Teamfight Tactics (TFT), Riot Games’ auto battler, has come a long way since its debut in 2019. The game remains one of the world’s biggest auto battlers, thanks to consistent content updates that make the game fresh and enjoyable for any level.
A brief intro to TFT
Teamfight Tactics, or TFT, is an auto battle game. There are elements of tower defense and even chess as you navigate your way to create a board stronger than your opponents. Your units automatically move and fight against the 7-other players in the lobby, so your in-game knowledge and skill are essential.
To create a powerful board, you have to consider the origins and traits of a unit and try to create synergies among your units. There are other things to consider, such as leveling up a unit, gold and economy to purchase units, and level to add even more units to the board. There’s also the unit pool, items, and character skills to consider, among others.
Entering TFT, you’ll be greeted with a massive learning curve. Getting a win means learning to play the right unit with the right synergy and the right item. You’ll also need to learn how to pivot from one trait to another in case you’re contested.
It’s also a game where no single match is precisely the same. Sometimes, you can get the units you want; other times, you need to learn how to find the most optimal way to change your strategy. There’s no one answer in TFT, and sometimes you’ll be rewarded for experimenting instead of relying on the meta.
Overall, TFT has a lot of elements with a massive opportunity for skill expression. It can be frustrating and rewarding at the same time, depending on how you play the game. It’s a game where you must try it out and take time to learn and master.
Remixing your way to the top
On its 10th expansion, TFT is celebrating with a music-themed set titled Remix Rumble.
There’s a lot to be said about the newest expansion, but one thing is for sure: the music is the highlight of the set.
Each trait/origin for this set was given its own distinct music. For example, Jhin the Maestro brings classical music to the board whenever he is placed, while Jazz units bring a Jazz tune whenever the trait is activated. Best of all is that the music flawlessly mixes which ever traits you have active. Every game can have its unique track, depending on the board you are playing.
Remix Rumble also brings back the “chosen” mechanic first introduced in Set 4. Remix Rumble reintroduces the mechanic as headliners. Headliner units are more of a version of a unit since they have an additional effect. They’re also automatically upgraded to 2 stars when you buy them. Headliners will be available in your shops until you have one on your board. Afterwards, they’ll be available every after four shop refreshes. This means you can sell your current headliner for a better one fitting your comp later.
Headliners and pivoting away from them are among the unique ways Remix Rumble has increased the game’s skill cap. Good TFT players know when to switch out of their headliner for a better one or utilize the one available to its fullest potential.
Bringing TFT to mobile
After four years since its launch, TFT is finally on mobile in the APAC region. It’s a perfect time, with the game finally entering its 10th set, bringing loads of new content updates and a new way to play the game.
TFT is a separate game mode within Riot Game’s League of Legends. It was initially set for mobile in 2020 for most of the world, except for the APAC region (minus China, Korea). TFT Mobile is essentially a mobile port of the game.
TFT Mobile still has all the things you love about TFT and brings it to the portability and accessibility of mobile devices. Best of all, it has cross-play and progression, meaning you retain all your in-game purchases from the League client and in-game rank. You also play against players on either mobile or PC.
There are some things you need to get used to in the mobile version. Unlike the PC version where you have more control via the mouse, the tapping to move your little legends (character) can often lead to misplays (especially on the carousel stage) if you’re not careful. You also lack some of the resources found in PC, like the information on how much gold is needed to level up. There’s also the capability to successfully complete a full pivot by instantly buying, selling, and rerolling from your shop compared to the PC.
Still, TFT Mobile is loads of fun. A TFT game is not a quick game, but you can still sneak a quick one during your morning commute or lunch break. What TFT Mobile excels at is bringing the joy, complexity, and satisfaction in playing a TFT match on the road wherever you are, a must in a mobile-centric community such as the Philippines. It took a long time coming, but I am nonetheless extremely happy that TFT Mobile is finally available in our region.
Developer: Riot Games
Publisher: Riot Games
Platforms: PC, iOS, Android
Words by Gabriel Pe
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE January 2024 Issue