Warden is one of the best tanksDeadlockhas to offer so far, and an optimal build prioritizes the effectiveness of his most powerful abilities. Though armed with a weapon, this isn’t your only option to deal damage against enemies and other players. The uniform-clad hero is fully equipped to improve his mobility while immobilizing his targets, leaving an opening to finish off foes with ease.
It’s no surprise we’ve dubbed Warden one ofDeadlock’sS-tier heroes. During the beta’s playtesting, this hero’s powerfully balanced abilities have led countless players to victory over their opponents, with booming win streaks. As a one-man powerhouse or your team’s frontline fighter, Warden offers reliable build options to carry out combat.
The Best Options To Build Warden
Abilities, Items, & Progression
At base, Warden has the makings of a textbook tank. Compared to other heroes in the beta’s current roster, he’s one of the top picks amongDeadlock’simpressive invite-only player base. And this isn’t without reason;Warden’s abilities and recommended items make for a powerful offensive build from the early to late game. We’ve broken down hisability leveling and item usesto help you master this hero’s gameplay throughout each stage.
Deadlockis currently in invite-only playtesting. Gameplay details and mechanics are subject to change as developer Valve works toward the finished game. We’ll provide build updates here as needed.
DESCRIPTION & LEVELING
Alchemical Flask
Throw a flask that damages, slows, and reduces the weapon damage and stamina of the enemies it hits.
Gain a spirit shield and bonus movement speed.
Binding Word
Curse an enemy hero. If they don’t move away from their initial position within the escape time, they will be damaged and immobilized.
Last Stand
After charging for 2.2 seconds, releases pulses that damage enemies and heal you based on the damage done.
Warden’s best abilities include Alchemical Flask, Willpower, Binding Word, and Last Stand. OfDeadlock’sheroes, Warden’s skills are among the most offensive, but hisWillpower and Binding Word offer a change of pace when necessary.
While the former gives you a bit of extra padding with a spirit shield and speed boost, the latter traps your foes momentarily, causing damage and total immobilization if they’re unable to escape. When it comes to damage output,his hardest hitters are Alchemical Flask and Last Stand, both of which are made more powerful with Ability Points (AP).
Deadlock: Character Tier List
The beta test for Deadlock offers 21 heroes to choose from. These heroes are well-balanced, but some are more niche to use than others.
From a leveling standpoint, you’ll want tostart out with Alchemical Flask. Its slowing effect coupled with Weapon Damage and Stamina reductions to its targets make this ability an early-game fail-safe and a reliable opener through the mid- to late-game. From there, you can opt to unlock either Willpower or Binding Word. The choice here is up to personal preference, as it’s not entirely necessary to level up Willpower past its first upgrade.
You couldskip straight to Binding Word if you don’t feel the need for a speed boostjust yet.
Once Warden’s Binding Word is unlocked, though, it’s a good idea to go for each of its upgrades. With increased Immobilization duration and Bullet Damage, your trapped opponents will fall much more easily.Last Stand should be your final aim here, but you’ll want to couple its unlock with helpful items. While it already boasts a generous area of effect, improvements to duration and cooldown times make it a lot more reliable.
Late Game
The best early-game item options for Warden are pretty straightforward, with a primary focus on speed improvements.High-Velocity Mag is a good choice for fast firing, maximizing Weapon Damage as much as you can early on. Sprint Boots are a good option if you’re having a hard time in lane, and you can build on the item’s effects with others down the line if need be. Extra Regen and Extra Stamina can be similarly helpful, as both offer more padding.
In the mid-game,your go-to should be Slowing Bullets. This will further reduce the movement speed of your foes. Beyond that,Improved Cooldown and Duration Extender will improve the effectiveness of Warden’s Binding Word and Last Stand abilities, allowing you to get more damage where it counts.
While you’ll have a few more solid options at this point,Bullet Resist Shredder is a reliable pickto round out your current build, as this will reduce your target’s resistance to Bullet Damage.
NearingDeadlock’slate game,the Silencer item is a must. This works by effectively barring opponents from using their abilities for a short time, which gives you a wide opening to deal finishing blows.Inhibitor is another excellent option here to get additional slowing effects. Top off Warden’s build with Unstoppable to prevent being locked out of using Last Stand during its charging phase, and Superior Cooldown and Superior Duration to boost the ability’s effects.
