In a certain way, Teamfight Tactics is similar to a mind-breaker, or to a Rubik's Cube: you want to achieve a certain result but there are absolutely no limits to the number of situations that you may encounter. However, it does not mean you should not aim for a specific composition while developing your strategy.
In this article, we will cover the "Ranger Knights" composition — a lineup that combines the extreme damage input of Rangers to the incredible tankiness of Knights. Get ready to grab all Tears and Bows, because you're going to need a TONS of Statikk Shiv!
Level 9 Dream Team
Composition Synergies
• Rangers have a 65% Chance Double Attack Speed
• One Random ally gets +60 Armor + Magic Resist and 35 health per hit.
• All allies ignore 15 Damage from all sources
• Allies adjacent a Guardian Unit receive armor +50 Armor
• Glacials have a 20% Chance to Stun
• Random selected cursed enemy has their HP set to 100.
What?! Only two Knights within a Ranger/Knight composition?! Well, yes and no. This lineup is a dream but you won't be able to reach it before level 8. Meaning that before this threshold you will actually play four Knights. See "Aiming at Top 1, step by step" for more details about how to rotate from the four Knights lineup to the two Knights lineup.
Pros
- You have one of the best frontlines of the game, capable of enduring several thousands of damage before falling apart.
- Guardians make this frontline stronger
- Rangers are almost constantly attacking which makes crow control effects — such as the Glacial trait — much stronger.
Cons
- Rangers lack AoE damage, meaning you will need a tremendous amount of Statikk Shiv.
Items
One might say that the current meta of Teamfight Tactics is a little stupid because Rangers are only viable because of one item: the Statikk Shiv.
Combination
• Recurve Bow + Tear of the Goddess
Base Stats
• +20% Attack Speed
• +20 Mana
Effect
• Every 3rd attack deals 90 splash magical damage.
If you want to play this composition, you will need to abuse this item as much as possible — meaning that you will need at least two Statikk Shiv to thrive in the current meta.
All your Rangers can carry Statikks, but both Ashe and Varus will take a little bit of time to cast their ability. You might think that missing one or two attacks isn't important, but when you understand that each third attack proc almost 1000 damages... you start to think differently. We strongly suggest you put them on Vayne or Kindred. Obviously, since Vayne does not have mana the latter is probably the best choice. However, Statikk Shiv is especially strong in early and mid-game, and you should absolutely capitalize on its power to snowball.
RNG might not be gentle with you, and you might encounter situations where you're unable to get Statikk Shiv. Here is a list of items that are still really strong with your composition:
Combination
• BF Glaive + Tear of the Goddess
Base Stats
• +20 Attack Damage
• +20 Mana
Effect
• After casting an ability, wearer gains 15% of its max mana per attack.
Who should carry it?
• Either Ashe or Kayle, depending on the round you get the item.
Combination
• Recurve Bow + Recurve Bow
Base Stats
• +40 Attack Speed
Effect
• Wearer's attacks cannot be dodged. Attack Range is doubled.
Combination
• Recurve Bow + Needlessly Large Rod
Base Stats
• +20% Attack Speed
• +20% Spell Damage
Effect
• Attacks grant 5% Attack Speed. Stacks infinitely.
Who should carry it?
• All champions that are already carrying a Statikk Shiv are really good candidates. Otherwise, Kayle is definitely the strongest champions to carry it.
Combination
• Recurve Bow + Chain Vest
Base Stats
• +20% Attack Speed
• +20 Armor
Effect
• Wearer dodges all Critical Strikes.
Who should carry it?
• Anyone that you want to survive longer.
Combination
• Giant Belt + Chain Vest
Base Stats
• +200 HP
• +20 Armor
Effect
• Attacks deal 13% Maximum Health burn damage over 5 seconds. Burned units cannot heal.
Why would I build this?
• Because it counters Draven and any hyper-carries built around a Bloodthirster.
Aiming at Top 1, step by step
Early-game
- Since you can't achieve Guardians buffs until you get Leona, you should aim for Knights — especially because of their strength in early-game. Aim for the (4) Knights buff with Garen, Darius, Mordekaiser, and Poppy.
- Your main objective is to level-up 'on the curve' in order to optimize both your economy and your chances to get next tier champions at the right moment. If you manage to get an early Poppy, it might be interesting to buy your level 4 just before the first PvP round. Doing so, you will be able to assemble the (4) Knights buff really early.
Mid-game
- Your composition will reach its first power spike at level 6 if you managed to assemble (4) Knights and (2) Rangers.
- Your main objective should be to build your economy to reach Level 8 as soon as possible.
- At the same moment, get ready to introduce Braum and Leona within your composition.
- Keep your Mordekaiser on the board if you're picking Kindred — you will then benefit from the (2) Phantoms buff.
Late-game
- As a ninth champion, you can pretty much pick anyone you want.
- Yasuo might be a good pick as the Exile trait does not need anything to be activated
- Karthus, just because he's currently the most OP character of the meta.
- Swain to synergize with Varus and get the Demon buff.
Positioning
- When playing with a Guardian synergy, you will try to make the most of Leona and Braum's auras. The Guardian buff can actually stack, meaning a Champion can benefit from +100 Armor if he is located between the two champions. Keep in mind that only two champions can benefit from the stacked effect... because that's how geometry works!
- Be careful of the Blitzcranks that are currently swarming on the ladder. Blitzcrank will always grab the champion furthest from him. Scout your opponents and place your champions accordingly to avoid having your main DPS drawn in the middle of the opponent's composition.
Following Patch 10.4, Glacials rose to the top — and Patch 10.5 wasn't enough to change absolutely anything. Poison Glacials still dominate the meta — and it's not even questionable.
