As League of Legends Season 13 unfolds, Bard enthusiasts face a perplexing challenge: which ADCs synergize best with this champion? Packed with strategic analysis, our guide lays out the top 10 ADCs for Bard, offering insights into their strengths and weaknesses.
By the end of this read, not only will you know which champions harmonize best with Bard, but you’ll also gain an understanding of how to enhance your gameplay with them!
Sivir
Sivir, the Battle Mistress, is a formidable ADC when paired with Bard, the Wandering Caretaker. This duo creates a unique bot lane synergy that can turn the tide in your favor.
To optimize this dynamic duo, pay attention to how Sivir’s Boomerang Blade (Q) meshes with Bard’s Cosmic Binding (Q). When Bard snags an enemy with his Cosmic Binding, it’s your cue as Sivir to let your Boomerang Blade fly.
This combination of abilities lands a solid chunk of damage on your foes, triggering a satisfying ‘ping’ sound as health bars deplete. Definitely a sound to savor!
Now, let’s talk about her Spell Shield (E). It’s not just a protective barrier, it’s a mana-generating lifeline. This shield, when timed right, can nullify enemy crowd control and even grant mana.
This means Bard can save his mana (and his Meeps) for other tasks, like collecting chimes or healing with his Caretaker’s Shrine (W). From my experience, a Bard with more mana is a happier Bard!
Let’s not forget Sivir’s On The Hunt (R). This ultimate ability is the perfect pair to Bard’s unmatched mobility. The speed boost can turn any situation into a winning one – imagine Bard lands a beautiful Tempered Fate (R), freezing your enemies in place.
Sivir pops her ultimate, and within seconds, your team is zooming down the lane ready to clean up. This duo’s potential is what makes League of Legends so exciting.
In comparison to other ADCs, Sivir offers a unique blend of damage and utility that matches well with Bard’s versatile skill set.
However, this doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing. Champions with burst damage or long-range poke can pose a challenge. But with precise timing and good communication, this bot lane synergy can outshine most competitors in the Rift.
Caitlyn
In the bot lane, the partnership of Bard and Caitlyn, the Piltover’s Sheriff, is like a well-played Symphony of Destruction, their abilities harmonizing to create a potent mix of crowd control and damage.
Now, let’s dive into why this duo is one of my personal favorites and how to make the most of this dynamic pair on the Fields of Justice.
Bard’s Cosmic Binding (Q) is your go-to tool for locking down enemies. But don’t just throw it out willy-nilly, you want to use it when Caitlyn can capitalize on it.
When Bard lands a stun against terrain, it’s prime time for Caitlyn to whip out her Headshot or Ace in the Hole. The enemy will be hard-pressed to dodge the shot when they’re stuck in place.
Another interesting synergy to take note of is between Bard’s ultimate, Tempered Fate, and Caitlyn’s Yordle Snap Trap. Time it right, and Caitlyn can place a trap exactly where the enemy will land once the stasis effect ends.
It’s like setting up a welcome mat of pain for them to step onto. But remember, timing is key here. Practice makes perfect, summoners!
Of course, Bard’s Tempered Fate isn’t just there to set up Caitlyn’s traps. In a tight spot, it can buy Caitlyn precious seconds to high-tail it out of there or reposition for a better shot.
This is where the duo shines in defensive scenarios, turning the tables on any overly aggressive opponents.
In comparison to other bot lane duos, Bard and Caitlyn have an edge in terms of range and crowd control. Caitlyn’s long-range poke and high damage output, combined with Bard’s knack for crowd control, give them a significant upper hand in zoning out the enemy and controlling the lane. This makes them a formidable pair against short-ranged ADCs and squishy supports.
In the heat of a bot lane skirmish, the key to success with this duo is playing to their strengths.
Bard should focus on crowd control, stunning enemies and using his ultimate wisely, while Caitlyn should focus on poking down the enemy and capitalizing on Bard’s stuns. If done correctly, this duo can dominate the bot lane, turning it into a no-go zone for the enemy team.
Always remember, as much as we love to secure kills, the ultimate goal is to win the game. So, don’t get too carried away chasing enemies.
Instead, use this powerful synergy to control the lane, secure objectives and gradually lead your team to victory. Now, let’s go out there and make the bot lane our playground, fellow summoners!
Miss Fortune
Miss Fortune, the Bounty Hunter, can be a game changer when paired with Bard, the Wandering Caretaker.
Now, let’s talk about the synergy between Miss Fortune’s Make it Rain (E) and Bard’s Cosmic Binding (Q). There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your enemies slowed, stuck in place, and then stunned. Just make sure you’re on your toes and ready to unleash this combo when your enemies least expect it.
Personally, my favorite part of this duo is the lethal wombo combo of Bard’s Tempered Fate (R) and Miss Fortune’s Bullet Time (R). If Bard manages to land a good ult, it’s basically ‘lights out’ for the enemies caught in it.
Miss Fortune can immediately follow up with her ult for a bullet rain showdown. It’s a sight to behold, and trust me, it’s as gratifying as securing a Baron Nashor.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this combo isn’t just about unleashing skills. It’s also about mastering positioning and timing. Think of it as a dance: you need to know when to step forward and when to step back.
In a scenario where you’re facing aggressive opponents, use Make it Rain (E) to keep them at bay. It’s a great zoning tool that can give you and Bard some breathing space.
And when the enemies are clustered, that’s your cue to let Bard initiate with his ult. Just imagine the thrill as you wait for the perfect moment to unleash Bullet Time (R).
Compared to other ADCs, like Ashe or Jinx, Miss Fortune’s burst damage potential is unparalleled, especially when coupled with Bard’s crowd control abilities.
However, keep in mind that this duo requires a bit more coordination than others. But once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be dominating the bot lane in no time.
Tristana
In the bot lane, Bard and Tristana are a pair that can pack a punch. As a Tristana player, you’ll want to play smart, just like you’d aim for a perfect ‘Rocket Jump’ to escape a gank. You see, Tristana’s ‘Explosive Charge’ and Bard’s ‘Cosmic Binding’ are a match made in the Rift.
Let’s take a scenario. Imagine Bard landing a perfect ‘Q’ stun on an unsuspecting enemy ADC. That’s your cue.
You ‘Rocket Jump’ right in, plastering ‘Explosive Charge’ on the immobilized enemy and watching their health bar dwindle. It’s satisfying, isn’t it? Personally, I love the thrill of this combo.
However, be cautious. You’re not a laning bully like Draven, you’re a late-game beast. So, play it safe in the early game. Farm, scale, and wait for Bard’s initiations to land your sweet combos.
Let’s not forget Tristana’s ‘Buster Shot’, a unique tool in her arsenal. It’s not just about the raw damage, but the strategic displacement it offers.
When Bard lands his ‘Tempered Fate’, you can use your ultimate to reposition enemies for more devastating follow-ups. Now that’s what I call a play!
This duo’s potency lies in their control and burst capabilities. If you compare it to the likes of a Vayne and Thresh combo, they lack the same level of burst damage but excel in crowd control and zoning. It’s a trade-off, but one that can lead to dominance in the bot lane if played right.
Jhin
Picture this scenario: You’re Bard and you’ve just landed a cosmic binding (Q) stun on the enemy ADC. You’ve been waiting for this moment, and now, it’s showtime.
Signal for your Jhin to follow up with a Deadly Flourish (W), rooting the enemy in place. This allows Jhin to line up his 4th shot, and we all know how that ends: ‘Every performance needs a little drama.’ Boom! The enemy ADC is down, and the crowd goes wild.
The Jhin and Bard duo is a formidable bot lane combo that can dominate in Season 13. It’s not just about their individual abilities, but how they synergize. Think of it as a well-rehearsed dance where each step is crucial to the overall performance.
In my humble opinion, the beauty of this duo lies in their crowd control capabilities. Bard’s Cosmic Binding (Q) and Jhin’s Deadly Flourish (W) complement each other perfectly, allowing you to control the pace of the lane. This isn’t just about rooting enemies; it’s about creating opportunities for your team.
But wait, there’s more! Bard’s Tempered Fate (R) is the ultimate setup for Jhin’s Curtain Call (R). Imagine freezing the enemy team in place, leaving them at the mercy of Jhin’s long-range shots. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. This duo requires precision and timing. You’ve got to be on the same page. If Bard misses his stun or Jhin mistimes his root, you might find yourself in a pickle. But hey, that’s the thrill of playing bot lane, right?
While Jhin’s burst damage and long-range poke are impressive, remember, he’s not the only ADC out there. Compare him to Ashe or Caitlyn, and you’ll find they come with their own set of advantages.
Ashe has her Hawkshot for vision and Caitlyn’s traps can zone enemies effectively. But in terms of raw damage and crowd control, I’d argue Jhin and Bard take the cake.
Vayne
When Vayne, our Night Hunter, teams up with Bard, the Cosmic Caretaker, you’re looking at a bot lane duo that can bring a world of hurt to the enemy team.
Picture this: you’re in the heat of a team fight around Dragon Pit. Bard lands a stunning Cosmic Binding shot, nailing an enemy to the wall. That’s when Vayne should spring into action.
Vayne’s Condemn is the perfect follow-up move. When Bard’s Q lands, that’s your cue as Vayne to tumble in, line up the shot, and Condemn the stunned enemy back into the wall for a second stun.
With the right timing, this combo can lock down an enemy champ long enough for you to land a few Silver Bolts and maybe even a Final Hour empowered Tumble, easily securing the kill and possibly turning the tide of the battle.
But let’s not forget Bard’s ever-helpful Caretaker’s Shrine. In my opinion, it’s like having your own portable health potion vendor. Bard should tactically place these shrines to give Vayne an extra lifeline, allowing her to play more aggressively and get those all-important takedowns.
Compared to other popular bot lane duos, say, Jinx and Thresh, Bard and Vayne might seem a bit more challenging to play. But trust me, the reward is worth the risk.
If you can master this combo, you’re not only locking down enemies but also dealing a huge amount of damage in a very short time, making you a nightmare for squishy enemy ADCs and Supports.
Remember, this duo shines the most when you have good communication and coordination. As Bard, don’t hold onto your Cosmic Binding just for the sake of it, use it liberally to poke and set up kills.
And as Vayne, keep an eye out for those Bard stuns. When you see one land, that’s your signal to go in for the kill. It’s really about playing off each other’s strengths and creating opportunities for each other.
In the right hands, Bard and Vayne can be a bot lane powerhouse that can dominate the early game and scale into a late-game terror. So next time you team up, give this duo a try. You might just find your new favorite bot lane combo!
Xayah
Bard and Xayah, the Rebel, in the bot lane? Now that’s a bot lane duo that’ll have your opponents typing ‘GG’ in no time. This duo is all about crowd control and damage, a deadly combination that can turn the tide of any match.
Imagine this, you’ve got Bard landing his Cosmic Binding, stunning an enemy against a wall.
Now’s your chance as Xayah to throw out those feathers with Double Daggers, not only dealing damage but also setting up for your Bladecaller. You’ve got this, right? Remember, timing is everything.
Now, let’s talk about Bard’s Tempered Fate. When timed right, this ability can hold enemies in stasis, setting up a perfect opportunity for Xayah’s Featherstorm.
Picture this: Bard lands Tempered Fate, you activate Featherstorm, and as soon as the stasis ends, your feathers rip through your enemies. Isn’t that a sight to behold?
Now, from personal experience, I’ve found that Xayah’s passive, Clean Cuts, is a great tool for harassment while farming. It’s all about optimizing your damage output while keeping enemy champions on their toes.
Comparatively, this duo outshines many in terms of lockdown and burst damage. Thresh and Lucian might’ve the mobility, but our Bard and Xayah combo can control the battlefield and dish out damage like no one’s business.
Imagine a scenario where you’re up against a pesky Lucian and Leona duo. Bard’s crowd control and Xayah’s damage can easily turn an aggressive Leona engage into a deadly counter-attack.
But remember, mastering this duo isn’t a walk in the park. It requires practice, coordination, and timing. So get out there on Summoner’s Rift, and give them hell. And as we say, ‘Stay behind your minions!’
Ezreal
Let’s dive straight into the heart of the Rift with Ezreal and Bard, a duo that can turn the bot lane into an unpredictable battlefield. When it comes to Ezreal, his high mobility and precision from afar make him a formidable ADC.
His Mystic Shot (Q), in particular, is a nightmare when landing those poke damages. Now, imagine combining that with Bard’s crowd control abilities – an absolute game-changer!
Personally, one of my favorite strategies is to use Bard’s Cosmic Binding (Q) to stun enemies.
It’s like laying the red carpet for Ezreal’s Mystic Shot. This combo is a recipe for disaster for your opponents, forcing them to constantly second guess their attack approach.
Here’s a pro tip: Don’t just use Bard’s Magical Journey (E) for quick escapes. Think of it as your secret weapon!
Catch your foes off guard by setting up flanks for Ezreal’s Trueshot Barrage (R). It’s about creating those unexpected attack angles that the enemies won’t see coming.
In terms of comparison with other bot lane duos, Ezreal and Bard can be a tough matchup for champions with lower mobility. Their combined poke and crowd control abilities can make laning phase a nightmare for champs like Jinx or Ashe.
But remember, League of Legends isn’t just about individual skills, it’s also about teamwork. The key to unlocking this duo’s potential lies in effective communication and timing of abilities.
For example, imagine you’re in a team fight at the dragon pit. Bard stuns the enemy ADC with his Q, leaving them vulnerable. That’s Ezreal’s cue to unleash his ult, dealing massive damage.
In my opinion, playing Ezreal and Bard to their maximum potential is an art form – one that requires practice, timing, and a good understanding of your enemies. But when done right, it can make your bot lane a force to be reckoned with.
Ashe
Ashe and Bard, when teamed up in the bot lane, are a force to be reckoned with. Their peculiar synergy makes them a deadly duo.
Ashe’s Volley (W) is your bread and butter, it’s not just a poke tool. Use it to maintain lane pressure when Bard embarks on his chime-collecting adventures.
It’s like having Teemo’s poison darts but with a wider range. Keep those minions at bay, and you’ll have their ADC sweating under their turret.
Now, let’s talk about Ashe’s Ranger’s Focus (Q). This isn’t just some random attack speed boost, it’s your ticket to punishing any enemy who dares to trade with you.
When Bard lands his Cosmic Binding (Q), that’s your cue to activate your Q and let those frost-enhanced arrows fly. And believe me, it feels like landing a perfect Yasuo ultimate when you pull it off.
Oh, and let’s not forget about Ashe’s ace up her sleeve, the Enchanted Crystal Arrow (R). If Bard manages to stun an enemy with his Q, follow it up with your R.
It’s like using Malphite’s Unstoppable Force but from a safe distance. You can’t imagine the satisfaction of landing that cross-map arrow, securing a kill, or better yet, turning the tide of a team fight.
One more thing about Ashe that we can’t overlook is her Hawkshot (E). Vision is a crucial element in League of Legends, and Ashe has it in spades. Use it wisely to keep an eye on the enemy jungle, ensuring your Bard’s roams are as safe as a Yuumi tucked in her ADC’s pocket.
However, mastering this duo’s synergy isn’t a walk in the park. It’s not as simple as locking in the champions and heading into the bot lane. It’s all about communication, understanding each other’s cooldowns, and knowing when to go all-in or when to play it safe.
Imagine you’re in a game, it’s mid-game, and you just pushed the bot lane. Bard has his chimes to collect, and you spot the enemy jungler on the other side of the map.
That’s when you light up the enemy jungle with Hawkshot, keeping Bard safe while he collects his chimes, and you maintain lane pressure. That, my fellow summoners, is how you maximize this duo’s potential.
In comparison to other ADCs, Ashe may not have the explosive burst damage that Jinx or Draven has, but her crowd control and utility are unmatched.
Coupled with Bard’s roaming and crowd control capabilities, they create a bot lane that’s not only difficult to gank but also capable of turning the tables on their aggressors.
Karthus
Using Karthus and Bard in the bot lane can be a truly exhilarating experience, summoners. Just imagine landing that stunning Cosmic Binding (Q) of Bard right after Karthus’ Lay Waste (Q) for an impressive trade, the enemy will be seeing grey before they know it!
It’s all about the timing, though, so keep your eyes on the prize and coordinate with your partner.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Karthus and Bard aren’t your usual bot lane duo. You might be thinking, ‘Why would I go for this unconventional duo when I can just stick to the typical ADC and support?’
Well, summoners, variety is the spice of life, and sometimes, going off the beaten path is what leads you to victory.
Karthus’ Wall of Pain (W) and Bard’s Tempered Fate (R) can create a deadly combo that’ll make your opponents wish they never stepped foot in the bot lane. Picture this: The enemy ADC and support are pushing towards your turret, you cast Wall of Pain and slow them down.
Bard follows up with Tempered Fate, freezing them in stasis. And then, after what feels like an eternity for them, you, as Karthus, lay down a Requiem (R) that echoes across the rift, turning the tide of the fight.
But remember, you’re playing with fire here. Karthus and Bard are squishy champions, and one wrong move could send you back to the fountain faster than you can say ‘Ace.’
Positioning is key, and so is mana management. Don’t go spamming your abilities, or you’ll find yourself OOM at the worst possible moment.
In comparison to other bot lane duos, Bard and Karthus might seem like a risky pick, but if played right, it’s a risk that pays off tremendously. This duo is definitely not for the faint of heart. But hey, no risk, no reward, right?
In my opinion, this Bard-Karthus combo is a criminally underrated pick that can dominate the early game and scale magnificently into late game. So step out of your comfort zone, summoners, and give this duo a try. After all, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?