Though still in its alpha infancy,Deadlockcontinues its steady climb to become one of the world’s most interesting shooters. This time we’ll be looking at how to build Warden, a character that’s more than meets the eye.
Warden’s physical build and weak lane abilities might lead players to believe he’s meant to be a tank, but Warden is actually just a very sturdy killing machine — one that’s also incredibly fast. Do not jump into quick assumptions when playing or facing this guy.
Best Warden ability point order
1. Alchemical Flask
This is the ability that you should get first because it can work both in lane and against enemy players.
Throws a flask that deals 55 damage, 20% move slow and nerfs enemy weapon damage by 30% to enemies within a 23 feet (7 meter) radius for 7 seconds. 13 second cooldown.
Upgrades:
1 AP: +40 damage, 2 AP: +1 Stamina Reduction, 5 AP: -7 second cooldown and + 35% Fire Rate Slow
2. Binding Word
This is Warden’s most important ability when it comes to PVP, so it’s the one you should be maxing out after having unlocked all four of his abilities. Binding Word is an excellent ability, but it doesn’t work on minions and its binding effect can be removed by actives of items such asDebuff RemoverandUnstoppable.
Marks an enemy player, forces them to abandon their position in 2.5 seconds or get 120 damage and stunned for 1.75 seconds. 65 feet range (20 meter), 35 second cooldown.
1 AP: + 1 second Immobilize duration, 2 AP: -20 second cooldown, 5 AP: Warden deals 20% more bullet damage to immobilized enemies for 6 seconds.
3. Willpower
After gettingBinding Word, you should unlockWillpower, an active that offers a great overall buff to Warden’s abilities.
15% Boost of movement speed and 150 spirit shield that lasts for 7 seconds. 40 second cooldown.
1 AP: 20% +move speed, 2 AP: -20s cooldown, 5 AP: +200 Spirit Shield Health scaling with Spirit Power
4. Last Stand
Lastly, you should unlockLast Stand, Warden’s ult.
Charges for 2.2 seconds, emits 40 feet radius (12 meters) waves that deal 100 damage to enemies per second and grants Warden 100% lifesteal for damage caused to players and 50% to minions. Lasts six seconds and has a 130 second cooldown.
1 AP: +10 feet (3 meter) radius, 2 AP: +70 DPS, 5 AP: -60 second Cooldown.
Best Warden build order
Warden features a very varied mix of Weapon, Spirit, and Vitality item picks. This guide is based on Prestige Style Warden, currently the most popular Warden build in Deadlock, and is a surefire way to make Warden become a Terminator-like figure.
Early Game Warden
He’s a tough guy, so you’re going to wantClose Quartersearly on to capitalize on his ability to bully less-sturdy opponents.Basic Magazineis a great choice both against other enemies and also to boost Warden’s lane game. Those along withSlowing Hex,Mystic Burst, andMystic Reachhave great synergy with Warden’s Flask and make him a tough match up for anyone in the early game. Another important aspect of Warden is his speed, so, if you want to further the gap between Warden’s speed and his opponents, you should go forExtra Staminaand optionallySprint Boots.
Mid Game Warden
To boost Warden’s speed, you can getFleetfoot.Titanic Magazinewill continue to make up for Warden’s weak laning prowess, andPoint Blankwill make him an even bigger problem for nearby enemies.Quicksilver Reloadimbued to his Flask throwing ability will guarantee that Warden will have more move speed than his enemies. If you’re having troubles with survivability, consider gettingFortitudeandBullet Lifesteal. If you still don’t feel fast enough, getEnduring Speed.
Late Game Warden
GetCrippling Headshotso that your headshots will begin to seriously lower your enemies’ resistances.Siphon Bulletswill steal Max Health from enemies, making Warden a threat not just to squishy characters, but to bulkier ones as well.Frenzywill make Warden stronger overall. More bullets, 30% more weapon damage, more health, and even more buffs when he’s below 40% health.Improved Reach, Superior DurationandDiviner’s Kevlarwill make Warden’s abilities, especially his Flask, a complete nightmare for opponents.
Curseis a very useful item as it will both further strengthen Warden and also give him an extra active ability that will incapacitate his opponents.Leech, Inhibitor,andSuperior Staminawill further solidify Warden’s resilience and speed.Unstoppablewill cleanse him of status ailments, guaranteeing that he never loses the ability to chase down his opponents that makes him so dangerous in the first place.
How to play Warden in Deadlock
Warden’s laning isn’t good as he lacks great pushing options. His Flask ability works against the enemy waves, but it’s better when used against players because Warden is very good at killing enemy players. That’s what you should put your focus on. Use his slow-but-high-ranged weapon to clear the enemy waves, and use his Flask to keep the opponents debilitated at all times.
Warden makes up for his shortcomings in lane by having great resilience and damage. This makes him really dangerous when combined with his ability to outrun and slow down his opponents. Warden is a mechanically simple character. Still, he’s a nightmare to face if you aren’t versed in the mechanics or debuff-removing items that would give you an advantage over Warden’s simple but effective power. Warden is, what many describe as a knowledge check, or, not as nicely, a “noob stomper”.
Warden is very hard to kite and kill. If built well, he’s excellent at hunting down any enemy.
