Teamfight Tactics set 14, Cybercity, was just recently released on live servers and many players are enjoying all of the cool new characters and mechanics. With this new set release, a new ranked season also comes but all the rank climbing tips still remain the same. Looking for tips on how to play TFT? Check out the Basic and Intermediate Strategy part one. This post will go over the some of the set 14 news and also the TFT Intermediate Strategy guide having to do with items.
TFT Set 14
While set 14 is technically a new set, it does recycle many of the past traits that past sets have introduced. For example, Bruiser and Techie in the new set have been reused in nearly every set since TFT was released, just with different names. Since many of the traits are being reused, most players are having fun with the new character and the augment mechanics – creating a balance of new to recycled content. This balance allows new players to get into the set with the same fun traits of old, while veteran players can focus on learning the new character and augment mechanics without worrying about the recycled traits.
Regarding the new content, the characters and augments, there are some very cool new mechanics. Starting with the characters, they have many versatile abilities that allow players to get a lot more creative with how they place them on their board. For example, Rengar’s and Zed’s abilities allows them to jump into the backline, so players must carefully position their backline carries so they don’t get eliminated too quickly. There are plenty of examples like this in this set, but players are still figuring out the best ways to deal with them.
Moving onto the augments, there are many augments from past sets but an equal number of new augments. However, the most interesting thing is that players have to chance to now get four augments per game. This creates a dynamic where players that correctly play around their augments can make their boards a lot stronger over the course of a game. More than ever, understanding and using augments well is vital to winning TFT games.
Intermediate Strategy Guide Part Two – Items
Just like in the base-game League of Legends, items are extremely important in TFT. They allow players to win-streak in the early game or completely fall apart if not utilized correctly. There are a few things players need to focus on when itemizing their boards 1) utility items, 2) what characters benefit most from certain items, and 3) using non-standard items like Masterwork and Artifacts.
Utility items are items that effect the enemy board in certain ways, specifically Wounding – reduced healer received from items like Sunfire Cape and Red Buff; Sundering – reduced armor from Evenshroud and Last Whisper; and Shred – reduced magic resistance from Static Shiv and Ionic Spark. Wounding items are universally good for every game, and one should be made every game. Sundering and Shredding items are only good in certain situations depending on what a player is using on their board. If their carry/carries are attack damage based, Sundering is required. If their carry/carries are magic damage based, Shred is required. If a player is fielding both types of carries, both Sunder and Shred are good to have.
Understanding character strengths is also very important. Each board needs front-line tanks and damage carries and itemizing at least one character that fulfils these roles with three items is of vital importance. However, some characters need very specific items to be most effective. For example, tank units that can shield themselves require more health, so their shields are bigger when cast; therefore, Warmogs Armor and Dragon’s Claw are generally good items on these characters. For a magic damage carry, mana items are generally good on them – like Blue Buff or Spear of Shojin. To understand the exact items that are best on specific units, it is highly recommended to consult in-depth TFT guide websites.
Lastly, there are items classified as Masterwork and Artifact items. These items are generally obtained from specific augments or trait cash outs and are generally stronger than normal items discussed above, especially when put on the correct characters. Masterwork items are simply just stronger versions of normal items, more stats and buffed effects. Artifact items are completely new items that have different stats and effects from normally crafted items. Just like normal items, artifacts have tank, attack damage, and magic damage effects. Artifacts generally presented to players a choice, so choosing an artifact that fits the player’s board best or can be given to their weakest role (i.e. tank or damage) is generally the best idea.
There are still many nuisances to items beyond what has been discussed here. To best understand how utilized each item best, it is recommend to just play TFT, watch professional TFT players, or consult more in-depth TFT guides.
