Matchup
You are stronger early — look to snowball before your opponent scales.
Build vs Bard
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
100%Anti CC
Anti Tank
DPS
Precision
Conqueror
Presence of Mind
Legend: Haste
Coup de Grace
Resolve
Conditioning
Overgrowth
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Akali
BardBard's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Meeps: Bard attracts lesser spirits that assist with his basic attacks to deal extra magic damage. When Bard has collected enough Chimes, his meeps will also deal damage in an area and slow enemies hit.Chimes: Ancient chimes randomly appear for Bard to collect. These grant experience, restore mana, and provide out of combat Move Speed.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11s | 0s | 22s | – |
| 6 | 9s | 0s | 22s | 1m50 |
| 9 | 7s | 0s | 22s | 1m50 |
| 11 | 7s | 0s | 22s | 1m35 |
| 16 | 7s | 0s | 19s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 7s | 0s | 16s | 1m20 |
Playing against Bard
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Avoid positioning against walls: Bard's Q stuns if it knocks you into a wall or another target.
Watch out for his tunnels: he can engage by surprise through walls. Ward possible entry points.
His R can save OR trap his own allies — a bad Bard ult can be exploited by waiting out the stasis.
Punish him when he leaves to collect chimes: he leaves his ADC alone and vulnerable.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026