Bard is getting some much-needed quality-of-life changes in Patch 13.18.
As we come closer to Worlds 2023, Riot is starting to pump out more and more balance changes. In the previous patch, Patch 13.17, Riot put out a massive number of balance changes. The upcoming patch, Patch 13.18, looks to follow the same trend, too, as it will also contain many balance changes. Among the changes coming to Patch 13.18, we have the buffs to the Wandering Caretaker, Bard.
Bard is probably one of the most fascinating support champions in League of Legends. He has a unique kit that is specifically designed to help him roam around the map. His Passive-Traveler’s Call requires him to roam and collect chimes scattered all across the map. Picking up these chimes gives him EXP, Movement Speed, and extra damage.
That said, Bard has been struggling for quite some time. He currently has a win rate of less than 50% and a play rate of 1.7%. So, on patch 13.18, Riot is looking to buff Bard to make his power level on par with the meta champion and also increase his play rate a little.
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Bard Changes
Here are all the proposed Bard buffs coming to Patch 13.18,
Passive – Traveler’s Call
- Out-of-combat movement speed from chime collection
- Maximum Stacks: 5 -> 10
- Stack Duration: 7 -> 20
W – Caretaker’s Shrine
- Spell now uses charges, a maximum of 2
- Cooldown / Ammo Time: 14 -> 18
- Shrine Charge Time to Full Heal: 10 -> 5
- Shrine Movement Speed: 30% decaying over 1.5 seconds -> 20% +2.5% per rank + 0.05% AP decaying over 1.5 seconds
At first glance, these buffs might seem relatively small, but are actually very significant. The Out-of-combat movement speed now has more stacks and lasts much longer, ultimately allowing him to roam much more effectively. In addition, the W-Caretaker’s Shrine will now be much better, thanks to the new charge system and extra healing.
Overall, these are some great buffs to Bard, and due to these buffs, we will likely see more Bard in both Professional Plany and Solo-Queue.
