great magical power. Surrounded by a jubilant choir of helpful spirit meeps, it is impossible to mistake his actions as malevolent, as Bard always serves the greater good... in his own odd way.
About Bard, the Wandering Caretaker
A traveler from beyond the stars, Bard is an agent of serendipity who fights to maintain a balance where life can endure the indifference of chaos. Many Runeterrans sing songs that ponder his extraordinary nature, yet they all agree that the cosmic vagabond is drawn to artifacts of great magical power. Surrounded by a jubilant choir of helpful spirit meeps, it is impossible to mistake his actions as malevolent, as Bard always serves the greater good... in his own odd way.
How to Play Bard
Playing Bardeffectively comes down to understanding the champion's role, combo patterns, and power spikes. As a support, Bard benefits from the recommended runes and core items shown above, which reflect the current meta across ranked play.
Strengths & Ally Tips
- It's important to collect chimes to improve your meep's attacks, but don't neglect your lane partner! Try to make a big entrance by bringing an ally into the lane with you with Magical Journey.
- Let your Caretaker's Shrines charge up - they heal for a lot more when at full power.
- Don't forget that enemies can also use your Magical Journey doorways, and that your ultimate can also hit your allies!
Playing Against Bard
- Bard's opponents can also travel through his Magical Journey doorways. You can follow him, if you think it's safe.
- You can crush Bard's healing shrines just by walking over them. Don't let his allies take them without a fight.
- Bard's ultimate, Tempered Fate, affects allies, enemies, monsters, and turrets alike. Sometimes it can be to your advantage to jump into it!
Bard Counters and Matchups
Bard's toughest matchup this patch is LeeSin. Conversely, Bard performs strongly into Diana.
Difficulty and Who Should Play Bard
Riot rates Bard's difficulty at 9/10. Bard rewards mastery and has a steep learning curve — expect to spend dozens of games before seeing the payoff.