The newest set of Teamfight Tactics has officially arrived, bringing a wave of new mechanics and champions to the game. Runeterra Reforged introduces a chaotic element to Riot’s autobattler via its new portal system. At the start of every TFT game in Set 9, all players are given a choice of three portals to random locations within Runeterra, each of which alters the game in different ways.
Image courtesy of Riot Games.
Players will also now have the ability to choose a Legend before they queue. Legends give players some agency in what Augments they see, with one Augment on each stage determined by the choice of legend. Combined with the new Augment reroll system, Legends give players more power over the type of style they want to play. As players adjust to the new set mechanics, here are the best comps you can run to find success early in Set 9.
Zeri Go Kill
Much of the Set 9 meta revolves around rolling at level 7 in order to upgrade 4-cost units. While picks like Kaisa, Aphelios, and Yasuo are viable carries at the moment, Zeri stands above them all. Given the right items and an effective frontline, she scales to a an incredible level and dishes out damage like no other unit in TFT Set 9.
The early game for this comp will focus on building econ and upgrading AD item holders like Jhin, Jinx, and Tristana. Piltover comps can be a great way to accomplish that by loss streaking, especially if you can find an early Jayce.
When it gets to the late-game, an upgraded Zeri with four total Gunners is a necessity. From there, the frontline can change depending on what you hit. Zaun and Piltover units synergize well and give you access to a powered-up T-Hex to bolster a comp without many proper tanks. Another option is running Lissandra and Sejuani for Freljord and a Shen to fill out the frontline.
Zeri Items: Guinsoo’s Rageblade, Last Whisper, Giantslayer, Infinity Edge, Hand of Justice
Support Items: Zeke’s Herald, ideally several of them
Garen Beyblade
Next up is one of the simplest, yet most effective compositions in the game at the launch of TFT Set 9. You’ll want to slam a Guinsoo’s Rageblade and Bloodthirster on Garen while surrounding him with as many Zeke’s Heralds as possible. With the radiant item from Demacia, Garen will turn into an unkillable spinning machine when he ults, mowing down your competition in the process. Picking Twisted Fate as your legend is strongly encouraged as his Augments give item flexibility and chances to get more Zeke’s.
When aiming to play Garen, the goal will always be to get to level 7 so you can slow roll to push him to 3 stars. Along the way prioritize building his two necessary items and placing them on a suitable carry to save HP until you at least have a 2-star Garen. You can also aim to hit a 3-star Darius, but don’t chase it unless it comes naturally. If you manage to get a Juggernaut emblem, slap it on Urgot and give yourself a second monstrous carry threat.
Garen Items: Bloodthirster, Guinsoo’s Rageblade
Support Items: Zeke’s Herald, as many as you can make
Tristana Reroll
This is another composition that is very straightforward, but relatively rigid in execution. The goal is to activate the Yordle trait for a 4-star carry in Tristana. You’ll be looking to roll on level 4 and 5 until you hit 3-star Tristana, Maokai, and a third unit (either Poppy, Viego, or Jinx). From there, push levels to complete the comp while picking up any further 3-stars you can manage. Tristana usually needs some healing to avoid dying to poke, so build Gunblade on her unless you pick up a healing Augment.
Like any low-cost reroll composition in TFT Set 9, this one works best when your Augments enable the playstyle. As a result, any Augments that offer free rolls or economy are good, with the former being ideal. The best way to play this is to use Lee Sin as your Legend and take his Silver Augment “On a Roll” as your first choice if possible. It may not be have the highest cap of any comp, but already it’s proving to be a reliable option for consistent top finishes.
Tristana Items: Last Whisper, Giantslayer, Hextech Gunblade, Guinsoo’s Rageblade, Infinity Edge, Runaan’s Hurricane
Maokai Items: Gargoyle Stoneplate, Redemption, Bramble Vest, Dragon’s Claw
Grand Strategist Azir
While he might not get as much love as many of the other 4-cost carries in this set, Azir makes for an excellent carry for flex players. He can use a huge variety of items, including the Guinsoo’s Rageblade that is all over the meta right now. Add in a couple AP items and the ascension from the Shurima trait, and you’ve got a strong, reliable carry.
Azir games will typically start with an upgraded AP carry like Malzahar, Cassiopeia, or Teemo. Ultimately your goal will be to arrive at Level 7 with enough econ to roll for 2-star Azir, Jarvan, or Nasus. Then, you can level to 8 and finish out your board with K’Sante. If you can score a Shurima Emblem, then you can potentially play a 7-Shurima board without relying on too many weak units.
Azir Items: Guinsoo’s Rageblade, Jeweled Gauntlet, Hextech Gunblade, Giantslayer, Statikk Shiv, Rabadon’s Deathcap
Tank Items: Gargoyle Stoneplate, Wartmog’s Armor, Ionic Spark, Bramble Vest, Redemption
Squid Game
This composition makes great use of Vel’Koz’s Sorcerer and Multicaster traits to turn them into a terrifying AP carry. As with most other reroll, compositions, you need to build economy in order to slow roll for a 3-star Vel’Koz on Level 6 and 7. That’s the only unit that absolutely must be fully upgraded, but 3-star Swain, Sona, and Taric can all be incredibly useful.
Look to play Vel’Koz when you can hit Void early and try to winstreak or when you get an Augment that works well with the composition. Sorcerer’s Crest, Jeweled Lotus, and Overcharged Manafont are all great options that can point you in this direction. Additionally, a Void Emblem opens the door to 8-void comps later in the game with Kaisa taking over as the primary late game carry.
Vel’Koz Items: Blue Buff, Jeweled Gauntlet, Hextech Gunblade
Swain Items: Gargoyle Stoneplate, Bramble Vest, Ionic Spark, Wartmog’s Armor
