Bard
Recommended Build
Most popular build path
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Anti CC
DPS
Other options
Domination
Electrocute
Cheap Shot
Deep Ward
Relentless Hunter
Sorcery
Celerity
Scorch
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.
| 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 |
Your Q (Cosmic Binding) stuns if it hits two targets OR one target against a wall — position yourself to line up the Q with a wall.
Collect chimes (passive) regularly: they give you mana, XP, and enhance your autos with bonus damage and a slow.
The tunnel (E, Magical Journey) can cross any wall — use it for surprise roams or to help your team escape.
Your R (Tempered Fate) puts allies, enemies, and even turrets in stasis — use it to engage, disengage, or freeze turrets during a dive.
Playing as Bard
Tips to maximize your impact
Your Q (Cosmic Binding) stuns if it hits two targets OR one target against a wall — position yourself to line up the Q with a wall.
Collect chimes (passive) regularly: they give you mana, XP, and enhance your autos with bonus damage and a slow.
The tunnel (E, Magical Journey) can cross any wall — use it for surprise roams or to help your team escape.
Your R (Tempered Fate) puts allies, enemies, and even turrets in stasis — use it to engage, disengage, or freeze turrets during a dive.
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.
Stats with Bard
Your best and worst matchups
Stats against Bard
Your stats when facing this champion
Counters
Best and worst matchups
Source: op.gg · Patch 16.9.1 · Apr 29, 2026
Versus
Compare against an opponent
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Pro Players
High-elo players who play this champion.
