August 21, 2026: The Secret to Climbing Ranks: S18 High-Elo Sprint Guide – Spirit Blossom Ahri and Arbiter Azir Lead the Way to Easy Ascent!

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

Spirit Blossom Ahri is a high-ceiling vertical composition centered around 7 Spirit Blossom Ahri, designed to help players easily climb at the start of S18. It's a T0 comp, suitable for early-patch climbing. In Stage 2, prioritize activating 3 Spirit Blossom and use suitable traits for a smooth transition, accumulating interest without rolling. At Level 7, continue to use Spirit Blossom units for transition. If you hit 4-cost core units, great; if not, safely save gold and avoid reckless rolling, focusing on leveling up. At Level 8, roll for Ashe, completing the main composition. Get Sett and Ahri to 2-star to stabilize health. If you don't have a Spirit Blossom Emblem, activate 5 Spirit Blossom and continue saving for higher levels. Go to Level 9 to complete all core units, fully solidifying the composition. Slowly chase 3-star 4-cost units for a chance at first place. Prioritize Augments such as Spirit Blossom's Promise, Team Building, Heroic Grab Bag, Echoes, and Four-Cost Reinforcements. In practice, play this comp if you get many Rods at the start, Spirit Blossom units come easily, or you get a Spirit Blossom Emblem/Spatula. Without a Spirit Blossom Emblem, add Master Yi to activate 7 Spirit Blossom for overall strength. Gnar and Maokai are 5-cost units; if you don't find them, you can temporarily use Rek'Sai and Amumu, both of whom have crowd control and are good for transitioning.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

This is a fast-climbing reroll 3-cost composition, centered around Azir and his Sand Soldiers' explosive damage, combined with the high amplification from the Summoner and Blackthorn traits. Consider this comp if you get a Guinsoo's Rageblade or its components at the start. In the early game, level to 4 at 2-1. You can transition with 3 Spirit Blossom or an upgraded Natural Fey trait, prioritizing the synthesis of Azir's Guinsoo's Rageblade. If items or unit quality are poor, consider a lose streak to build economy. Prioritize Azir or Guinsoo's Rageblade components at carousel. Around 3-5, level to 7 and start rolling aggressively to find Azir, Stone Golem, Kha'Zix, and Fiddlesticks, and 2-star all of them. If you hit many Azir and Stone Golem, chase them to 3-star at Level 7 before leveling up. If not, go straight to Level 8 after 2-starring to find Kennen or Amumu. At Level 8, find Zyra, add Kennen or Amumu, prioritizing 2 Infernal. For the Blackthorn trait, you can first sacrifice Rek'Sai, then sacrifice Kha'Zix after he evolves into a Challenger and marksman. If your HP is low, roll for 2-star 4-cost units before leveling. Otherwise, you can go to Level 9 to find Kennen or add Zyra. Each attack from Azir's Sand Soldiers can trigger the true damage effect of Swift, so prioritize giving Swift Emblem to Azir. Normally, apply the Monster Mark to Scuttlecrab; if the opponent has Grievous Wounds, apply it to Stone Golem.

Difficulty: Easy | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

The core idea is to combine 3 Eternal Wood, 2 Infernal, and four 5-cost units to form a Nine-Five composition. This is the easiest and smoothest Nine-Five comp to play at launch. The front line consists of tanks like Maokai and Taric, while the back line has Ezreal and Draven for damage. Draven can also provide economy. You can use Xayah or Caitlyn with Infernal and Eternal Wood for transition. Level to 8 around 4-2. First, activate 5 Eternal Wood and use Ezreal with Arbiter for a smooth transition. After Level 9, find all core 5-cost units. If you can roll for Lux with the Eternal Wood trait, you can swap out Taric or Ivern, and later activate 5 Eternal Wood. Recommended Augments are economy-based (e.g., 3 economy Augments), followed by 2 economy and 1 combat Augment. The 2 Infernal trait provides Grievous Wounds and burn effects. Excess tank items can be given to Taric or Amumu (traditional tank items are fine). Magic-damage fighter items can be given to Kennen (Edge of Night, Jeweled Gauntlet, Hand of Justice, Rabadon's Deathcap, etc.). Mana regeneration items for Ivern (to quickly stack field elements). Physical-damage fighter items for Gnar (Bloodthirster, Titan's Resolve, Sterak's Gage, Giant Slayer, etc.).

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

The core idea is to combine Rift Monsters with Taric to form a 10-unit composition. 10 Rift Monsters provide an additional unit slot. Each Rift Monster unit has its own Buff bonus. In the early game, you can give the Buff to Shadow Wolf to increase attack speed. In the mid game, you can give it to Raptors to reduce armor. In the late game, you can give it to Elder Dragon to gain an execute effect.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

Early Game Transition (Stages 1-3): At Level 4, use 1 Ace for transition. Prioritize Draven's items, then Malphite's, then Rem'na's. Focus on saving 50 gold and leveling up using interest. Mid Game Power Spike (Stages 4-5): At Level 5, use 3 Mecha-Prime for transition. If you have Card (combat power) as a Monster Guardian, the front line only needs one Sunfire Cape. At Level 6, use 3 Superpower for transition. After rolling for 3-star Draven at this level, you can level up to find 5 Mecha-Prime trait. Continue prioritizing saving 50 gold and leveling up using interest. Late Game Completion (Stage 6+): At Level 7, use 2 Mascot for transition. Prioritize saving 50 gold to level up. At Level 8, achieve 5 Mecha-Prime. If your HP is above 60, you can consider holding off on rolling and just level to 9; if your HP is below 60, roll for 5 Mecha-Prime first before leveling. At Level 9, start rolling for 2-star high-cost units within the composition to fully solidify it. After maxing out quality, observe opponents closely to avoid being countered or having key champions stolen.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

This composition revolves around the PROJECT trait and summoning a large bug army with numerous Zz'Rot Portals, utilizing the Pandora's Items Augment for rapid progression, ultimately achieving a strong late-game composition through high-cost units. It offers both entertainment and climbing potential. Prioritize saving 50 gold and leveling up using interest. Note: You must have the Pandora's Items Augment or an item-to-item transformation Augment to play this; prioritize synthesizing Zz'Rot Portal to summon bugs. At Level 4, use 3 PROJECT for transition. At Level 5, use 2 Brawler for transition. If you have an item-related or PROJECT Emblem Augment, prioritize activating 5 PROJECT so the bugs also get drones. At Level 6, use 2 AI for transition. If the AI effect provides permanent HP at the start, you can continuously run 2 AI, as bugs also count as units and can stack HP infinitely. At Level 7, use 5 PROJECT for transition. Remember to give each unit a Zz'Rot Portal item. At Level 8, use 1 Ace for transition. If your HP is low, you can roll immediately to find 7 PROJECT and 2-star quality units on board. At Level 9, start rolling for 2-star high-cost units within the composition to fully solidify it. If you have Amumu (economy monster guardian), you can freely chase 2-star 5-cost units later to replace needed 5-cost units on board, allowing for repeated attempts to chase 3-star 5-cost units.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sustained Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

This is a reroll composition that transitions into high-cost units, ideal when you hit a 1-star Vayne early or have a lucky low-cost Duelist start with suitable items. It's rated S-tier. Suitable for players who enjoy reroll comps and can flexibly manage economy and transitions. Early Game Transition (Stages 1-3): At Level 4, transition with 4 Duelist trait, prioritizing Duelist units. Prioritize Vayne's items, then Nilah's items, then Sejuani's items. Focus on saving 50 gold and leveling up using interest. Mid Game Power Spike (Stages 4-5): Level 5: Add 2 Ox Force trait for transition. If you have Pandora's Items or Amumu (economy monster), you can build more Locket of the Iron Solari to increase tankiness. Level 6: Form 6 Duelist trait for transition. If you have a Duelist Emblem, give it to Aphelios, and replace Kayle with Sejuani to activate 8 Duelist; if you don't have a Duelist Emblem, Aphelios can be replaced by control units like Urgot or Fiddlesticks. Continue to prioritize Vayne, Nilah, and Sejuani's items. Late Game Completion (Stage 6+): Level 7: Add 3 PROJECT trait for transition. At this point, you need to cap at 50 interest and roll for 3-star Vayne or 3-star Nilah before leveling up. Level 8: Roll for 2-star Sejuani and 2-star Zed to fully solidify the composition. If you lack Grievous Wounds, you can add Aurelion Sol; if you have Grievous Wounds, you can add Kai'Sa to boost Vayne's damage. Normally, at Level 8, you can try to chase 3-star Zed or 3-star Sejuani. Level 9: If you have the economic advantage from Amumu (economy monster), you can chase 2-star 5-cost units and flexibly replace needed 5-cost units on board to pursue 3-star 5-cost units.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

With its unique mechanism, this comp single-handedly forced designers to give 3-star 5-costs massive health buffs.

Core Items

Strategy

Early Game Transition (Stages 1-3): At 3-2, level to 6 and roll. Activate 3 Thieves' Guild and 3 Superpower. Cap interest and chase 3-star EZ and at least one 3-star front-line unit. Mid Game Power Spike (Stages 4-5): Afterward, level up and add Alistar. If you have many Sona units, continue to chase 3-star; if not, go to Level 8 and add Vayne.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Strategy

Find a way to get the first Thieves' Guild Emblem, then collect 500 stacks, which will give two Emblem Tomes. Open two more Thieves' Guild Emblems to get 8 Thieves' Guild. With two Thieves' Guild Emblems, collect 6/700 stacks, which will directly give a Thieves' Guild Emblem.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

S8's strongest and most expensive Nine-Five composition. Play it if you have a high win streak with AD items, or start with early Thieves' Guild income.

Core Items

Strategy

If your economy is average and you can't fast 9, don't activate 3 Mecha-Prime immediately; instead, replace them with Vi, Sejuani, Ekko. Two 5-cost Monster units can be replaced with Bel'Veth, Aurelion Sol, Zac, etc. Aphelios prefers the Red Weapon form.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Once, many fought fiercely for attack speed items. With the return of the old Guinsoo's Rageblade and Rapid Firecannon, this comp is fun to play again. Start with attack speed items or get a Brawler Emblem to play.

Strategy

At 3-2, roll a little for a Jax and 6 Brawler. Then, around 4-1, level to 7 and roll for 2-star units. If you have a Brawler Emblem, go to Level 8 and activate 8 Brawler before chasing 3-star units. Normally, at Level 7, chase 3-star Jax and Riven, then level up to add Leona and Sett. For AI effects, choose the one that grants permanent health.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Mech Draven, like fighters, can solo-carry in late-game. Play this comp if you get many Swords at the start and a Draven Hero Augment. If no Draven Augment, alternatives are Jax's Evasion or Malphite's Guardian's Vow.

Strategy

The strategy is similar to the first Thieves' Guild EZ comp.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

It's best to have an Ox Force Emblem or Renegade Emblem to play this. The left 6 units are fixed, then activate 6 Ox Force or 6 Renegade based on your emblem.

Strategy

Around 4-2, roll for 2-star Viego to complete the trait, then level to 9 and add Fiddlesticks or Urgot.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sustained Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

Warrant is one of the strongest Hero Augments in S8, acting as a "money tree" with combat power in Stages 2 and 3, even the strongest Augment. With this Augment, mindlessly level up early (can be solo or with 3 Renegade), aiming for win streaks with strong Guardian units. You can be the first to reach Level 9 in Stage 4, then effortlessly play the strongest Gadgeteen Nine-Five, followed by Mystic Nine-Five. Use Camille's slot temporarily for a monster or placeholder unit to farm gold first.

Difficulty: Easy | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sustained Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

The Laughter Spreads Hero Augment directly provides the core unit of the strongest comp in the patch, while also giving infinite AP to the whole team. Besides traditional fighter builds, stacking multiple Warmog's Armor is also very strong. The second strongest Augment for the Gadgeteen comp is Double Trouble, which easily takes down enemy backlines. Other low-cost support Hero Augments within the system / Augments that help you win streak can also be taken.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

Thanks to the overtuned Warmog's Armor, this Hero Augment perfectly synergizes with it. Paired with a CC-immune Titan's Resolve, it's unbeatable in late-game skirmishes, even against 3-star 4-cost units. Early on, go for a lose streak to get perfect items (Guinsoo's Rageblade can be swapped for a second Warmog's Armor). At Level 6, activate 6 Challenger and roll for 3-star Fiora. If you have many 3-cost units within the system, continue to chase 3-star; if not, level up and add Sejuani, Aphelios (form 2).

Difficulty: Easy | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sustained Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

This Hero Augment allows Vayne's ability to deal area damage, supplementing the Duelist's lack of AoE in a regular Duelist comp. The best Augment in Stage 4 is Nilah's Graceful Flutter (don't take Zed's as it's useless), granting 6 units CC immunity, so you don't fear Nunu's crowd control.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

This is the strongest Hero Augment for Mystic Nine-Five. If you're playing Thieves' Guild, remember to activate 2 Mystic / 3 Mecha-Prime to increase your chances of finding it. Its strength, similar to Nunu's, comes from providing team-wide damage reduction.

Difficulty: Easy | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sustained Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

It's best to take this if you have suitable starting items and can 2-star Kayle early. At Level 5, slow roll for multiple 3-star units. If you have few Superpower units, drop them and activate high Duelist instead.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

In the late S16.8 patch, after a small nerf to Ryze, Milio rose against the trend, and with the Demacia front line, the comp became more stable. The core is Milio's ability to reduce the mana cost of crafting Radiant Items, and Taric's magic resistance increase, making the overall resistance higher. In the early game, if Caitlyn and Vi appear, unlock Orianna and transition with 3 Demacia + 2 Guardian, etc. At Level 7, Jarvan IV / Xin Zhao can carry a tank Emblem to unlock Poppy, activating 5 Demacia first. At Level 8, find Ambessa carrying an item to unlock Milio, and find Garen and Lux to combine with low-cost Demacia units to unlock Galio. After reaching Level 9, add Shyvana.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sustained Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

This composition is known as a King-maker comp at the end of the season. It utilizes Ornn's newly added Freljord trait, combined with Shielder and Gunner systems, to significantly boost the output of Rex and Miss Fortune. In Stage 1, adopt a single-unit transition strategy, collecting full 10 gold interest. In Stage 2, decisively go for a lose streak to build economy with 2 Piltover. At 3-2, level to 7. Use Bard's free refresh mechanism to activate 4 Piltover trait. At 4-1, quickly level to 8 and roll for Rex. Typically, you'll level to 9 at 5-1 or 5-4, rolling all units to 2-star.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

This composition centers around Cho'Gath's infinite health stacking mechanism, paired with double Helm to enable high-frequency spell casting, rapidly building a "ten thousand health behemoth" with ease. The core traits are 4 Void + 4 Juggernaut, but it's vulnerable to Grievous Wounds and true damage. Play this if you get Cho'Gath or many Tear items at the start. In the early game (2-1), roll three times to unlock Bard, transitioning with 2 Void + 2 Guardian + 2 Sorcerer. At Level 6, you need to roll for 3-star Cho'Gath before leveling up. At Level 7, unlock Rift Herald and Kai'Sa. At Level 8, add Swain and Blitzcrank to activate 2 Sorcerer + 4 Juggernaut traits.

Difficulty: Fast | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sustained Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

4 Dawnbringer provides high attack speed, 4 Mystic provides magic resistance. Zed with Guinsoo's Rageblade, Quicksilver, and Edge of Night becomes an infinitely scaling backline assassin. It builds fast, stabilizes health well, and is easy to pick up. Early game can transition with 2 Spirit Blossom Dawnbringer + 2 Assassin + 1 Ninja. At Level 6, aggressively roll to find Chosen Zed and cap interest to roll for 3-star Zed. At Level 7, find Kindred and Yuumi to activate 4 Spirit Blossom Dawnbringer + 2 Mystic traits. At Level 8, complete 6 traits to unlock Gwen. At Level 9, if Draven arrives, replace Pyke and find Thresh and Lunar Beast to activate more traits.

Difficulty: Hard | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

This composition is built around the special mechanism of Zilean in S16.8. At 3-star, upon death, he can revive all allies, and the revived health stacks infinitely, allowing for 10,000 HP or even "billion HP" front lines. However, beware of mechanism counters like Lee Sin and Seraphine, who can kick units off the board. In the early game, "Happy Hour" is best with Thresh carrying Zilean items and stacking souls. At Level 7, add Sivir, Yuumi, and Kennen, using Neeko to 2-star Sivir. At Level 8, with 10-star Cultist unlocking Zilean, swap Kennen and Elise for Shen and Aatrox. At Level 9, completely swap to high-quality 5-cost units, using the separate pool to chase 3-star Zilean.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New Hot Pick

Core Items

Strategy

A new ten thousand HP hero has arrived in the TFT Fortune patch. This composition combines Irelia + Mystic + Grandmaster. The core is Irelia's ability to gain maximum health based on AP after casting her ability and her basic attacks dealing true damage. The downside is its extreme reliance on items; Irelia is harder to 3-star without Neeko. Main carry Irelia has a fixed three-item setup: Archangel's Staff, Titan's Resolve, Bloodthirster. Sub-carry Talon needs Infinity Edge for max critical strike. Early game, you can use Jax's "Divine" Chosen to carry Irelia's items for transition. At Level 7, find Irelia's Jade Chosen, transitioning first with 4 Divine + 4 Jade, etc. At Level 8, complete 6 traits to unlock Gwen. At Level 9, add Yone.