May 21, 2026 Rank-Up Secret: Detailed Guide to New S17/S18 High-Cost Comps, Multi-Season Strategies to Easily Reach Top Rank

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

Core Items

Strategy

The core idea of this comp is that summoned fish instantly wipe out the backline. Lulu's fountain effect can hit 6 units at once, forming a closed loop with the completed synergy. Furthermore, units on fortified hexes gain healing and increased damage per second. In the early game, use 3 Starcaller for transition. Start rolling at Level 7 to chase 3-star core units. After getting 3-star Lulu and 3-star frontlines, level up. Check the Starcaller effect at the start; play this comp if Fountain appears.

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

Core Items

Strategy

The core of this comp is the powerful combination of Aurelion Sol and Nami, achieving perfect synergy at Level 8. In the early game, use Shepherd units for transition, with Teemo or Lissandra holding items. In the mid game, focus on assembling Juggernaut units. At Level 8, start rolling to chase 2-star all units. If there are no rivals in the lobby, consider chasing 3-star 4-cost units or going Level 9 to add Redeemer to raise the comp's ceiling.

Difficulty: Medium | Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐ | Rank-Stealing Comp

Core Items

Strategy

This is a system comp that scales through high-cost units, belonging to a niche rank-stealing style. Best start: Xayah or recommended Ornn artifacts, and plenty of attack speed. In the early game, at 4 units, use 2 Sniper, 2 Bastion for transition, prioritizing saving 50 gold to level up using interest. If you have no quality units at the start, you can use Chrono or Oceanweaver synergy for transition. At 5 units, use 2 Nova Strike Team for transition. At 6 units, add 1 Redeemer. At 7 units, add 2 Brawler. Prioritize taking item-type Augments or combat-type Augments. Take Artifact Augments or Ekko Deity to raise the comp's ceiling. At 8 units, start rolling for 2-star Xayah and 2-star Nunu to complete the comp. Pay attention to whether there are rivals; consider if you can steal 3-star 4-cost at this level to reach the top. If rivals also have 2-star units, you can level up to 9 to add to the comp's ceiling. At 9 units, start rolling for 2-star high-cost core units to complete the comp. After rolling for full quality, remember to observe opponents, don't let rivals steal 3-star 4-cost units; remember to hold units.

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

Core Items

Strategy

This Nova Zed comp is a branch of the Nova 95 comp. Zed's core mechanic is that his clones inherit item stats and can infinitely clone, resulting in absurd damage density. Once completed, it's essentially T0-tier, with a very high ceiling. In the early game, you can transition with normal win streaks, using 3 Oceanweaver or 3 Chrono system or Shepherd. Prioritize building Edge of Night and Guinsoo's Rageblade. In the mid game, units are generally assembled around 4-5/5-1. Typically start rolling at Level 9, following the Nova 95 tempo. Win streaking is not recommended; you need HP to sustain until 4-2 to get Zed. If early game lose streak puts HP at risk, roll appropriately at 4-2 to maintain quality. Shadow Lord (Zed exclusive) is a must-take Augment. Additionally, you can choose big economy Augments or Ahri (Deity choice) to help you reach Level 9 faster to find 2-star Zed. Place Zed in the backline or corner.

Difficulty: Newbie Friendly | Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Consistently Popular

Core Items

Strategy

This comp is the 2.0 version of Million HP Cho'Gath, achieving infinite scaling through Dark Star's massive size effect combined with 3-star Cho'Gath, becoming both tanky and dealing damage. In the early game, take reroll Augments and do not level up, chasing 3-star Cho'Gath. In the mid game, assemble Chrono, Brawler, and Dark Star for transition. In the late game, at Level 9, find Jhin to activate 6 Dark Star.

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

Core Items

Strategy

At the start, prioritize getting 3 Fantastical to start a lose streak. Consistently stack 300-500 Warbunny Crossbow stacks for Jinx to carry through transition. Throughout the game, prioritize grabbing items to synthesize Diana's core three items. At Level 7, small roll to find 2-star core units to stabilize HP, slowly chase 3-star Diana; if LeBlanc is not found, you can add 3 Shepherd or 3 Judge units as temporary holders. Do not level up before the core unit is 3-star. After Diana is 3-star at Level 8, prioritize adding Galio to strengthen frontline tankiness, save 50 gold interest to slowly level up, ensuring a healthy economy. At Level 9, add Karma to activate 4 Traveler synergy, completing the comp. Prioritize giving excess items to front-line tanks, magic items to Aurora, physical items to Jinx. Subsequently, slowly chase 3-star 4-cost units to further lock in HP, reliably securing first place. The Judge "Karma" Augment must be chosen for 10 instances of damage + 15% Max HP shield, which synergizes with Diana's own shield to achieve infinite shields, making the frontline almost invulnerable. If you cannot assemble 3 Fantastical or start with a large lose streak, leading to insufficient Warbunny Crossbow stacks, the comp's power will be significantly reduced. Diana and Aurora are fixed dual carries; in late game, you can chase 3-star LeBlanc to replace, for a higher ceiling; frontliners can be flexibly replaced with high-tankiness units.

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

Core Items

Strategy

In the early game, rely on Juggernaut units paired with backline units 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 Judge refresh modifiers, prioritizing locking in the "every 4 seconds + 10 Mana" modifier. Early game focus on accumulating economy, do not blindly roll. Prioritize assembling 4 Juggernaut synergy to stabilize game HP, use strong 2-star units to stabilize board strength. At 4-2, level up to 8 on time, focus on searching for core LeBlanc and completing the 4 Juggernaut system. All units reaching 2-star grants the ability to stabilize HP; if unit drops are plentiful, you can pursue 3-star LeBlanc to raise the ceiling. Level up to 9 for the final transformation, replace Ivern, add Nasus and Blitzcrank to form 6 Juggernaut synergy. Allocate excess defensive items uniformly to Nunu to further enhance overall front-line damage absorption. Front-line Juggernaut heroes build a solid defense in the front, while offensive heroes like LeBlanc and Karma are safely placed in the backline. Flexibly adjust LeBlanc's positioning based on opponent's dive champions or area damage, ensuring her output space. If the Judge modifier refreshes with a Health Shield effect at the start, you can immediately abandon the "Iron Maiden" system and directly transition to playing "Infinite Shield Diana", allowing for flexible switching between two playstyles.

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

Core Items

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

Strategy

In the early game, don't rush to level up. After getting "Star-Chaser Ambition" at 2-1, use Twisted Fate, Talon to form 3 Starcaller first, save gold for interest. If you already have 3 Starcaller plus a 2-star frontline, and Jax has one item, you can aim for a win streak from the start. At 3-2, level up to 6; this is the most critical stage. Directly roll down to around 30 gold, search for 2-star Jax and the basic comp structure. 2-star Jax is strong in the early game, capable of supporting slow rolling for 3-star. Slow roll around 30/50 gold, and must get 3-star Jax before 4-1. After 3-star Jax, directly save gold to level up. Prioritize chasing 3-star Jax, then 3-star Pantheon and Milio. One 3-star in front and one in back is enough to go Level 7, then Level 8; no need to wait for all to be chased. At Level 8, add Rhaast (Kayn) (or Morgana). If conditions allow, continue chasing Lulu and Maokai. In the late game, Level 8 is generally played to the end; if HP is healthy, can go Level 9 to add 5-cost units. Recommended to position on the left side (toilet position), adjust flexibly according to Starcaller positions. Pantheon is the strongest main tank; if not found, can be replaced by Maokai or Rammus. If still not found, find other tanks. Secondary carry can be other 2-star 4-cost or 5-cost offensive heroes.

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

Core Items

Strategy

Oracle Laser Aurelion Sol is a popular comp in the current patch, especially countering single-tank comps, quickly draining their HP. The core lies in the pure burst damage of 2-star 4-cost frontlines and 2-star Aurelion Sol, and activating 3 Oracle at Level 9 to raise the ceiling. This is not a brainless comp; it requires precise scaling tempo and itemization. If you can roll for 2-star frontline and 2-star Aurelion Sol in the first few rounds of Stage 4, you can reliably stabilize HP and secure a top finish. It's slightly weaker than T0 comps in this patch, but has top 4 potential once completed. It can be a strong alternative transition option when other comps are not working out. Higher operational difficulty, not suitable for mindless play; recommended for players who understand mid-game transitions and economy management. At 4-2, level up to 8 and start rolling, searching for 2-star Aurelion Sol and 2-star frontline. 4-2 is a critical rolling timing; leveling to 8 too early will crash your economy, too late may lead to defeat 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 front-line defensive items. If HP is healthy, economy is good, and unit drops are favorable, go Level 9 to add Bard or Sona, activating 3 Oracle to raise the ceiling. Aurelion Sol positions in a corner for safe output, main tank stands at the very front to absorb damage; frontline can be spread out or single-stacked. Prioritize economy Augments, such as "Ahri" (provides gold and experience) or other Augments that help reach Level 8 by 4-2, ensuring enough economy to roll.

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

Core Items

Strategy

The core of this comp is to achieve an infinite ability-casting perpetual motion machine effect for Zoe, dealing massive damage, by utilizing the Judge synergy's 10 instances of damage plus mana generation effect, combined with Ekko's Patience item. It is a T0-tier, high-strength comp in this patch, relatively simple to operate, suitable for players seeking high burst damage and sustained abilities. In the early game, prioritize using Oceanweaver synergy to randomly obtain Leona and Zoe. At Level 5, you can add 2 Chrono to increase reroll attempts, aiming to activate before Level 6 and find 3-star Zoe in one go. In the mid game, when Judge's 10 instances of damage and mana regeneration effect can combine with Ekko's Patience, infinite abilities can be achieved. Prioritize securing Zoe's key items. In the late game, level up, add higher quality heroes. Use Nunu as a control point; LeBlanc and Karma provide additional benefits and utility. Prioritize choosing God-Given Forge, Dormant Forge, Sublime Adventure Augments; special Augments can be Yasuo's Starlight Hex or Varus's Duplicator. The comp's advantage lies in Zoe's high burst and sustained damage from infinite abilities. Rank-up advice is to seize the early to mid-game tempo, quickly reach 3-star Zoe and gather core items.

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

Core Items

Strategy

In TFT S17 Starcaller season 17.3, "Infinite Laser Aurelion Sol" has become a strong choice. This patch significantly buffed Aurelion Sol's overall stats, transforming his damage output. The comp is built around Aurelion Sol as a pure damage system, utilizing Oracle synergy for efficient mana regeneration, continuously unleashing lasers to suppress opponents. Simple and easy to learn, both new players can confidently use it. In the early game, prioritize using Shepherd synergy for transition. Give Aurelion Sol's completed items to Lissandra to hold during transition. Starcaller Blessings prioritize picking AP-related items; synthesize Aurelion Sol's core item Rabadon's Deathcap as early as possible. Alternatively, you can choose a Fantastical lose streak to accumulate resources. In the mid game, level up to 8 at Stage 4-1 to 4-2, start searching for the core units of the entire system, and upgrade main units to 2-star to stabilize HP. If unable to assemble 4 Juggernaut synergy, directly use Galio to fill the frontline position to ensure overall tankiness. In the late game, after Aurelion Sol successfully reaches 2-star, you can fully push for higher levels; at 9 units, complete 3 Oracle synergy to accelerate ability cooldowns. Prioritize synthesizing resistance-shredding items to maximize Aurelion Sol's laser damage output. You can also field Rhaast for additional utility. Recommended Augments include economy-based (4-Cost Group, Late Game Specialist, etc.) and offensive (Seraph's Embrace, Tailored Choices, etc.).

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

Core Items

Strategy

After the hotfix, the chance of 'stealing' 3-star 4-cost units has decreased. This is currently the comp with the highest win rate, first choice if economy is good. It revolves around Aatrox and Akali from the Nova synergy. Aatrox provides resistance shred for all, Akali grants critical strike for all, greatly boosting the output of 5-cost units Graves, Fiora, and Vex. The standard comp is completed at Level 9, composed of Aatrox, Akali, Maokai, Tahm Kench, Fiora, Shen, Morgana, Graves, forming multiple synergies. Early game, prioritize 3 Oceanweaver with warrior items or Darius with attack speed items for transition. Based on economy, HP, and rivals, choose to go Level 9 and start a big roll at 4-2/4-5/4-7. With around 50 HP, roll for 2-star main tank + two 2-star carries, then go Level 10.

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

Core Items

Strategy

This is currently the easiest 4-cost comp to lose streak and stabilize HP with. It's flexible in construction and lower cost, especially suitable for transitioning with AP/tank items or starting with a lose streak. TFT Aurelion Sol's ability can directly bypass the frontline to hit the backline; its T0.5 strength makes it playable every game. The regular comp setup consists of Urgot, Viktor, Galio, Tahm Kench, Master Yi, Aurelion Sol, forming 6 Mech, 2 Brawler, 2 Bruiser, 2 PsyOp. This comp, combined with Tahm Kench's solo synergy effect, makes it easy to 'steal' 3-star 4-cost units. Early game, use 2 Chrono/3 Fantastical/3 Oceanweaver for transition, accumulate economy and perfect items. Around 4-2, go Level 8 for a big roll; based on unit drops, play the recommended comp, remember to transform all Mechs. After Aurelion Sol and Galio are 2-star, save gold; based on rivals, choose to go Level 9 or chase 3-star.