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Master LoL's Teamfight Tactics mode with these top tips
League Of Legends' popular new mode can be tricky to get to grips with but these LoL TFT tips will guide you to victory.
League of Legends’ latest game mode has proved insanely popular since it hit the live servers, with Summoners around the world getting to grips with Riot’s take on the popular Auto Chess genre.
Teamfight Tactics pits up to seven opponents against each other in an all-out war that requires both wits and strategic thinking to come out on top. The random nature of each game’s champion pool allows for some nail-bitingly tense games, especially during the mid to late-game where certain team comps start to ramp up the damage.
Teamfight Tactics can prove difficult for even the most experienced League of Legends player, but if you put in the effort, you’ll be winning plenty of games in no time.
To help you get to grips with this new turn-based world, we’ve put together a handy guide that provides you with all of the League of Legends TFT tips and tricks you need to grab those all-important wins when playing League of Legends’ new mode.
1. Don’t just stick to one build
Build a team around the champions you purchase
© Riot Games
Just like League of Legends’ ranked and normal modes, Teamfight Tactics features champions and builds that are incredibly strong. However, the chances of you being able to get that specific champion every game is rather low, especially when you’re trying to rely on the RNG nature of each round.
For example, if you set your only win condition around being able to secure various Imperial units for their double damage bonus, you’ll likely find yourself in trouble during rounds where these units don’t appear. Instead, try to build a balanced team around the five champions you can purchase each round. Not only will this allow you to win more games, but it will also allow you to expand your win conditions and destroy those that fail to adapt to their surroundings.
2. Pay attention to unit origins
Deploy multiple champions with the same origin
© Riot Games
Deploying multiple champions with the same origin will unlock powerful trait bonuses that can turn the tide of even the closest of battles. It’s important to understand the different bonuses and how they impact the game as you’ll want to capitalise on these game-changing buffs throughout each round.
For example, deploying multiple Wilds grants attack speed to the unit as they attack, while deploying multiple Nobles grants one random champion armour and on-attack healing. When every unit under the same origin has been deployed, you’ll receive another buff that either empowers your whole team or enhances those that share the same origin, so consider this before each champion purchase.
3. Level up your champions
Seen three of the same champion in the store? Snap them up?
© Riot Games
Combining three of the same champion will allow you to get a two-star copy of that champion, granting them additional health, attack damage, and bolstering their ability. Meanwhile, combining three two-star champs will reward you with an even more powerful three-star version of that champion.
Three-star champions have ludicrous amounts of health and damage, and their ability is fully upgraded. As a result, it’s often best to purchase three of the same champion whenever you see them in your store. Having two-star champions in the early-game can be incredibly potent as they can win trades against multiple low-level units thanks to their increased stats, while late-game three-star units can greatly increase your chances of netting yourself a dominant victory.
4. Remember to use your items
Don't forget to buy items – they can be lethal!
© Riot Games
It can be all too easy to completely forget to purchase items in Teamfight Tactics, especially when you’re preoccupied with purchasing champions, levelling up units, and thinking about the best strategy to support your current win conditions. However, you’ll do well to make use of the mode’s items if you wish to get ahead of your opponents.
There are currently eight basic items in the game and they work on a similar level to League of Legends’ normal 5v5 modes. For example, the BF Sword gives champions increased attack damage, while the Giant’s Belt grants additional unit health. In PvE rounds, each monster you defeat has a chance of dropping an item, but during the subsequent draft rounds, every draftable champion comes with an item already equipped.
Once a unit has equipped a basic item, you can upgrade its properties by pairing it with another basic item. Upgraded items can give you the power needed to take down a particularly lethal unit or offer utility-based properties that help support nearby units.
5. Look out for champion synergies
Synergy is important in your team comp
© Riot Games
While Teamfight Tactics doesn’t feature the lightning-fast fights and death-defying plays that League of Legends is known for, it does still take a decent amount of skill and in-game knowledge to come out on top. In fact, one of the easiest ways you can win is to look for synergies within your team comp.
For example, deploying Glacial units like Sejuani and Braum will give you the chance to stun your targets, allowing you to deal uncontested damage with your squishy damage dealers. Pairing the stun from Glacial units with the armour and on-attack healing from Noble champions is a great way to effectively delete your enemy’s comp without suffering any significant champ losses.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the different unit bonuses and find a strategy the best suits your playstyle.
6. Position your units
Put melee champs on the frontline
© Riot Games
League of Legends has always been a game of timing and positioning, with many fights often being decided on these factors. As you might expect, positioning is incredibly important in Teamfight Tactics and you’ll need to take a little care when it comes to placing your units on the board.
Those of you who are familiar with LoL’s classes will know just how important positioning is when trying to take down your opponent. For example, the Gunslinger class is made up of ranged AD Carries that deliver huge amounts of damage from afar, so they are best placed at the back of your team where they can safely poke down enemy units.
The majority of Teamfight Tactics champs are melee and only have a one grid attack range, so it’s often best to put them on the frontline where they can rush down foes and create a buffer for your squishy AD Carries. However, Gunslinger/Ranger champs like Tristana, Ashe, and Varus have an attack range of four (max range), allowing you to poke enemies from four grids away. Knowing your units’ attack ranges and carefully positioning them on the board will always beat those that opt for a more mindless strategy.
