Guardian Ward
vitality · Tier 2 · 1,600 souls active VerifiedWhat it does
Targeted barrier and move speed you can throw on yourself or an ally at range.
Numbers: 250 Barrier and +2.75m Move Speed for 6s, 40m cast range, 60s cooldown (30s on allies); +8% Ability Range, +1.5 out-of-combat regen
Buy it when
Buy on supports to save a focused ally from a burst window; it is the path to Divine Barrier.
Skip it when
The barrier is small by the late game on its own.
Problems it answers
- Burst damage — “I die before I can react.”
- Dive onto the backline — “They jump straight past the frontline onto me.”
- Backline assassination — “Their carry deletes my squishies.”
Heroes that make this worth a slot
Heroes whose kit creates the problems Guardian Ward answers. This is derived from kit properties, not from measured build results.