Stepping into TFT: Lore & Legends for the first time can feel like sensory overload — 100 champions, new systems, unlockable units, and major pacing changes. So where do you actually start?
Right at the beginning.
In Patch 16.1, your early game matters more than ever. With increased Stage 3 damage, a slower Level 8 pace, and unlockables tempting players into risky decisions, the fastest way to climb is simple:
👉 Win early. Preserve health. Control the tempo.
This guide breaks down the best early-game champions, synergies, and openers you should build around to secure winstreaks and ease your climb through the first meta.
Why the Early Game Matters More in TFT Set 16.1
Before you snap-buy Viego or slam your first item, it helps to understand what changed in the patch.
1. Increased Player Damage
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Stage 3 base damage increased from 5 → 6.
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Losing streaks now cost more HP
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Weak openers = faster death.
2. Slower Rush to Level 8
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XP cost to reach Level 8 was increased.
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“Fast 8” is weaker, riskier, and slower.
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Strong early boards dominate longer.
3. Unlockables Are Early Game Traps
Unlockables are fun, but forcing them early tanks your board strength, especially if you're sacrificing pairs and upgrades.
A strong opener lets you unlock champs without going broke or losing fights.
Top Early-Game Champions & Synergies
These are your reliable, high-value units that stabilize your board through Stages 1–3. Your goal: hit 2-star, stack simple items, and start winstreaking.
⭐ Best Early-Game Champions (1–3 Cost)
Viego (1-cost) — Shadow Isles / Vanquisher
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One of the strongest 1-cost carries in Set 16.1.
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Bloodthirster/Vamp Scepter makes him solo entire boards.
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Starts collecting Shadow Isles souls early = scaling.
Darius (3-cost) — Noxus / Defender
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High damage + frontline bulk.
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Synergizes instantly with Draven.
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Early Noxus boards = pure stat advantage.
Warwick (2-cost) — Bruiser / Slayer
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The cornerstone of strong early Bruiser boards.
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Durable, consistent, great with tank items.
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Helps you avoid the Stage 3 health bleed.
Twisted Fate (2-cost) — Bilgewater / Arcanist
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Great early spell damage.
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Equipping 2 items unlocks Graves, providing fast Bilgewater spikes.
Ashe (1-cost) — Freljord / Vanquisher
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Reliable ranged DPS.
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Unlocks Tryndamere with two equipped items.
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Perfect if you hit early bows/swords.
⭐ Winning Early Synergies to Build Around
1. Noxus (Darius, Draven, Sion)
Why it’s strong:
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Flat bonus HP / AD / AP across your board.
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Unfair stat-check vs weak early comps.
How to transition:
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Stack items on Darius or Draven.
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Unlock LeBlanc by giving Sion 2 items.
2. Bruiser (Warwick, Tahm Kench, Zilean)
Why it’s strong:
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Hard counters Stage 3 increased damage.
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Bulky frontline keeps your carry alive longer.
How to transition:
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Pair with any backline DPS you hit: Miss Fortune, Caitlyn, Ashe, Draven, etc.
3. Shadow Isles (Viego, Kalista)
Why it’s strong:
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Souls add damage + HP scaling throughout the game.
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Viego 2-star can hard-carry early.
How to transition:
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Slow roll at Level 5/6 to 3-star Viego.
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Naturally unlock Yorick & Gwen.
4. Bilgewater (TF, Graves, Nautilus)
Why it’s strong:
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Black Market provides huge gold or loot value.
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Amazing tempo trait for winstreaking.
How to transition:
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TF unlocks Graves early; then you hunt for Miss Fortune or Gangplank.
5. Yordle (Tristana, Poppy, Teemo)
Why it’s strong:
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Free shop reroll every round.
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Easy 2★ upgrades = early domination.
How to transition:
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Unlock Poppy via 2 items on any Yordle/Demacia unit.
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Slow roll at Level 6 if uncontested.
Your Early-Game Roadmap: 5-Step Strategy
1. Stage 1: Buy EVERYTHING
Pairs > synergies.
A board of random 2★ 1-costs beats most trait setups.
2. Stage 2: Identify Your Direction
Let the game tell you what to play:
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2★ Viego + Sword? → Shadow Isles.
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Darius + Chain Vest? → Noxus.
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Multiple Bruisers? → Bruiser opener.
Follow your early hits, not your favorite comp.
3. Prioritize Board Strength
Don’t bleed HP early.
Spending a little gold to stabilize is worth it.
Rule of thumb:
80+ HP entering Stage 4 = healthy game state.
4. Unlock Smartly, Not Desperately
Complete only the natural unlocks that fit your path.
Do NOT force them.
Example:
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Sion + two spare items = unlock LeBlanc
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TF + 2 items = unlock Graves
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Viego carry = unlock Yorick
5. Stage 3: Lock In Your Core
By now you should have:
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A 3- or 4-unit synergy active
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2–3 upgraded units
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A board capable of winstreak OR minimizing losses
This is also where bad openers are punished most.
❌ Common Early-Game Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Forcing a Comp
Play what's in your shop, not what you saw on YouTube.
❌ Over-Greeding for Unlockables
Unlocks don’t matter if you're dead.
❌ Ignoring 2-star upgrades
A 2★ 1-cost > a 1★ 2-cost almost every time early.
❌ Not Scouting
If 3 other players are building Viego…
You shouldn't.
Final Thoughts
A strong early game in TFT Set 16.1 gives you:
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More HP
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More time
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More economy
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More flexibility
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More consistent top-4 placements
Master these openers, play the strongest board each stage, and you’ll find climbing in Lore & Legends far smoother than most players expect.
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