Check compatibility first
This guide covers the Windows desktop apps, not the Blitz or OP.GG websites. The reviewed client versions are Blitz 3.0.15 and OP.GG 3.1.4. Warden also checks their installed files and downloaded interface. A matching version number alone is not enough.
Protection is included in the free Warden app. It does not unlock a subscription or paid feature, and it is not a promise to remove every ad.
Set up companion ad protection
- Use the current Windows version of Warden. Download Warden or update your installed copy. The feature arrived in 0.61.0; these steps describe 0.61.1. Choose a time when restarting your companion app will not interrupt what you are doing.
- Open Settings → General → App behavior. Check Block companion app ads. It starts enabled with fresh 0.61.1 settings, while your previously saved choices are retained. Turning it on also checks companion apps that are already running.
- Start Blitz or OP.GG normally. Warden watches for supported running clients and may restart them into a protected session after compatibility checks pass. If the corresponding row says Ready, you can also use Start protected.
- Check for Protection active. Leave Warden running while using the protected client. If you see a different status, use the status guide below rather than repeatedly restarting or changing system settings.
Block ads in the Blitz desktop app
In Warden's protection controls, Companion 1 is Blitz. The reviewed installation is Blitz 3.0.15, installed for your Windows user at %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Blitz\Blitz.exe.
With protection enabled, open Blitz and let Warden complete its compatibility check and restart. You can also select Start protected beside Companion 1 when it is ready. Confirm Protection active before assessing the result.
A newer Blitz version or changed interface may need another compatibility review. These are exact reviewed versions, not a “3.0.15 or later” promise. You can keep using Blitz normally when protection is unavailable.
Block ads in OP.GG Desktop
Companion 2 is OP.GG Desktop. The reviewed installation is OP.GG 3.1.4, installed for your Windows user at %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\OP.GG\OP.GG.exe.
Open OP.GG with Warden running and protection enabled, or choose Start protected beside Companion 2 when it says Ready. Warden checks the installed app and interface before restarting it. Look for Protection active.
This is protection for the desktop client. It does not configure a browser extension or change your OP.GG account. A different installation path, client version or updated interface can make protection unavailable.
What Warden changes, and what it leaves alone
Warden launches a supported client in a protected session, filters reviewed advertising requests and hides reviewed advertising panels. It does not patch the installed app, edit your hosts file, change firewall rules or alter account settings. This protection path does not need administrator access.
The scope is the reviewed desktop interface. In-game overlay ads, new placements and every kind of network request are not covered. A promotion hidden from cached content may not increase the blocked-request counter, so that counter alone is not a complete measure of what is hidden.
Companion apps can change independently of Warden. Before a protected launch, Warden checks the installation and interface against the reviewed setup. A mismatch prevents that protected launch.
Read the protection status
- Ready
- The reviewed installation is available. Use Start protected or open the client with protection enabled.
- Waiting for the client interface
- The protected session is still starting. Give the client time to initialize before checking its status again.
- Protection active
- The protected session is running. Keep Warden running too; this does not guarantee every ad placement is blocked.
- Update needs compatibility review
- The installed client no longer matches the reviewed setup. Use the client normally and check for a compatible Warden update. Do not downgrade the client or disable its updates to force protection.
- Supported installation unavailable
- Warden cannot find or read the supported installation. Check the standard per-user location listed above. Custom installation discovery is not currently supported.
- Protection needs attention
- Use Restore & restart to return to normal launch, then try again. If restarting fails, quit the companion from its system tray first. If the problem persists, leave protection off and contact support with the app version and status shown.
An interface-validation error can also prevent protected startup even when the row says Ready. Use the client normally and check for a compatible Warden update.
Running Warden as administrator, changing antivirus exclusions or editing system network settings is not part of this setup.
Turn protection off and launch normally
Switch off Block companion app ads to restore both clients. To restore only one active client, use its Restore & restart button. Warden saves that client's opt-out and reopens it normally.
Restore first if you want to keep the companion open after closing Warden. Exiting Warden can close protected clients. There are no installed-app patches or hosts-file edits to undo.
Common questions
Does Warden remove every Blitz or OP.GG ad?
No. It blocks reviewed advertising requests and hides reviewed desktop panels in supported installations. In-game overlays, new placements and every network path are not covered.
Does ad protection unlock Blitz Premium or OP.GG paid features?
No. Ad protection does not change your account or subscription entitlement. It does not unlock paid features.
Does this work on Mac?
No. Warden's companion ad protection is Windows-only. This guide is not a setup method for the Mac versions of other companion apps.
Why did protection stop working after an update?
Warden checks the client and its interface against a reviewed setup. If either changes, a new protected launch can be unavailable until compatibility is reviewed. Use the client normally in the meantime, then check for a Warden update.
Do I have to leave Warden running?
Yes. Keep Warden running during a protected session. Use Restore & restart first if you want to close Warden and keep the companion open normally.
Release notes and scope
These instructions were checked against Warden 0.61.1's implementation and recorded release verification on October 31, 2026. Companion ad protection was introduced in the Warden 0.61.0 release; 0.61.1 is the release used for this guide. No new authenticated-client or in-game overlay test was performed for this article.
Keep the useful parts.
Warden is free to use, with no Warden account required. Check your companion's compatibility above, then choose how you want to run it.