The new Patch 9.19 for Teamfight Tactics has been out for almost a week now. It has noticeably changed the meta – strongly in favor of a combo of Shapeshifters and Wilds.
Update December 2019: This guide refers to the state of Patch 9.19. Teamfight Tactics is currently in Patch 9.23. You can find an updated guide for the best combos here.
Which combo is currently the strongest? The currently strongest combo from Patch 9.19 was originally developed as a counter to the Yordle champions. It relies on 4 Wilds, so opponents cannot evade your attacks.
The combo is supplemented by Assassins for damage, Shapeshifters, and 2 Hextechs. As champions, you need:
- Jayce – Hextech/Shapeshifter
- Nidalee – Wild/Shapeshifter
- Gnar – Wild/Shapeshifter
- Warwick – Wild/Brawler
- Rengar – Wild/Assassin
- Zed or Akali – Ninja/Assassin
- Pyke – Pirate/Assassin
- Vi – Hextech/Brawler
What makes the combo so strong? This now quite popular combo has several significant advantages:
- It is very cheap (mainly 1- and 2-gold units)
- It is easy to obtain and you don’t have to rebuild your team – you can keep the starting champions
- You are not necessarily dependent on items, as in other combos.
- The bonus of the 3 Shapeshifters has been spared from the nerf of the new patch.
- Hextechs can disable game-changing items for your opponents.
They are currently hard to counter. Only 6 Knights and 4 Imperials can beat them, but this combo is hard to get and will beat everything else on the battlefield anyway.
This is how you play the currently strongest combo
How does the early game go? The combo is so simply structured that you can’t go wrong at the start of the game. In the first carousel, you should try to get one of the following four items:
- Giant’s Sword
- Combat Gloves
- Spatula
- Chain Vest
In the following rounds, you simply collect the champions you need for the combo and bring them onto the field. Until you find Gnar, Ahri can take the position of the fourth Wild.
Vi usually enters the field as the eighth and last champion, but can be collected beforehand.
Which champions should I bring to level 3? In this specific combo, it should be possible to get at least two or even more champions to level 3. The most useful are:
- Pyke
- Rengar
- Zed (if you get him to level 3, otherwise switch to Akali)
- Vi
Which items are important for the combo? The combo of Wilds, Assassins, and Shapeshifters is very variable in items. However, extremely useful are:
- Pyke with 2x Frozen Heart and Morellonomicon
- Rengar with Bloodthirster and Guardian Angel
- Gnar with Guinsoo’s Rageblade, Dragon Claw, and Warmog’s Armor
Additionally, you can also give Akali/Zed damage items like Infinity Edge.
How do I position the combo correctly? Assassins thrive on being able to jump on opponents. They should therefore move away from the edge. Accordingly, you should place all champions as far down as possible.
Will I always be first with the combo? Based on experience, you land in the top 4 very consistently with Wilds, Assassins, and Shapeshifters, usually top 2.
But victories are also possible with the combo.
What alternative combos are currently available? Shortly after the release of Patch 9.19, we introduced you to seven very strong combos. We have adjusted this list, and it is still current.
If you are not enjoying the current meta of TFT, you can check out this list of five games we recommend for October:
