Ares is a powerful Guardian in SMITE, excelling in team fights with his Shackles and aura abilities. His versatility in builds makes him a strong and popular pick in competitive play.
Overview of Ares as a Guardian
Ares is a formidable Guardian in SMITE, known for his exceptional ability to control and disrupt enemies. His Shackles and Bolster Defenses make him a strong pick in competitive play, offering both utility and protection. Ares excels in team fights, providing auras that enhance his allies’ survivability and damage output. His versatility allows for both tank and damage-oriented builds, making him adaptable to various playstyles. With his high-pressure abilities, Ares is particularly effective in ranked matches, where his crowd control and defensive capabilities shine. He is a popular choice for players seeking a balance of utility and combat impact in the Guardian role.
Importance of Ares in the Current Meta
Ares remains a dominant force in the current SMITE meta, particularly in competitive play. His ability to apply pressure through Shackles and Bolster Defenses makes him a high-value pick in team compositions. Ares excels as a counter to mobile gods, providing crucial crowd control and disruption. His versatility in builds allows him to adapt to various playstyles, whether focusing on tankiness or damage. In ranked matches, Ares is often selected for his ability to dictate team fights and protect allies. His high utility and adaptability ensure he remains a strong contender in the meta, making him a popular choice for players seeking impactful gameplay.
Ares’ Abilities and Passive
Ares wields Shackles, Searing Flesh, Bolster Defenses, and his ultimate No Escape. His Passive, Blessed Presence, enhances Magical Power for each Aura item, boosting team utility and damage.
Passive – Blessed Presence
Ares’ Passive, Blessed Presence, grants him 30 Magical Power for each Aura item in his build. This ability also provides a powerful aura to nearby allies, boosting their protections, reducing crowd control duration, and restoring health every second. The aura’s effects make Ares a strong team-oriented Guardian, enhancing the survivability and combat effectiveness of his allies. By focusing on Aura items, players can maximize this Passive, turning Ares into a formidable support character who excels at empowering his team while dealing significant damage. This Passive is a cornerstone of Ares’ kit, making him a valuable asset in team fights and strategic plays.
Shackles (1)
Ares’ Shackles ability unleashes chains from his shield, dealing damage to all enemies in their path. If a god is hit, they are shackled to Ares, becoming Crippled and unable to use movement abilities. This effect also roots the enemy, preventing escape. Shackles is a powerful tool for initiating fights and controlling key targets. Hitting multiple gods with a single cast increases the root duration, making it ideal for team fights. Proper positioning and timing are crucial to maximize its impact, as it can effectively lock down enemies, setting up your team for easy follow-up damage or securing kills in lane.
Searing Flesh (2)
Searing Flesh is Ares’ second ability, dealing damage to all enemies within its radius over time. This ability melts the flesh of enemy gods, applying a damage-over-time effect that scales with their maximum health. It is particularly effective against high-health targets and in prolonged fights, where the cumulative damage adds up. Searing Flesh also synergizes well with Ares’ other abilities, such as Shackles, allowing him to lock down enemies and maximize the damage they take. Proper use of this ability can make Ares a formidable presence in team fights, especially when combined with his aura effects from Bolster Defenses.
Bolster Defenses (3)
Bolster Defenses is Ares’ third ability, creating a temporary aura that grants significant benefits to himself and nearby allies. This ability provides protections, crowd control reduction, and health regeneration per 5 seconds (HP5), making it a crucial tool for team survivability. While often overlooked, Bolster Defenses can turn the tide in prolonged fights by enhancing the durability of Ares and his teammates. It is particularly effective during team fights or when holding objectives, as it allows Ares to stay in the fray longer and support his allies. Proper timing of this ability maximizes its impact, making Ares a more reliable tank and team asset.
No Escape (Ultimate)
No Escape is Ares’ ultimate ability, creating a large area that silences and damages all enemies within it. This ability is a powerful tool for initiating team fights or controlling key objectives. Upon activation, it deals significant damage over time and prevents enemies from using abilities, making it ideal for locking down high-priority targets. When combined with Shackles, No Escape becomes even more devastating, allowing Ares to isolate and eliminate enemies effectively. Proper positioning and timing are crucial to maximize its impact, making Ares a formidable tank with strong crowd control capabilities in team compositions.
Pros and Cons of Playing Ares
Ares excels as a high-pressure counter pick with strong crowd control and aura benefits but struggles in casual matches and early lane phases due to limited mobility.
Advantages of Ares in Team Fights
Ares shines in team fights with his exceptional crowd control and aura-based support. His Shackles ability allows him to lock down key targets, while Searing Flesh deals consistent damage. Bolster Defenses provides a powerful aura, granting protections, CC reduction, and HP5 to allies, making him a valuable team asset. His ultimate, No Escape, ensures enemies cannot flee, amplifying his already strong control. Additionally, his passive, Blessed Presence, scales with aura items, further enhancing his magical power. This combination makes Ares a formidable pick for initiating and controlling team fights, especially when coordinated with teammates.
Weaknesses of Ares in Lane Phases
Ares struggles in lane phases due to his lack of mobility and early-game pressure. His abilities, while powerful in team fights, are less effective in solo lane scenarios. Shackles can be easily dodged by mobile enemies, and Searing Flesh requires consistent attacks to deal damage. Additionally, Ares relies heavily on his aura items to scale, which may not be online early in the game. This makes him vulnerable to ganks and aggressive early-game opponents. His lack of escape tools also puts him at risk if caught out of position. Overall, Ares is a weaker pick in casual conquest but excels in ranked play with proper coordination.
Optimal Skill Build for Ares
Max No Escape first for ultimate damage, followed by Shackles for lockdown. Searing Flesh and Bolster Defenses round out the build, with adjustments for Assault mode.
Priority Order for Skill Upgrades
Start by maxing No Escape (Ultimate) for its high damage and lockdown potential. Next, prioritize Shackles to enhance crowd control and chasing capabilities. Searing Flesh should follow to boost magical damage output. Finally, max Bolster Defenses to enhance survivability and team support. In Assault mode, consider delaying Bolster Defenses to prioritize Shackles and Searing Flesh for early aggression. This build ensures a balance between damage, control, and utility, making Ares a formidable tank with strong teamfight presence. Adjustments may be needed based on the opponent’s composition and the game’s progression.
Situation-Specific Skill Adjustments
In competitive play, adjust Ares’ skill priority based on the game’s progression and team needs. For early-game dominance in Conquest, max Bolster Defenses first to enhance survivability and provide aura benefits. In mid-game, if ahead, focus on Searing Flesh to deal maximum damage. For late-game team fights, delay Searing Flesh to max Bolster Defenses for better magical resistance and crowd control reduction. In Assault mode, prioritize Shackles and Searing Flesh for aggressive early-game pressure. Adapt skill upgrades to counter enemy compositions and secure objectives like Fire Giant or Gold Fury, ensuring Ares remains a versatile and impactful tank throughout the match.
Item Builds for Ares
Ares’ item builds focus on core tank items like Mantle of Discord and Mail of Renewal, while damage-oriented builds include Ethereal Staff. Situational picks vary by mode.
Core Items for Tank Builds
For a tank build, Ares relies on items like Mantle of Discord and Mail of Renewal to maximize protections and survivability. Genji’s Guard is another staple, offering magical protection and crowd control reduction. These items synergize with Ares’ Bolster Defenses aura, enhancing his tankiness and support capabilities for the team. They ensure Ares can withstand heavy damage while controlling enemies with his Shackles and ultimate. These core items are essential for building a resilient, team-oriented Ares who excels at initiating and protecting allies in team fights.
Damage-Oriented Item Builds
For a damage-focused Ares, prioritize items like Rod of Tahuti and Obsidian Shard to amplify magical power and penetration. Chronos’ Pendant and Doom Orb further enhance ability damage and scaling. These builds leverage Ares’ high base damage from Searing Flesh and Shackles, allowing him to deal significant magical damage while maintaining some survivability. Pairing these items with aura-focused builds can create a hybrid damage-dealer who still supports the team. This playstyle is ideal for aggressive players who want to maximize Ares’ offensive potential while contributing to team fights through both damage and crowd control.
Situational Items for Different Modes
In Arena, focus on items like Rod of Tahuti and Chronos’ Pendant for burst damage and ability haste. For Conquest, prioritize tanky items such as Genji’s Guard and Midgardian Mail to survive lane pressure. In Joust, Obsidian Shard and Doom Orb enhance ability damage and scaling. Situational items like Ethereal Staff or Mail of Renewal can be added based on the enemy team’s composition. These builds adapt Ares to different game modes, ensuring he remains effective whether dealing damage, tanking, or controlling crowds. Flexibility in itemization is key to maximizing Ares’ impact in various scenarios.
Gameplay Strategy
Ares excels in aggressive early-game plays, using Shackles to lock down enemies. Mid-game, rotate effectively to control objectives and team fights. Late-game, focus on positioning and timing abilities to maximize impact.
Early Game Objectives
Ares’ early game revolves around aggressive plays and map control. Focus on harassing enemies with Shackles and Searing Flesh to disrupt their gold income. Secure the Gold Fury whenever possible to gain a significant advantage. Use Bolster Defenses to protect yourself and allies during lane skirmishes. Prioritize leveling up Shackles first to maximize your ability to lock down targets. Rotate to gank side lanes and secure jungle buffs to strengthen your team’s position. Building aura items early will enhance your passive, making you a formidable tank. Set up vision in key areas to anticipate enemy movements and prepare for mid-game rotations.
Mid Game Rotations
During the mid game, Ares should focus on split pushing lanes to pressure enemy towers and create opportunities for rotations. Use Shackles to secure picks on isolated enemies, then quickly rotate to objectives like the Fire Giant or Gold Fury. Vision is crucial; set up wards in strategic areas to anticipate enemy movements. Ares excels at controlling team fights, so prioritize joining skirmishes where your abilities can maximize impact. Use Bolster Defenses to buff allies and reduce incoming damage. If the Fire Giant is secured, push for a late-game advantage by taking key structures and preparing for final team fights.
Late Game Team Fights
In late-game team fights, Ares becomes a formidable tank with high damage potential. Use Shackles to lock down key targets like the enemy carry or mage, while your ultimate, No Escape, can turn the tide of battles. Position yourself to maximize the aura effects of Bolster Defenses, protecting your team and reducing incoming damage. Focus on initiating fights with your Shackles and ultimate, then follow up with Searing Flesh to melt enemy health. Coordinate with your team to secure kills and objectives, ensuring Ares’ abilities are used to their fullest potential in decisive engagements.
Tips and Tricks
Master Shackles to lock down enemies, use Bolster Defenses during team fights for enhanced protection, and apply Searing Flesh to maximize damage output in combat situations effectively.
Effective Use of Shackles
Ares’ Shackles are a game-changer for locking down enemies. Use them to cripple key targets, preventing their movement abilities and setting up easy kills for your team. In the early game, Shackles can disrupt enemy junglers or harass lane opponents. During team fights, prioritize shackling high-damage dealers or healers to neutralize their impact. Combine Shackles with Searing Flesh for enhanced damage and control. Always position yourself to chain Shackles onto multiple enemies, maximizing crowd control and creating chaos in battles. Proper timing and positioning with Shackles can turn the tide of any engagement in your favor.
Maximizing Bolster Defenses
Bolster Defenses is a powerful yet often underutilized ability in Ares’ kit. This aura grants significant protections, CC reduction, and HP5 to both Ares and nearby allies. To maximize its impact, activate it during team fights or when engaging objectives like the Fire Giant or Gold Fury. Position yourself in the center of your team to ensure the aura benefits as many allies as possible. Use Bolster Defenses proactively to counter enemy crowd control and enhance your team’s survivability. Coordinating its use with your team’s ultimate abilities can turn a losing fight into a decisive victory.
Combining Abilities for Maximum Impact
Ares’ abilities synergize exceptionally well when used in sequence. Start by using Shackles to lock down a key target, then activate Searing Flesh to deal continuous damage. As the enemy tries to escape, use Bolster Defenses to buff your team and reduce incoming crowd control. Finally, unleash No Escape to secure the kill or prevent retreat. This combination not only ensures high damage output but also disrupts the enemy team’s positioning, making it easier for your team to capitalize on the chaos. Proper timing and coordination with your team can make Ares a formidable force in any battle.
Counters and Synergies
Ares excels with gods needing protection but struggles against mobile picks. His Shackles and auras make him a strong team player in coordinated setups.
Gods That Counter Ares
Ares’ lack of mobility makes him vulnerable to agile gods with strong escape tools. Mercury and Loki can easily dodge Shackles, while assassins like Arachne thrive against his slow engages. Gods with healing, such as Aphrodite or Guan Yu, can mitigate Searing Flesh’s damage and sustain through fights. Additionally, gods with strong blink abilities, like Da Ji or Anubis, can avoid Ares’ ultimate and counter him effectively. These picks often force Ares to play cautiously, limiting his aggressive potential in lane and team fights.
Gods That Synergize with Ares
Ares excels when paired with gods who can capitalize on his crowd control and auras. Assassins like Zephryr or Arachne thrive when Ares initiates with Shackles, as they can quickly close the distance and secure kills. Mages such as Anubis or Isis benefit from Ares’ Bolster Defenses, gaining enhanced magical power and protections. Additionally, gods with strong burst damage, like Poseidon or Ra, can follow up on Ares’ ultimate, No Escape, to devastating effect. His auras also empower allies, making him a valuable team asset in coordinated team fights. Proper synergy with Ares can turn him into an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
Professional Player Builds
Professional players often use Ares’ versatility to dominate. Top builds focus on tank or damage, with Shackles and Bolster Defenses as priorities. These builds are updated with the latest meta, ensuring optimal performance in competitive play.
Top 5 Ares Builds Used by Pros
Professional players favor diverse Ares builds to adapt to varying playstyles and metas. The Tank Build focuses on survivability with items like Sovereignty and Heartward Amulet. The Damage Build emphasizes magical power, prioritizing items like Divine Ruin and Bancroft’s Talon. The Aura Build maximizes Blessed Presence by stacking aura items like Shogunate and Genji’s Guard. The Situational Build adapts to enemy comps, incorporating defensive or offensive items like Pestilence or Titan’s Bane. Lastly, the Hybrid Build balances tank and damage, using items like Void Stone and Spirit Robe for versatility. These builds highlight Ares’ flexibility and dominance in competitive play.
Meta Builds for Different Modes
In Conquest, the Tank/Aura Build dominates, focusing on survivability and team utility with items like Sovereignty and Heartward Amulet. For Arena, pros opt for a Damage-Oriented Build, leveraging Bancroft’s Talon and Divine Ruin to maximize burst potential. In Joust, a Hybrid Build is preferred, combining tankiness with damage using items like Void Stone and Spirit Robe. The Solo Build in Duel emphasizes early aggression with items like Qin’s Sais and Genji’s Guard. Each mode’s meta build highlights Ares’ adaptability, ensuring he remains a formidable pick across all game modes in SMITE.
Community Guides and Resources
Explore YouTube for in-depth guides, Twitch streams, and forum discussions offering tips, builds, and strategies. These resources help players master Ares and stay updated on meta shifts.
Recommended Videos and Streams
For mastering Ares, check out YouTube channels like ChrisTDickson and Str8Mario, offering detailed guides and high-level gameplay. Twitch streams from experienced players provide real-time insights and strategies. Popular streamers often share tips on ability usage, optimal builds, and game sense. Videos focusing on ability breakdowns, such as Shackles and Bolster Defenses, are particularly helpful. Additionally, community-driven content highlights pro player builds and meta shifts, ensuring you stay updated. These resources cater to both new and experienced players, helping you refine your playstyle and climb the ranks effectively in SMITE.
Forum Discussions and Tips
SMITE forums and community platforms are rich with discussions and tips for playing Ares effectively. Players often share strategies for maximizing his abilities, such as optimal Shackles usage and cooldown management. Many threads highlight the importance of building aura items to leverage his Passive, Blessed Presence. Experienced players emphasize team coordination and positioning during team fights. Additionally, tips on countering specific gods and adapting builds to different game modes are frequently discussed. These community-driven insights provide valuable perspectives for improving your gameplay and staying competitive in the current meta.
Conclusion
Ares is a versatile Guardian with immense potential in SMITE. His ability to control team fights and adapt to various builds makes him a valuable pick. Consistent practice and strategic thinking can elevate your Ares gameplay to new heights, making him a formidable force on the battlefield.
Final Thoughts on Playing Ares
Ares is a dynamic and impactful Guardian in SMITE, offering strong crowd control and aura benefits. His ability to adapt to various playstyles makes him a versatile pick. While mastering Ares requires practice, his potential to dominate team fights is immense. Focus on improving your map awareness and decision-making to maximize his impact. Experiment with different builds and strategies to find what suits your playstyle best. With consistent effort, Ares can become a cornerstone of your team’s success, proving why he remains a popular choice among players of all skill levels.
Encouragement to Practice and Adapt
Mastering Ares requires consistent practice and adaptability. As you play, focus on improving your ability to anticipate enemy movements and coordinate with your team. Learning from each match, whether winning or losing, is key to growth. Adapt your build and strategy based on the opposing team’s composition and your own playstyle. Stay flexible and open to experimenting with new techniques. Remember, Ares’ strength lies in his versatility, so embrace challenges as opportunities to refine your skills. With dedication and a willingness to learn, you’ll unlock Ares’ full potential and become a formidable force on the battlefield.