Sylas is one of the most unique unlockable champions in Teamfight Tactics — but under Patch 16.5, his unlock condition has changed, leaving many players confused. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to unlock Sylas, explain why the requirement changed in Patch 16.5, and give meta context including Arcanist synergies and strategy tips.
Before we dive in, check out our other Patch 16.5 guide on strong reroll comps:
π The Return of Reroll in TFT Patch 16.5 — Top 5 Best 3‑Star Carries to Climb Ranked
Patch 16.5 Sylas Unlock Requirement
Riot Games explicitly updated Sylas’ unlock mechanic in Patch 16.5. The old condition required selling three 2★ units — Garen, Jarvan IV, and Lux.
The new condition is:
π Sell 2★ Garen + 2★ Jarvan IV AND reach Level 9
Why This Matters
Removing Lux from the requirement is a huge buff for Arcanist players. You can now keep your 2★ Lux as a primary item holder while transitioning into Sylas, making the Arcanist vertical comp much more viable. Riot confirmed this change was designed to preserve Sylas’ challenge while making Arcanist comps less punishing.
Why Now? (Developer Context)
Google loves “freshness” in content. Riot noted that Arcanist verticals were vanishing from lobbies, and many players struggled to unlock Sylas under the old system. By removing Lux but adding a Level 9 requirement, Riot preserved the difficulty of unlocking a 7-cost champion while improving gameplay flow. (teamfighttactics.leagueoflegends.com)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Unlock Sylas
Here’s how to reliably unlock Sylas in Patch 16.5:
1. Build Gold Economy and Level Up
Plan your board so you can reach Level 9 efficiently while maintaining your core units. High-econ augments and win streaking help.
2. Prioritize Key Units for Unlock
Acquire multiple copies of Garen and Jarvan IV, ideally reaching 2★ versions before selling.
3. Sell 2★ Garen and Jarvan IV
Sell the units at Level 9 to trigger Sylas’ unlock.
4. Buy Sylas from the Shop
Once unlocked, Sylas appears as a 7-cost champion, making him a late-game capstone for Arcanist comps.
Featured Snippet Table: Sylas Unlock Steps
| Step | Requirement | Meta Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reach Level 9 | Only possible with high-econ augments or win streaks |
| 2 | Sell 2★ Garen | Keep a 1★ Garen on bench to replace sold unit |
| 3 | Sell 2★ Jarvan IV | Often found at Level 7 or 8; hold copies on bench |
| 4 | Find in Shop | Best chance at Level 9 with rerolls |
Sylas’ Role in Arcanist Comps
Sylas is the capstone champion for Arcanist comps due to his AP burst and synergy with Arcanist traits. Patch 16.5 buffed the 4/6 Arcanist AP scaling, making Sylas essential for winning lobbies.
Why Arcanist Works
AP Buffs: 4/6 Arcanist bonuses amplify Sylas’ Cataclysm spell.
Synergy: Pair Sylas with Lux, Ziggs, or Viktor for maximum effectiveness.
“Since Arcanist AP scaling was buffed at the 4 and 6 breakpoints in 16.5, Sylas is no longer just a luxury — he is the essential capstone to win the lobby.”
Recommended Items for Sylas
Patch 16.5 also increased Sylas’ attack speed (0.9 → 1.0), making certain items especially strong:
Blue Buff — Fast spell casts
Jeweled Gauntlet — Increases crit and AP scaling
Nashor’s Tooth — Sleeper OP item; higher base speed lets him cast Cataclysm more often
Rabadon’s Deathcap — Huge AP boost
Situational: Morellonomicon or Archangel’s Staff depending on board composition.
Strategy Tips for Unlocking Sylas
Economy Management: Prioritize gold to hit Level 9 efficiently.
Timing the Sell: Sell Garen and Jarvan IV only when ready for Sylas.
Positioning: Protect Sylas after unlocking to maximize spell casts.
Fallback Option: If unlock fails, pivot to other late-game comps (check our reroll guide).:
FAQ: How to Unlock Sylas in TFT Patch 16.5
Q1: How do I unlock Sylas in TFT Patch 16.5?
A: To unlock Sylas in Patch 16.5, you must reach Level 9 and sell 2★ Garen and 2★ Jarvan IV. Once these conditions are met, Sylas becomes available in your shop as a 7-cost champion.
Q2: Is Lux required to unlock Sylas in 16.5?
A: No. Riot removed Lux from the unlock condition in Patch 16.5. You can now keep your 2★ Lux as part of your Arcanist comp while unlocking Sylas.
Q3: What items should I give Sylas in Patch 16.5?
A: Recommended items include Blue Buff, Jeweled Gauntlet, and Nashor’s Tooth (especially since Sylas’ attack speed was buffed from 0.9 → 1.0). Rabadon’s Deathcap and situational items like Morellonomicon are also strong picks.
Q4: Why did Riot change Sylas’ unlock condition in Patch 16.5?
A: Riot updated the unlock to make Arcanist comps more viable. Selling Lux previously weakened boards and reduced vertical strategies. By requiring only Garen + Jarvan IV and Level 9, the change balances difficulty while allowing Arcanist synergies to shine.
Q5: How does Sylas benefit from Arcanist buffs?
A: Sylas is the capstone champion for Arcanist comps. Patch 16.5 buffs the 4/6 Arcanist AP scaling, making him a powerful late-game damage dealer when paired with other Arcanist units like Lux, Viktor, or Ziggs.
Q6: Is Sylas worth unlocking in ranked play?
A: Yes. As a 7-cost unit with high AP scaling, Sylas can carry late-game Arcanist boards. Pairing him with proper items and positioning can make him a game-deciding champion.
Summary Table: Sylas Unlock Requirements (Patch 16.5)
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Level Requirement | π Reach Level 9 |
| Sold Units | π₯ 2★ Garen & 2★ Jarvan IV |
| Shop Chance | π Best at Level 9 with rerolls |
| Notes | Lux no longer required |
Conclusion
Unlocking Sylas in Patch 16.5 is easier for Arcanist players due to the removal of Lux from the requirement and a new Level 9 threshold. Coupled with 16.5 buffs to attack speed and Arcanist AP scaling, Sylas is now a strong 7-cost capstone unit for late-game strategies.
For more late-game strategies and top reroll carries, check:
π The Return of Reroll in TFT Patch 16.5 — Top 5 Best 3‑Star Carries to Climb Ranked
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