TFT Rolling Strategy: Master Team Comps

Did you know that hitting your core units by level 7 can increase your win rate by an estimated 15% in Teamfight Tactics? Mastering the art of the 'roll' is not just about luck; it's a calculated science that separates consistent winners from the also-rans. This guide will delve into the tactical nuances of when and how to spend your gold on re-rolling the shop to complete your desired team compositions.

The Story So Far

Here are some key statistics to consider when planning your rolling strategy:

Early Game Economy (Levels 3-5)

In the ever-evolving landscape of Teamfight Tactics, the meta shifts with each patch. Understanding the current power spikes of various champions and compositions is the first step. Before you even think about rolling, you need a plan. What are you aiming for? What are the key units and their synergies? Without this foundational knowledge, your rolls will be aimless, akin to a ship without a rudder.

Mid-Game Transition (Levels 6-7)

The initial stages of the game are crucial for building your economy and scouting opponents. Generally, avoid aggressive rolling at these low levels unless you are in dire straits or have a clear path to a strong early-game board that can preserve health. Focus on building interest by saving gold. A common strategy is to reach 50 gold as quickly as possible to maximize interest gains. If you have a pair of a strong early-game unit, a single roll might be justifiable to secure the three-cost unit and create a 2-star threat, but this should be an exception, not the rule.

Late Game Power Spikes (Levels 8-9)

This is where the rolling strategy truly begins to take shape. Level 7 is often considered the 'power level' for many compositions, as it significantly increases the odds of finding 3-cost units. The decision to roll here depends on several factors: your current health, your gold, and the units you've already found. If you're healthy and have a decent amount of gold (say, 30-40 gold), it's often advisable to roll down to 10-20 gold to find the crucial 3-cost carries or supporting units that complete your core composition. This is particularly true if you are playing a composition that relies heavily on 3-cost units, such as certain 'slam' comps or reroll strategies.

Specific Rolling Scenarios and Tips

• Scouting is Key: Always check what your opponents are building. If multiple players are going for the same champions, your odds of finding them decrease, and you may need to pivot or roll more aggressively.
• Unit Tiers: Understand the cost of the units you're looking for. Rolling for 1-cost and 2-cost units is more efficient at lower levels, while rolling for 3-cost and 4-cost units becomes more productive at levels 7 and 8, respectively.
• Damage vs. Economy: Balance the need to improve your board immediately (by rolling) with the long-term benefit of building interest. A common mistake is rolling too much too early, crippling your economy.
• Augment Influence: Certain augments can drastically alter your rolling strategy. Augments that provide gold, reduce shop costs, or guarantee specific unit types can enable earlier or more aggressive rolls.
• Pivot Potential: Be flexible. If you're not finding the units for your intended comp, use your rolls to find pieces for a different, viable strategy. The ability to pivot is a hallmark of a skilled player.

By The Numbers

At higher levels, your rolling priorities shift. Level 8 allows for a broader pool of units, including 4-cost champions. If your composition requires specific 4-cost carries or powerful synergies, rolling at level 8 becomes essential. The amount you roll depends on your game state. If you are contesting multiple players for the same units, you might need to roll more aggressively to secure your win condition. Conversely, if you have a strong board and are in a dominant position, you can afford to roll less and maintain your economy for potential late-game upgrades or even to reach level 9. Rolling at level 9 is typically reserved for finding 5-cost legendaries or completing 3-star versions of expensive units, which requires a substantial gold reserve.​

• 10 Gold: The minimum amount of gold to keep for maximum interest gain.
• 30-40 Gold: A common threshold for rolling at level 7 to find core 3-cost units.
• 50 Gold: The target for optimal interest generation in the early game.
• 15%: Estimated win rate increase when hitting key units by level 7.
• 100 Gold: The amount of gold you might save to 'slow roll' for specific 4-cost units at level 8.

What's Next

As Teamfight Tactics continues to evolve with new sets and balance changes, so too will the optimal rolling strategies. Staying updated on patch notes, observing high-level play, and understanding the fundamental economic principles will be paramount. Experiment with different rolling timings and thresholds based on your chosen compositions and the specific game state. The path to consistent victories lies in the calculated risks and precise execution of your gold management and rolling decisions.