Debunking the Protector Myth Top
When I first bought
Ardan I found him extremely boring to play because I was following everyone's tanky build on him - i.e., preparing him for his protector role. All this changed when I began building him as a Warrior instead.
Unfortunately, as much as I enjoy helping my teammates, I am a pretty aggressive player who loves to see my kills move up at least a few notches, no matter how many assists I have. Of course it is important to stack Ardan's health, as his
Vanguard ability relies on it, but you also need to make sure he remains a useful damage dealing member of the team.
Starting Out Top
In the early game, if you are facing 1 on 1 with another jungler, don't be shy to visit their end of the map. When damage output is as low as it is in the beginning, Ardan's tankiness (boosted by an
Oakheart) will see you outlast any enemy you face. In the meantime, call your second jungler or ally down from the lane to sneak an early kill.
The key to building a useful Ardan is not to get drawn too quickly into team fights. Don't get sucked into the "Oh, I'm a Protector so they NEED ME." notion. In the early game, your allies should be able to handle themselves. If they die, their respawn time is quick enough for a death not to be too detrimental. Allocate your time in farming creeps efficiently and making good use of your Ironguard Contract.
Once your Ardan is beefier (and I mean equipped with a
Crucible at least) then you can start roaming the field and jumping into fights. With the aid of your spiffy new item you'll be much more useful in turning the tide around.
Once Ardan's health and movement are decent, I usually start building damage output. People tend to underestimate Blood for Blood's range, and use it once then have ported to an ally with Vanguard. It's a waste of a good rush skill if you ask me. Don't forget it counts as a basic attack, so Tension Bow's extra damage will apply to it. This makes it a very effective assassination skill. Ergo, choose your battles wisely. Don't always rush to shield your ally. Like I said before, if they can't take care of themselves you're most likely screwed anyways.
"Saving" Your Allies Top
When coming in to intervene on a 1v1 fight, engage by use his
Blood for Blood ability to rush into the enemy and give him a good pounding. I usually then shield myself immediately for the Vengeance boost and slow. Don't forget that your ally will be raining hell on the opponent already. With you in the fray, they will most likely give up and flee, only to run into your Gauntlet wall. If they overcommit and stay to kill your ally, they will be well avenged by you.
Team Fights Top
In a team fight situation, you can use a warrior Ardan in a versatile manner. He can be the one to engage with a Blood for Blood if the enemy is compact, or a
Gauntlet to segregate the enemies. I recommend shielding straight away and be ready to use your damage soaking items because most likely the enemy team will throw their trump cards at you. Keep your target on the enemy with the lowest health and your finger hovering over
Blood for Blood. If you have
Bonesaw equipped, it's shield shredding ability will be useful in aiding your allies to sap the enemy health faster.
Late Game Top
In the late game, when respawn times are long enough for you to go for a pee and be back in time for the final countdown, Ardan's
Vanguard ability will be monumentally important to keeping yourself and your teammates alive, hence the reason I suggest it maxed out, despite how much I love
Blood for Blood's damage output. When engaged in a hairy team fight, try to conserve your Vanguard for when you really need it, whether to escape, save allies, or to draw in the enemy to thinking they have your health down to a minimum, only to be demoralized with a chunk of shield.
Closing Remarks Top
Ardan has since become one of my favorite characters to play, due to his versatility in the field. Not only can he pop up out of nowhere, but he has the staying power that most assassins do not have. As long as you do not get caught up in chivalrous notions of obligations of your role as a Protector, Ardan will give you many, many hours of joyous victorious gameplay.
TL;DR: Ardan is useful and fun to play only when he has enough gold to build up well, not running around saving his allies.
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