May 20, 2026 Climbing Guide: S17/S18 High-Cost Comps Lead, Shepherd Aurelion Sol & Xayah Nunu are Top Picks for Climbing, Multiple Strong Systems Coexist to Help You Reach the Top!

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Newly Popular

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

The core of this comp is the strong synergy between Aurelion Sol and Nami, activating perfect synergies at level 8. Use Shepherd units for early game transitions, with Teemo or Lissandra holding items. In mid-game, prioritize gathering Vanguard units. At level 8, start rolling for 2-star units across the board. If there are no competing players, consider chasing 3-star 4-cost units or pushing to level 9 for a Redeemer to increase your cap.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐ | LP Stealing Comp

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

This is a scaling comp that transitions into high-cost units, belonging to a niche LP-stealing playstyle. Start with Xayah or consider Ornn's Artifacts if you have many attack speed items. In the early game at 4 units, transition with 2 Sniper and 2 Bastion, prioritizing saving 50 gold to level up with interest. If you don't have strong units early, use Chrono or Sea Beast synergies to transition. At 5 units, transition with 2 Nova Corps. At 6 units, add 1 Redeemer. At 7 units, add 2 Brawler. Prioritize item-related Hextech Augments or combat-related Hextech Augments. Always take Artifact Hextech Augments or Ekko's Divine Blessing to raise your comp's ceiling. At 8 units, start rolling for 2-star Xayah and 2-star Nunu to complete your main composition. Pay attention to whether other players are contesting. You can consider "stealing" a 3-star 4-cost unit at this level to climb to the top. If there are competitors and all are 2-star, you can level up to 9 to further cap your comp. At 9 units, start rolling for 2-star high-cost units to fully complete your comp. Once you've rolled for full quality, remember to observe other players. Don't let opponents "steal" your 3-star 4-cost units; remember to hold relevant units.

Difficulty: High | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Newly Popular

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

This Nova Zed comp is a branch of the Nova Nine-Five composition. Zed's core mechanic is that his clones inherit item stats and can infinitely clone, leading to absurd damage density. Once completed, it's essentially a T0-tier comp with a very high ceiling. In the early game, you can transition with a winning streak using 3 Sea Beast, 3 Chrono systems, or Shepherd. Prioritize building Night's Edge and Guinsoo's Rageblade. Mid-game, you generally assemble your units around stages 4-5 or 5-1. It's customary to start rolling at level 9, following the pace of a Nova Nine-Five comp. Consecutive losses are not recommended; you need enough HP to reach 4-2 to pick up Zed. If early game losing streaks lead to low HP, roll moderately at 4-2 to secure quality units. Darkin Shadow (Zed exclusive) is a must-take Augment. Additionally, you can choose a big economy Hextech Augment or Ahri (Divine Blessing choice) to help you reach level 9 faster to find a 2-star Zed. Place Zed in the backline or in a corner.

Difficulty: Beginner Friendly | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Consistently Popular

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

This comp is the 2.0 version of 10k HP Cho'Gath, achieving infinite scaling with the immense stat boost from Dark Star and a 3-star Cho'Gath, becoming both tanky and dealing damage. In the early game, take rolling Augments and don't level up to chase 3-star Cho'Gath. In mid-game, transition with Chrono, Brawler, and Dark Star. Late game, at level 9, find Jhin to activate 6 Dark Star.

Difficulty: Easy | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Consistently Popular

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

At the start, prioritize building 3 Phantom units for a losing streak to consistently stack 300-500 layers of Battle Bunny Crossbow for Jinx to carry your early game. Throughout the game, prioritize grabbing items to synthesize Diana's core three items. At 7 units, roll lightly to find 2-star core units to stabilize your HP, slowly chasing 3-star Diana; if LeBlanc hasn't arrived, you can use 3 Shepherd or 3 Judge units as temporary carriers. Do not level up before your main carry is 3-star. After 3-star Diana at 8 units, prioritize adding Galio to strengthen frontline tankiness, save 50 gold for interest to slowly level up, ensuring healthy economy. At 9 units, add Karma to activate 4 Traveler synergy, fully completing the comp. Allocate excess items to frontline tank items, magic items to Alune, and physical items to Jinx. Afterward, slowly chase 3-star 4-cost units to further secure HP and guarantee a win. For Judge, the "10 times damage + 15% Max HP Shield" effect is a must-pick, synergizing with Diana's own shield to create infinite shields, making the frontline almost impervious. If you cannot assemble 3 Phantom units at the start or have a significant losing streak, leading to insufficient Battle Bunny Crossbow stacks, your comp's strength will suffer a huge drop. Diana and Alune are fixed dual carries. Late game, you can chase 3-star LeBlanc to replace them for a higher ceiling; the frontline can flexibly be replaced with high-tankiness units.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Newly Popular

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

In the early game, rely on Vanguard units paired with backline carries for a stable transition, such as Illaoi, Nunu, etc. Prioritize synthesizing LeBlanc's core offensive items, such as Guinsoo's Rageblade, Jeweled Gauntlet. At the start, immediately check the Judge trait's refresh conditions, prioritizing locking in the "Every 4 seconds + 10 Mana" condition. Focus on accumulating economy in the early game, do not blindly roll. Prioritize assembling 4 Vanguard synergy to stabilize your HP, using strong 2-star units to maintain board strength. At stage 4-2, precisely level up to 8 units, focusing on rolling for core LeBlanc and completing the 4 Vanguard system. Once all units are 2-star, you gain stabilization power. If you have many copies, you can naturally chase 3-star LeBlanc to raise your ceiling. Level up to 9 to complete the final composition change, replacing Kindred, with Nasus and Blitzcrank to activate 6 Vanguard synergy. Allocate all excess defensive items to Nunu to further increase the frontline's overall damage absorption capacity. Frontline Vanguard heroes build a solid defensive line, while offensive heroes like LeBlanc and Karma are safely placed in the backline. Flexibly adjust LeBlanc's positioning based on enemy divers or area damage to ensure her optimal output space. If the Judge trait's condition refreshes to a health shield effect at the start, you can immediately abandon the "Iron Striker" system and directly transition to playing "Infinite Shield Diana", allowing for flexible switching between two playstyles.

Difficulty: Easy | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Newly Popular

Core Equipment

Jax Artifact Recommendations: Rapid Firecannon, Spear of Shojin, Wit's End, Mitten (Artifact).

Gameplay Strategy

In the early game, don't rush to level up. After obtaining "Starforged Will" at 2-1, use Twisted Fate and Talon to activate 3 Stargazer, saving gold for interest. If you naturally have 3 Stargazer plus a 2-star frontline, and Jax has an item, you can aim for a winning streak from the start. Level up to 6 at 3-2, this is the most crucial roll-down. Roll aggressively down to around 30 gold, finding 2-star Jax and the basic comp structure. 2-star Jax is strong in the early game, allowing for a slow roll to 3-star. Slow roll while staying above 30/50 gold. You must find 3-star Jax before 4-1. After 3-star Jax, immediately save gold to level up. Prioritize chasing 3-star Jax, then 3-star Pantheon and Milio. Once you have one 3-star in the front and back, you can level up to 7, then 8, no need to wait for all of them. At level 8, add Rhaast and include Kayn (or Morgana). If conditions allow, continue to chase Lulu and Maokai. Late game, you generally stay at level 8 until the end. If your HP is healthy, you can level up to 9 for 5-cost units. Recommended to position at the left "toilet" corner, adjusting flexibly based on Stargazer positioning. Pantheon is the strongest main tank. If he doesn't appear, he can be replaced by Maokai or Rammus. If still no tank, look for other tanks. Secondary carries can be other 2-star 4-cost or 5-cost offensive heroes.

Difficulty: High | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Newly Popular

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

Oracle Laser Aurelion Sol is a popular comp in the current patch, especially countering single-tank frontline comps by quickly depleting their health bars. The core lies in the pure burst damage from 2-star 4-cost frontliners and 2-star Aurelion Sol, along with activating 3 Oracle at level 9 to raise the ceiling. This is not a mindless comp; it requires precise scaling rhythm and itemization. If you can roll for 2-star frontliners and 2-star Aurelion Sol in the early rounds of stage 4, you can consistently stabilize HP and secure a top finish. It's slightly weaker than T0 comps in the current patch, but once completed, it has top 4 potential. When other comps aren't going well, it can serve as a strong alternative for transitioning. It has a high skill ceiling, not suitable for mindless play, recommended for players familiar with mid-game transitions and economy management. At stage 4-2, level up to 8 and start rolling for 2-star Aurelion Sol and 2-star frontliners. 4-2 is the critical roll timing. Leveling to 8 too early will collapse your economy, too late and you might be defeated by other completed comps. Prioritize building Aurelion Sol's Jeweled Gauntlet and the main tank's Frozen Heart, then complete Aurelion Sol's second offensive item and frontline tank items. If your HP is healthy, economy is good, and units come smoothly, level up to 9 to add Bard or Sona, activating 3 Oracle to raise the ceiling. Aurelion Sol positions safely in a corner for output, while the main tank is placed at the very front to absorb damage. The frontline can be spread out in a line or be a single tank. Prioritize economy Augments, such as "Ahri" (provides gold and experience) or other Augments that help you reach level 8 by 4-2, ensuring enough gold for rolling.

Difficulty: Easy | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Consistently Popular

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

The core of this comp is to achieve an infinite spellcasting "perpetual motion" effect for Zoe, dealing massive damage, by combining the Judge synergy's "10 times damage adds mana" effect with Ekko's Patience item. It's a T0-tier, high-strength comp in the current patch, relatively simple to play, suitable for players seeking high burst damage and perpetual spellcasting. In the early game, prioritize using Sea Beast synergy to randomly obtain Leona and Zoe. At level 5, you can add 2 Chrono to increase roll attempts, aiming to activate before level 6 and find 3-star Zoe in one go. In mid-game, when the Judge's "10 times damage" and mana regeneration effects can synergize with Ekko's Patience, infinite spellcasting is achieved. Prioritize securing Zoe's key items. Late game, level up to add higher quality heroes. Use Nunu as a crowd control point, while LeBlanc and Karma provide additional utility and functionality. Prioritize choosing Augments like Divine Forge, Dormant Forge, Sublime Adventure. Special Augments include Yasuo's Starlight Grid or Varus's Replicator. The comp's advantage lies in Zoe's high burst damage and sustained output from infinite spellcasting. Climbing tip: grasp the early to mid-game rhythm, quickly reach 3-star Zoe and gather core items.

Difficulty: Easy | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Newly Popular

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

In TFT Mobile S17 Star God set version 17.3, "Infinite Laser Aurelion Sol" has become a powerful choice. This version significantly buffs Aurelion Sol's overall stats, making his output capabilities a qualitative change. The comp is built around Aurelion Sol as a pure damage system, utilizing the Oracle synergy for efficient mana regeneration to continuously cast lasers and suppress opponents. Simple to play and easy to pick up, both beginners and female TFT players can confidently use it. In the early game, prioritize using Shepherd synergy for transition. Give Aurelion Sol's completed items to Lissandra for temporary use. For Star God Blessing, prioritize magic power related items, synthesizing Aurelion Sol's core item, Rabadon's Deathcap, as early as possible. Alternatively, you can choose a Phantom losing streak to accumulate resources. Mid-game, level up to 8 units at stages 4-1 to 4-2, start rolling for the core units of the entire system, getting your main units to 2-star to stabilize HP. If you cannot complete 4 Vanguard synergy, directly use Galio to fill the frontline position to ensure overall tankiness. Late game, once Aurelion Sol successfully reaches 2-star, you can push aggressively for higher levels. At 9 units, complete 3 Oracle synergy to accelerate spell rotation. Prioritize synthesizing resistance-reducing items to maximize Aurelion Sol's laser damage output. You can also field Rhaast for additional utility. Recommended Augments include economy-based ones (Four-Cost Alliance, Late Game Specialist, etc.) and offensive ones (Seraph's Embrace, Tailor Made, etc.).

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Newly Popular

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

After the hotfix, the chance of "stealing" with 3-star 4-cost units has decreased. This is currently the comp with the highest win rate, a top choice if your economy is good. It revolves around the Nova synergy's Aatrox and Akali. Aatrox provides resistance shred for all units, and Akali grants critical strike chance to all, greatly boosting the output of 5-cost units like Graves, Fiora, and Vex. The standard comp completes at level 9, consisting of Aatrox, Akali, Maokai, Tahm Kench, Fiora, Shen, Morgana, and Graves to form multiple synergies. Early game, prioritize 3 Sea Beast with AD items or Urgot with attack speed items for transition. Based on your economy, HP, and contested comps, choose to level to 9 and start a big roll-down at 4-2/4-5/4-7. If HP is around 50, roll for 2-star main tank + two 2-star carries, then level to 10.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Newly Popular

Core Equipment

Gameplay Strategy

This is currently the easiest 4-cost comp to stabilize HP with a losing streak. Its flexible build and lower cost make it especially suitable for transitioning with AP or tank items, or starting with a losing streak. TFT Mobile Aurelion Sol's ability can directly bypass the frontline to hit the backline. Its T0.5 strength allows for playing it every game. The standard composition consists of Urgot, Viktor, Galio, Tahm Kench, Master Yi, and Aurelion Sol, forming 6 Mech, 2 Brawler, 2 Berserker, 2 Psychic. This comp, combined with Tahm Kench's solo synergy effect, makes it easy to "steal" 3-star 4-cost units. Early game, transition with 2 Chrono / 3 Phantom / 3 Sea Beast to accumulate economy and perfect items. Around 4-2, level up to 8 and roll heavily. Assemble the recommended comp based on what you find, and remember to transform all your Mech units. Once Aurelion Sol and Galio are 2-star, save gold. Depending on contested comps, choose to level up to 9 or chase 3-star.