The Proper Way to Ward In League of Legends
I’ve noticed that many players at my MMR don’t know how to ward properly. So, I’ve created some helpful graphics using the map provided on Surrender@20. This article will serve as a basic guide to warding, focusing on the fundamentals that are not open to interpretation.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that this is a general guideline and not a comprehensive guide on ward positions. The ward examples shown in the images are meant to illustrate good ward locations. If there is a demand for it, I may write a separate article on specific ward locations and their ideal timing.
Assumptions
In this guide, I want to make the following assumptions:
- All exterior towers are down.
- Both teams are evenly matched.
- Dragon and Baron are both unavailable.
- There are no wards on the map.
Now, let’s delve into the proper way to ward in League of Legends.
The most important aspect of warding is understanding the role of towers and minions in providing vision. Without wards, your vision relies on killing enemy minions and allowing your minions to push up and scout the area for you. As you go, make sure to ward behind your minion wave. However, be cautious not to venture past your ward line. It is crucial to support your team’s warders; sending a lone support to ward is a risky move. Additionally, be mindful of face-checking as many areas may have kill brushes.
Now, we find ourselves at the spot where the mid-tier 1 tower would be located. By placing wards behind us, we ensure that we won’t get flanked. Repeat this process one more time and send the waves forward to scout. By now, you should have spotted the enemy at least once or the minion wave should be self-pushing, making your job easier. Use the information gained from spotting the enemy to your advantage, and take advantage of the self-pushing wave to reduce your workload.
Repeat this process one final time, and you’ll essentially be at the doorstep of the enemy base. At this point, you can set up any wards you desire.
TL;DR: Push the waves, use them to scout ahead, then ward up.
DISCLAIMER: This warding strategy assumes that your team has two upgraded warding totems (don’t forget to upgrade your trinkets) and a sightstone (possibly one on the jungler as well). You can only have a maximum of four wards on the map (three green wards and one pink ward), so use your wards strategically based on the current situation.
I welcome any and all feedback. This may not be the best-written post, as it’s my first article, but accuracy-wise, it provides a safe approach to warding in a close game where a single pick can cost you the victory.
Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter. Special thanks to my friends Ephendelum for proofreading and EvilLongandHard for their suggestion.
League of Legends, warding, strategy, vision, minions, towers, scouting