15. Legend
Coming in at number 15 is a very simple trait. And that same simplicity is what makes this trait a double-edged sword.
“3 Legends = Each combat: An adjacent ally champion sacrifices their life to the Legend, which gains 100% of their Health, Armor, and Magic Resistance, plus 40% of their Ability Power.”
This is one of the few traits for which you can’t get any additional emblems in order to get the full trait ability, which means that there are very few ways you can play it. By no means is it a weak comp though. Accompanied by traits such as Dragonmancer, you can play the Super-Volibear comp and benefit from the ability trait to the max.
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/legend
14. Scalescorn
The Scalescorn is a very controversial trait, and with great power should come great responsibility. However, it seems as though playing this trait may make you feel left out of an essential part of set 7 of TFT: Dragons.
“Scalescorns take 20% reduced damage from enemies with more than 2200 Health. If you don't have a Dragon on your team, they also deal a percent of their damage as additional magic damage.
2 = 15% magic damage
4 = 50% magic damage
6 = 125% magic damage”
Pros:
- Great variety of comps to be played with this trait.
- Diana and Olaf are among the best-attacking champions in the game.
- Easy to find in early-game and can be carried out into late-game as well.
Con’s:
- You can’t use a Dragon on your team, or else all trait abilities will be disabled.
- Enemies with more than 2200 health aren’t the most common, making this trait ability useless for most scenarios.
This is a very strong trait. However, it lacks room for improvement on how much damage your comp can deal to the enemy team. It’s also good to note that Olaf, probably the strongest champion of this trait, doesn’t even deal magic damage which just renders his ability trait useless for him. This trait is really good for early game and to develop into other traits for late-game.
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/scalescorn
13. Swiftshot
Swiftshot is a very straightforward trait that can easily augment most comps in TFT. However, comparing it to other traits, it may seem a little lackluster due to its simple nature.
“Swiftshots gain Attack Speed for each hex between themselves and their target.
2 = 10% Attack Speed
4 = 20% Attack Speed
6 = 40% Attack Speed”
Pros:
- Easy to acquire in early-game
- Potential to use strong champions such as Xayah
- Can be played along other comps with no issue
Con’s:
- The percentage boost is only significant once you have at least 4 swiftshot troops in your team.
- Lacks a boost of ability or attack damage
- Not strong enough for late game
The issue with swiftshots is that most troops can already get an even better attack speed boost with items built with the Recurve Bow such as Guinsoo’s Rageblade. However, due to its simplicity, it’s always nice to have that bonus without having to apply too much effort. Nonetheless, this is a great trait to start with, but be careful when advancing towards the late game.
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/swiftshot
12. Guardian
There is nothing wrong with this trait. Period. However, there also isn’t anything that makes it stand out. This is just a safe trait that can be implemented into any comp for its practical use.
“Once per combat at 50% Health, Guardians shield themselves and their closest ally for a percent of their maximum Health. Shields stack!
2 = 30% of max health shield
4 = 50% of max health shield
6 = 75% of max health shield”
Pros:
- It’s fundamental to have a defensive trait in your comp to boost tanks.
- In the early game, the max health shield boost is great for easy wins.
- Has room for a dragon!
Con’s:
- Boring….
There really isn’t much more I can say about this trait. There’s always a defense-focused trait in every set refresh of TFT, and that’s the case with Guardians.
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/guardian
11. Mirage
Traits like Mirage are hard to rank because they are pretty luck based. With different trait variations, which change with every game you play, Mirage can be a very strong way to play your games, but it comes with some caveats.
“Mirage champions gain a different Trait bonus from game to game.”
Pros:
- Very fun and exciting to play
- Has a solid comp that can be played with only Mirage champs
- Different variations allow for different strategies in every game
Con’s:
- Can be confusing to understand which variation suits different situations the best
- Not the most reliable
- Some variations are simply not worth even trying to play with
Mirage is fun. Looking at that variation at the beginning of the match and determining if it’s a good one is very exciting and a cool concept for a game like TFT. However, as I’ve said, you can’t rely completely on it since some variations are just not worth your time and effort and should be avoided completely.
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/mirage
10. Shimmerscale
Shimmerscale is the first trait in the top 10, and similar to the Mirage trait it is a very fun way to play your matches. It’s unpredictable but that same unpredictability can lead to easy wins against your opponents in TFT.
“Grant exclusive random Shimmerscale items.
3 = 1 unique item
5 = 2 unique items
7 = 4 unique items
9 = 5 unique items, which includes Crown of Champions”
Pros:
- With just 1 shimmerscale item, you can boost your carry or tank to destroy the enemy opponent
- Very exciting to play as no one else will have the same items as you
- Shimmerscale trait can be immediately unlocked with the dragon, Idas, which is amazing
Con’s:
- Some shimmerscale items are just meh at best.
- You won’t always get the item you might have expected/waited for.
- Shimmerscale champions are not the most powerful on their own.
You really rely on getting good items in order to play the shimmerscale trait in your comps. This means that if you’re targetting all of your economy into getting it, you might be disappointed once you get an item that’s not necessary. However, on the other hand, you could get an item such as Draven’s Axe which is just way better than anything you could get from regular items.
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/shimmerscale
9. Warrior
The warrior trait may be easily overlooked as its trait ability isn’t the flashiest or anything. But those people who overlook it may also be the ones who fall victim to its strength. This is a damage-focused trait and can allow for some really strong carries, such as Olaf and Yasuo.
“Warrior attacks have a 50% chance to increase the damage of their next attack.
2 = +80% damage
4 = +175% damage
6 = +325% damage”
Pros:
- Highly versatile and easy to be strong with
- Yasuo is probably one of the best champs in the game on its own, and can easily be complemented by other warriors.
- Yone-Yasuo share the Mirage trait, while Shen and Olaf share the bruiser trait, which is a big plus to complementing these troops in different comps.
Con’s:
- Chance-based trait abilities will always be hit or miss, and with Warriors, we take that very literally
- Once again, there is no real use in obtaining the warrior 6 trait ability which is pretty disappointing
- Can be pretty weak in the late game
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/warrior
8. Tempest
Probably the most aesthetically pleasing trait in the entire game. I have a soft spot for it in my heart due to how unique and powerful it is. Try and get this trait in every single early game and I can assure you, you will not regret it.
“After 8 seconds, lightning strikes the battlefield. Enemies are stunned for 1 second and take a percentage of their maximum Health as true damage. Then, Tempest champions gain Attack Speed.
2 = 5% damage, 20% Attack Speed
4 = 20% damage, 50% Attack Speed
6 = 35% damage, 100% Attack Speed
8 = 50% damage, 200% Attack Speed”
Pros:
- Champs like Lee Sin and Ornn can easily fit into most comps, and the trait ability will make a pretty significant difference
- Ao Shin is arguably the best dragon in the game, along with Aurelion Sol. Having Tempest 4 or 6 will be a huge boost to your comp
- Also great for early game with powerful champs such as Ezreal and Qiyana
Con’s:
- Although it sounds incredible, Tempest 8 is basically a thing of fairytales and you should not work towards it
- The 8-second wait for the ability to kick in may be too long for your champs to pick up the pace and could be outnumbered by the enemy before your troops get the chance to benefit from it
- Tempest champions can be easily countered due to their lack of attack or health bonuses.
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/tempest
7. Ragewing
The Ragewing trait is one of the more interesting traits added into Set 7 of TFT. It’s a great implementation to most comps and will meet your expectations in regards to champion variety.
“Innate: Convert Mana to Rage; attacks generate 15 Rage. After casting an Ability, enrage for 4 seconds: +25% Attack Speed but can't gain Rage.
Gain bonus stats when enraged:
3 = +50% Attack Speed and +25% Omnivamp (healing for a percentage of damage dealt)
6 = +135% Attack Speed and +50% Omnivamp
9 = +250% Attack Speed and +75% Omnivamp”
Pros:
- Wide variety of champions at low and high costs for early and late game.
- Very versatile and easy to implement into any comp.
- You can play an entire comp with only champs of this trait
Con’s:
- For some champions, rage might not benefit their natural abilities, therefore, rendering it a little useless
- Only higher-cost champions, such as Xayah, can be used as your carry in the late game
- Highly depends on items for champions to become strong
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/ragewing
6. Dragonmancer
Despite the fact it has dragon in its name, the dragonmancer trait doesn’t actually have a Dragon to go along with it. Kinda disappointing, I know. Aside from that, there’s not much you can complain about the dragonmancer trait.
“Use the Dragonmancer Blessing item to choose a Hero. The Hero gains massively increased Health and Ability Power, which increases by 20% per star level of your Dragonmancers.
3 +300 Health, +18 Ability Power
6 +750 Health, +40 Ability Power
9 +1400 Health, +70 Ability Power”
Pros:
- -All troops can highly benefit from using the unique Dragonmancer Blessing item
- -Wide variety of dragonmancer champions
- -Can be implemented to any comp
Con’s:
- Dragonmancer (6) is almost essential to be truly strong in the late game with this trait
- Lacks a dragon!
- The only tank-like troop in this trait is Volibear, meaning you’ll have to resort to bruisers or guardians
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/dragonmancer
From this point on, all of the traits are probably amongst the best in the game, as they are seen in basically all comps due to their practicality and versatility, so keep that in mind as you read along.
5. Cannoneer
Making a comeback from set 5.5 of TFT, the cannoneer trait is oh so great. It’s become a staple composition through set 7, and for good reason, it’s such a reliable trait for your comps!
“Every 5th attack fires a cannon shot that explodes for physical damage around the target.
2 = 125% Attack Damage
3 = 225% Attack Damage
4 = 325% Attack Damage
5 = 425% Attack Damage”
Pros:
- Its trait ability is actually crazy. Like no joke, it’s probably one of if not the best in the game right now
- Corki and Jinx go hand in hand, as they both have the revel trait. This allows for a no-brainer combo in the cannoneer comps.
- If you’re playing cannoneers’, you will most definitely use Tristana, and therefore unlocking Nomsy is a must. Not saying that as a bad kind of obligation, more of a “Let’s go! I get to play Nomsy in my comp!”
- This is more of a personal opinion, but playing cannoneers is just so fun
Con’s:
- Lack of a legendary-tier champ
- Lack of a tank-like troop, makes sense though
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/cannoneer
4. Shapeshifter
Shapeshifters are exactly what their name says. After their first ability, they take a unique new form and they are awesome! Dragons, fairies, and monsters, we have it all in one. With beast carries like Elise and tanks like Neeko, there’s legit nothing you can hate about shapeshifters.
“Transforming grants bonus maximum Health.
2 = 40% bonus Health
4 = 90% bonus Health
6 = 145% bonus Health”
Pros:
- All shapeshifter troops can do lots of damage with one complete item. No joke. They are all just naturally strong which is great
- Neeko is arguably the best tank in the game, Elise is arguably the best 3-cost troop and Nidalee is arguably the best 1-cost troop. Do with that information what you want
- Shapeshifter 6 is actually achievable without the need for extra emblems, and doing so is well worth it. The ragewing combo formed by Swain and Shyvana is a big bonus to that
Con’s:
- Trait ability is a little lackluster
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/shapeshifter
3. Astral
If you played through set 6 of TFT, the concept of Astrals may sound a little familiar to you. In set 6 we had Yordles. Now we have astrals, where every 5th shop has increased chances of including astral troops. It is a very popular trait, especially for beginners who are still getting into the game and don’t yet understand how to work their economy.
“After you've fielded an Astral team, every 5th shop has increased odds to show Astral champions, and grants a bonus Astral Orb. The orb's value comes from the Astral Trait tier you last fielded.
Your team gains bonus Ability Power.
3 = 10 Ability Power
6 = 40 Ability Power; orb value increases
9 = 80 Ability Power; orbs may contain components”
Pros:
- Two words. Aurelion. Sol.
- It is such a good comp for beginners. I cannot stress this enough. When the set first started, everyone was playing Astral as they were getting the hang of the new set. Beginners will enjoy being able to three-star troops quickly thanks to their awesome trait ability.
- Hand in hand with its beginner friendliness, if you're in low elo, playing astral will help you to rank up very quickly as it’s not hard at all to land at least a spot in the top 4 with a few existing astral-based comps.
Con’s:
- The only reason why this trait is so high up is for its beginner friendliness, however, once you advance a little bit the story changes. There’s a real lack of buffs by ability trait. 40 ability power for SIX astral’s is insanely low.
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/astral
2. Jade
The Jade trait is another fun one. Rather than boosting your actual troops, it gives you Jade statues which give speed and healing to any troop surrounding it. It’s nothing like we’ve ever seen before and it works amazingly! This is probably the most versatile trait in the entire game.
“Summon movable Jade Statues that grow in power.
Each combat, allies who start combat adjacent to a statue gain maximum Health healing every 2 seconds and bonus Attack Speed. When a statue is destroyed, it deals 33% of its Health as magic damage to nearby enemies.
3 = 1 statue, +2% healing, +15% Attack Speed
6 = 2 statues, +4% healing, +40% Attack Speed
9 = 3 statues, +8% healing, +70% Attack Speed
12 = 4 statues, +25% healing, +200% Attack Speed”
Pros:
- Similar to the Astral trait, Jade is very beginner friendly however, it can be constantly used in higher elo as it’s not as easily countered.
- There is a total of EIGHT Jade champions, one of them being a dragon. This means that the Jade vertical is crazy easy to climb.
- Your trait ability will benefit all troops, not just Jade champions which is a big plus and the main reason for its high versatility.
- Take this with a grain of salt, but Shi Oh Yu is in my opinion the 3rd best dragon in the game. The value you get for 8 gold is insane.
Con’s:
- The vertical climb to Jade 12, DO NOT EVEN TRY to do it. The sole idea of it disturbs me, and it’s definitely not worth the effort
- There are only so many ways that you can benefit from Jade statues. By that, I mean that only some troops will be able to benefit from more than one statue, and just one statue on some champs may not hold up to stronger comps
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/jade
1. Mage
And so we get to arguably the best trait in the game: Mage. This trait is great. It’s so simple yet so good. It's no surprise that the strongest comps through patch changes have remained with mages.
“Mages cast twice and have modified total Ability Power.
3 = 75% Ability Power
5 = 100% Ability Power
7 = 125% Ability Power
9 = 150% Ability Power”
Pros:
- With a basic understanding of how the game works, playing mage should be a smooth ride to high elo in no time.
- The variety of mage champs is awesome, and its use of ability power simply means that using any magic damage items on these champs will be enough to be strong in no time. The meta has allowed for magic damage comps to remain on top.
- This might be considered cheating, but Aurelion Sol with a Mage emblem is probably the best champ in the entire game.
Con’s:
- I guess a natural mage dragon would have been cool…
- It's not easy, and I also wouldn’t recommend aiming for Mage 9. It’s just not worth it. Take my word for it. Mage 7 is good enough.
You can take a look at more details on this trait here: https://www.metasrc.com/tft/trait/mage
