There are many cards in Legends of Runeterra, and each have their own stats and effects to make them unique. It can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the card game genre, to learn all these effects. That’s why we’re dissecting all the keywords in a series of guides. In this one we’re taking a look at Barrier.

Barrier is a protective veil for your units. Whereas normally incoming damage is directly subtracted from a unit’s health, Barrier intervenes. It protects the unit once, for an unlimited amount of damage. You could build a Fluft of Poros with fifty attack power, but a unit with Barrier will not feel anything the first time. 

If you’re playing against a unit with Barrier it’s best to try break it with as little damage as possible. Once the Barrier has been damaged by any amount of damage it disappears, and the unit behind it becomes vulnerable like any other unit. Try to commit your high attack values to enemies that are vulnerable immediately, and return to the unit with Barrier once its shield has been removed. Some examples of cards that work with the Barrier keyword can be found below.

Images via Riot Games.