Teamfight Tactics (TFT) might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a surprisingly easy game to jump into—especially with a solid starting plan. This guide breaks down the game using tips directly from Riot’s own breakdown by Frodan. Perfect for anyone playing TFT for the first time.

What is Teamfight Tactics?

TFT is a strategy game that feels like an eight-player free-for-all chess match with League of Legends champions as your pieces. Despite the League origins, no knowledge of LoL or even chess is required. Each game begins by choosing one of three portals, which set rule modifiers. Some give extra loot, while others change your economy or strategy options.

The early game is about collecting loot from monsters—items, champions, and gold that build your foundation. This phase is called your opener.

Learn the Reroll Strategy

Your best starting strategy is a reroll comp. This involves spending gold early to find and upgrade cheap champions—ideally to three-star status (9 copies). A strong beginner reroll setup is the Sniper + Behemoth combo using:

  • Caitlyn (AD Sniper)

  • Kog’Maw (AP Sniper & Mythic)

  • Cho’Gath (Mythic Behemoth Tank)

  • Malphite (Behemoth)

Snipers gain damage the further back they’re placed. Mythic units gain bonus stats when played together, and Behemoths bring solid frontline defense.

Augments and Carousel Explained

After your first few PvE rounds, you’ll choose an augment—a modifier that dramatically changes your strategy. Options can offer combat boosts, more loot, or even completely new gameplay options. You can also reroll the choices.

Midway through stages, the Carousel occurs. Lowest health players pick first from a rotating selection of item-equipped units. It’s a chance to recover and grab a needed item or champion.

How Items Work in TFT (Teamfight Tactics Guide)

Items define power in TFT. A strong unit without items is ineffective. Each item is made by combining two components:

  • AD (Attack Damage) → Swords, Bows

  • AP (Ability Power) → Rods, Tears

  • Defense → Vests, Cloaks

In this comp:

  • Caitlyn scales with AD → Give her bows and swords.

  • Kog’Maw scales with AP → Equip him with rods and mana items.

Matching item types with the champion’s ability symbol (orange axe = AD, blue fireball = AP) ensures maximum damage.

Understanding Set Mechanics and Gold Strategy (Teamfight Tactics Guide)

Each TFT set includes unique mechanics. In Inkborn Fables, it’s Encounters—random story events that offer game-altering buffs or visuals.

Another key mechanic is interest. Saving in multiples of 10 gold earns bonus income (up to +5 per round at 50 gold). The efficient play is to roll down excess gold after hitting that 50 mark to chase your upgrades.

Positioning Makes the Difference

The last piece of the puzzle is positioning. Units in TFT perform better with proper spacing. For snipers, placing them in the far back (corners) gives bonus damage. The frontline (Malphite, Cho’Gath) holds enemy units in place while snipers deal damage.

Check the enemy preview (crosswords icon) to see who you might face next, then adjust positioning accordingly. A last-second switch could be the difference between winning or losing a round—a positioning diff, as players call it.

Victory Doesn’t Always Mean First Place

TFT is a game where Top 4 is considered a win. Reroll comps shine here, offering strong midgame strength that can push you to a stable placement. You may not always grab first, but a fourth-place finish is still a rank gain.

If higher tier comps outscale you near the end, that’s normal. Know when to pivot and when to let go of a champion that no longer fits. “Know when to hold them, and when to Cho’ them.”

That’s your first win in Teamfight Tactics. With a simple sniper reroll strategy, careful itemization, and smart positioning, you don’t need League of Legends experience to climb the TFT ranks.