Eye of the Summoner: How to Use Wards in League of Legends to Dominate the Game

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The author account of “Captain” Jack Miller is a reliable source of video gaming news and factual content about the gaming industry–specifically having to do with League of Legends, and other related games & technology inside the PC gaming niche industry.

Published on: May 15, 2023 | Updated on: June 28, 2023

So, you’ve started playing League of Legends, mastered your skills, and learned the map. But somehow, you’re still losing games. You’ve heard of something called “warding,” but you’re unsure how it works. Professional player Doublelift says, “Wards are the eyes and ears of your team. Without them, you’re essentially playing blind.” And let’s face it – playing blind isn’t fun or productive.

TL;DR:

Wards are crucial for map awareness and control in League of Legends.
Effective warding leads to more victories.
There are different types of wards with varying uses.
Knowing where and when to place wards can significantly impact the game.

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The Power of Sight: Unveiling the Fog of War

Let’s start with the basics. Wards are items that grant vision of an area in the game, piercing the dreaded fog of war. They come in different types, each with its own characteristics and strategic uses. Riot Games’ survey shows that 90% of players who use wards win more games than those who don’t. No surprise there – vision is power in the Rift.

Know Your Wards: From Stealth to Control

Understanding the types of wards is the first step towards effective warding. There are primarily three types:

Stealth Wards,

Control Wards,

and Farsight Alteration.

Stealth Wards are invisible to the enemy team and provide vision, Control Wards reveal and disable enemy wards, and Farsight Alteration gives long-range vision.

Strategic Warding: Location, Location, Location

Just like in real estate, location is everything when it comes to warding. Knowing where to place wards is as important as knowing when to place them. Typical warding spots include the Dragon and Baron Nashor pits, jungle entrances, and river paths. But remember, warding isn’t just the support’s job – it’s a team responsibility.

The Art of Timing: When to Ward

Timing your wards can turn the tide of a game. Warding objectives before they spawn, placing defensive wards when behind, and offensive ones when ahead are some of the key strategies. It’s all about maximizing vision and minimizing risk.

Lessons from the Pros: Warding in World Championships

Professional games are a masterclass in warding. In the 2020 League of Legends World Championship, the team that placed the most wards per minute had a 67% win rate. On the other hand, the team that placed the least wards per minute had a 33% win rate. The correlation is clear: ward more, win more.

The Secret Language of Wards: Understanding Pings

Now that you’ve got the basics of warding down, let’s delve into the secret language of wards – pings. Pings are quick, in-game alerts that can signal the presence of enemy wards. Using pings effectively can alert your team to enemy ward placements, enhancing your vision control.

Becoming the Vision Master: Advanced Warding Tips

Ready to become a vision master? Here are some advanced warding tips. Remember, wards are not just for spotting enemies. You can use them to keep track of jungle monsters, prevent enemy teleport plays, and even to set up your own sneaky ambushes. A well-placed ward can be a game-changer.

From Novice to Pro: Warding in Different ELOs

Warding isn’t the same in every skill level. As you climb up the ELO ladder, you’ll find that warding strategies evolve. Higher ELO games often see more aggressive warding in the enemy jungle, while lower ELO games tend to have more defensive warding. Understanding the warding meta in your ELO can give you an edge.

The Art of De-warding: How to Effectively Clear Enemy Vision

As important as it is to ward, it’s equally vital to master the art of de-warding. This is the process of clearing enemy wards, effectively blinding them and regaining control over crucial areas of the map. Here’s how to become a de-warding pro:

Use Control Wards: Control Wards not only provide vision but also reveal and disable nearby enemy wards, making them a must-have item for anyone serious about de-warding.
Utilize the Sweeping Lens: This trinket reveals and disables hidden enemy wards and traps in a large area, making it excellent for sweeping your jungle or before setting up for major objectives.
Master the Duskblade: If you’re an AD champion, the Duskblade of Draktharr is a handy item. It reveals nearby enemy wards when you’re unseen for a short period or immediately after you kill an enemy ward.

Warding Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts of Warding

Finally, let’s talk about some general warding do’s and don’ts. Follow these, and not only will you maximize the effectiveness of your wards, but you’ll also be a better team player.

Do share the responsibility: Warding isn’t just the support’s job. Everyone should contribute to the team’s vision control.
Don’t ward alone in dangerous areas: It’s not worth dying just to place a ward. If you need to ward a dangerous area, ask a teammate for assistance.
Do use pings: Pings are an excellent way to communicate with your team about ward placement and enemy ward locations.
Don’t neglect to buy Control Wards: Control Wards are one of the most cost-effective items in the game. Always try to have one on the map and an extra in your inventory.

FAQs

Why is warding so important in League of Legends?

Warding provides crucial map awareness in League of Legends, revealing enemy positions and objectives. It enables strategic decision-making, prevents ambushes, and can lead to more victories.

Which type of ward should I use?

It depends on the situation. Stealth Wards are great for general vision, Control Wards for revealing enemy wards, and Farsight Alteration for safe, long-range vision. Use them strategically according to the game’s flow.

Where should I place my wards?

Common warding spots include the Dragon and Baron Nashor pits, jungle entrances, and river paths. However, ward placement should adapt to the game’s situation. For example, when pushing, ward the enemy jungle, and when defending, ward your own.

When should I ward in League of Legends?

Ward timing depends on the game’s flow. Typically, ward objectives before they spawn, place defensive wards when behind, and offensive ones when ahead. Also, always replace destroyed wards when it’s safe to do so.

Is warding just the support’s job?

No, warding is a team responsibility. While the support typically places more wards due to their role, all team members should contribute to warding for optimal map awareness.

What are some advanced warding strategies?

Advanced warding strategies can include tracking jungle monsters, preventing enemy teleport plays, setting up ambushes, and more. The key is to adapt your warding to the flow of the game and the strategies of your team and enemies.

How does warding change in higher ELO games?

In higher ELO games, warding tends to be more aggressive, with more wards placed in the enemy jungle. This is due to the higher level of coordination and map control in these games. However, warding strategies can vary depending on the specific game and players involved.

What should I do if the enemy keeps destroying my wards?

If the enemy keeps destroying your wards, consider placing them in less obvious spots, using Control Wards to clear enemy vision, or asking your team for help in controlling vision. Remember, warding is a team effort!

How can I practice my warding skills?

Practice makes perfect! You can practice warding in normal games, or in custom games with friends. Watching professional games and replays can also give you insights into effective warding strategies.

What are some good de-warding strategies?

Effective de-warding strategies include using Control Wards and the Sweeping Lens to reveal and disable enemy wards. The Duskblade of Draktharr can also be useful for AD champions for de-warding.

What is the etiquette for warding in League of Legends?

Warding etiquette includes sharing the responsibility of warding with your team, not warding alone in dangerous areas, using pings to communicate about warding, and consistently buying Control Wards.

How can I improve my warding skills?

Improving your warding skills involves practice, study, and communication. Play games focusing on your warding, watch replays to analyze your warding strategy, and communicate effectively with your team about warding.

In conclusion, becoming proficient in warding is a crucial step towards mastering League of Legends. Remember, the battlefield isn’t just about slaying enemies and taking objectives. It’s also a game of vision and information. So keep practicing, and soon, you’ll be the one controlling the fog of war. Warding in League of Legends is an essential skill every player should master. It’s not just about placing wards; it’s about strategic vision control. So next time you’re in the Rift, remember – the eye of the Summoner is watching. Use your wards wisely and lead your team to victory.