There are too many variables to accurately describe to you a perfect build, but I CAN show you exactly how to build to adapt to your teammates and counter some very dangerous enemies.

Most (decent) Ardan builds consist of 3 or 4 main items, a metric ton of scout traps, and boots. I have a few default builds based on good/bad match ups in both the lane and jungle. These would include the Pro-Krul/Rona build, the Anti-Krul/Ringo build, the Mage build, and the Anti-Joule/Koshka/Adagio build. Keep in mind that all of my builds will start off with a crucible, because Ardan's base health (for a tank) is worse than Ringo's drinking problem. Now for the builds.

This build consists of a crucible, Clockwork, and Shiversteel, as well as a hard counter for your enemy. These will be listed later. This build capitalizes on Ardan's massive utility from his Vangaurd and Gauntlet. This build synergizes with Krul because DAT BARRIER DO and the speed boost/gap closer. Rona does well with this build because of the speed boost and death gauntlet. The health barrier is also nice, since she's so squishy.

This build revolves 100% on your ability to pop the atlas - Shiversteel combo. This combo in action looks like this: 1. Activate Shiversteel. 2. Blood for Blood. 3. Atlas. That's all, folks! Now either Ringo or Krul are totally useless, because Krul can't touch your carry once slowed, and Ringo can't kite or shoot (which are the only things he's good at... Besides drinking.)

I personally haven't had much success with this build. When your carry has enough damage to 1v3 without your help, (surprise!) they really don't need you. If said carry isn't very skilled, there isn't much you can really do. But I digress. The build consists of a crucible, a Fountain of Renewal, and a Shiversteel - clockwork combo. One of the reasons this build and I don't get along is that it's so expensive. As well as this, there are too many integral pieces to this build; by the time you acquire your core, the game's pretty much decided. Anyways, NEEEEXT!!!

Crucible timing is life. If you miss the crucible, your team is screwed. That said, you need counters in case you do miss the crucible. The build is made up of a crucible (duh), a fountain, and a Breaking Point. Now, I know what you're saying, "But Ardan's support and supports don't build offense so why breaking point?" Well, Young one, I'm glad you asked. If you are half asleep and react 5 seconds late, your team is likely going to get deleted. In this case, you NEED to have the ability to clean up a fight, no matter what the odds. With a powerful B ability that scales weapon and the sustain Ardan naturally brings, the breaking point is a perfect choice.

In some match-ups, there really isn't a counter. For instance, I have seen like 2 people ever block Glaive's afterburn. In that situation where a weapon Glaive is behind you, a Shiversteel will ruin his day. He just punted his prey away from himself, and now he can't reach them because of how slow he is! Now, without further ado, here is the list:

Glaive = Shiversteel
Skaarf = Warhorn
Rona = Warhorn
Taka = contraption (or just tons of scout traps)
Petal = Fountain of Renewal
Celeste = Fountain of Renewal
Fortress = Ha! Fortress sucks. No need to counter.
WP SAW = Atlas
CP SAW = Fountain of Renewal
CP Vox = pray for mercy, because there are very few effective counters if you get caught in the Wait for it...
WP Vox = pssh. Please.
Catherine = Shiversteel. No stuns plox.

The combos Ardan's kit provides are limitless. For instance, a Shiversteel - Blood for Blood - Vanguard is devastating for high mobility carries. One combo people mess up is the Gauntlet combo. Most people, when they lay down a perfect gauntlet that stuns the enemy, tend to use Vanguard on an ally, which both doesn't use the Vengeance you gain when using Gauntlet and usually lets the enemy get away. What you should do is lay down a perfect gauntlet, punch them in the face and vanguard YOURSELF, slowing them even after they're stunned and taking advantage of the Vengeance you have. Another combo I mentioned is the Atlas - Shiversteel Combo, which (as I said) is 1. Activate Shiversteel. 2. Blood for Blood. 3. Atlas. Much effective. Very success.

Well, thats it for now. I'll be back!