Use your favourite features in-game with our Desktop AppWelcome to our trait guide, where we'll be covering the Warden trait in the new TFT Set 16: Lore & Legends. In this guide, we'll explain how Warden works, cover its different champions, and provide a quick summary of the other potential traits you could branch into.
Explore all of the new Set 16 traits here!
Champions: Xin Zhao 2g / Yorick 2g / Loris 3g / Nautilus 3g / Braum 4g / Ornn 5g / Thresh 5g
When Wardens first drop below 75% and 25% Health, they gain a Shield based on their max Health.
Here's a rundown of the traits you can branch into from Warden:
Xin Zhao's Three Talon Strike deals three blows to an enemy while restoring health and Stunning them (on the final hit). A 2-cost champ with a Stun and three traits? Sign me up.
If you're really lucky, he could lead to something even greater!
Yorick joins Viego once you get him to 2-stars and equip him with two items. Then at this point, Shadow Isles comes online and the Soul scaling can finally begin.
His Mourning Mist ability heals Health, increased depending on Souls. Then he throws a globule of black mist at the highest DPS enemy, Chilling them and increasing the Mana cost of their next cast.
On top of this, Warden makes Yorick all the more tanky, as the combined heals and Shields make him tough to get rid of.
Loris's Piltover Tussle begins with a Shield, then he charges up to knock back his target while Stunning them and those who get hit. This also creates a taunt effect, forcing enemies to target him.
A conditional AoE Stun (or at worst single-target) is a huge asset, and having the ability to taunt pairs perfectly with Warden's inherent survivability. Loris is a very solid unit, and likely to find a home among both Piltover and Warden heavy comps.
Nautilus is a relatively simple tank overall. His Titan's Wrath ability simply grants a Shield, and empowers his next attack with a small AoE magic damage. He also gets this bonus passively every four seconds.
However, what makes him stand out (beyond his sheer size) is having access to three traits, two of which are excellent for tanks. You can't really go wrong with Juggernaut and Warden.
Braum's Unbreakable Frost ability has him raise a shield, granting increased Durability and forcing projectiles to redirect towards Braum. As he gets hit, he deals magic damage to nearby enemies, Chilling them for two seconds.
This is a handy counterpick against comps with threatening projectiles, and the added Chill effect makes him a great support for Freljord allies. I have no complaints, Braum's as lovable as always.
Ornn's unique Blacksmith trait gives him an incredibly unique power. After every combat, he hammers away towards forging an Artifact. Assuming this can be achieved at least once or twice within reasonable time, this is an undoubtedly powerful effect.
Plus, if you decide to equip Ornn himself, he gains a hefty Health increase (300% more with Artifacts).
As for in combat, his Call of the Forge ability summons an elemental form behind the most distant enemy, dealing magic damage and Chilling those that get hit. Once it arrives, Ornn headbutts it to redirect it towards the next furthest foe for more damage.
Overall, not too shabby of an effect, but it becomes quite strong if you can take advantage of the Chill. Perhaps a nice top end to a Freljord comp.
Thresh is the final unlock in Shadow Isles, requiring a substantial 150 Souls. Though if you can make it happen, he's well worth the wait.
By default, Thresh passively deals magic damage to all enemies in range AND heals for a portion of the damage dealt. His signature ability "The Box" creates a five second prison of walls, doubling the damage of his passive.
Enemies that touch the wall take further damage, and whenever there's less than two trapped within, Thresh makes sure to drag in another.
Warden will make him significantly tougher to take on, especially with the persistent healing. Plus you're guaranteed to have it enabled since he shares the same traits with Yorick. Good luck to everyone on the opposing side, you're gonna need it!
Thanks for reading! If you want to try and come up with your own team comps for Set 16, check out our Team Builder. For a full overview on the new set, check out our TFT Set 16 Reveal Page.
