Ward Patch
Etched Mark · Defensive Shield · Chance to reduce incoming damage on hit.
Overview
Ward Patch is an Etched Mark that occasionally reduces incoming damage, making you harder to burst down during tough encounters.
Etched Mark
Role: Defensive Shield
Best for: Survivability
Effect Details
- On-hit chance to mitigate damage, smoothing spikes from bosses and elites.
- Works passively; no need to adjust rotation—just stay active in combat.
- Great safety layer for low-HP or risk-heavy builds.
Best Builds & Synergy
- Glass cannon builds: Adds forgiveness when mistakes happen.
- Berserker setups: Combine with Rage Mark to survive while low.
- Control stacks: Pair with Chill Dust to reduce both speed and damage taken.
How to Use
- Keep uptime; more hits taken means more mitigation procs.
- Still dodge heavy telegraphed attacks—Ward Patch is mitigation, not immunity.
- Consider mixing with sustain (Drain Edge) to convert reduced hits into net healing.
Farming & Progression Tips
- Use in unfamiliar areas or new bosses to buffer learning mistakes.
- Good for hardcore farming sessions where fatigue increases error rate.
- Swap to DPS runes once you consistently avoid damage.