TFT Set 16 Lore & Legends Tier List 2025: Best S–B Tier Meta Comps [Patch 16.1 Update]

on

Runeterra's chessboard has never been bigger or more complex. TFT Set 16: Lore & Legends introduces a revolutionary Unlockables system, featuring 100 champions—40 of which must be earned through in-game conditions. Victory now depends on completing quests as much as managing your economy.

This comprehensive Patch 16.1 guide cuts through the chaos. From S-tier powerhouses dominating the ladder to reliable A and B-tier strategies, we’ve got the ultimate roadmap to climb ranked efficiently.

Understanding the Set 16 Meta: The Rules Have Changed

1. Unlockable Champions: A Game-Changer

Forty champions, from Kai'Sa (4-cost) to Baron Nashor (7-cost), are hidden behind specific objectives. Completing them guarantees these champions in your next shop refresh. Unlocks are game-specific and do not carry over.

Pro Tip: Plan your early game around unlockables—they can completely turn your late-game board.

2. Patch 16.1 System Changes

TFT Set 16 Lore & Legends Tier List 2025: [Patch 16.1 Update]

  • Leveling & Economy: Level 8 costs 60 XP; Levels 9 & 10 cost 68 XP each, rewarding flexible late-game strategies.

  • Shop Odds: 4-cost units at Level 8 and 5-cost units at Level 9 now appear more frequently.

  • Player Damage: Stage 3 damage increased (punishes weak early boards), Stage 4 damage decreased (more time to stabilize).

TFT Set 16 Tier List: Best Team Compositions

The following tier list ranks compositions based on consistency, strength, and flexibility in Patch 16.1.

🏆 S-Tier: Meta-Defining Powerhouses

CompositionCore Strategy & CarriesKey Traits / MechanicsHow to Play
Fast 9 FleetAggressively level to 9 using Fleet (Rapidfire). Carries: Lucian & Senna, Miss Fortune.Focus on high-value 4 and 5-cost units. Strong early board preserves health.Hyper-roll to Level 9, then roll for legendary carries and unlockables.
ArcanineMagic-damage powerhouse combining Mage double-casts with Strategist shields. Carries: Swain, Sylas, Annie.Swain acts as unkillable frontline tank and damage dealer.Hyper-roll 3-cost units at Level 9 or fast Level 8 approach.
Freeze TimeControl battlefield via Ixtal (Glacial) freezing. Carries: Lissandra, Zilean, Volibear.Shuts down attack-speed teams. Relies on Sentinel frontline.Fast Level 8 to find Lissandra/Zilean. Stack AP/mana items.
The Ruined KingShadow Isles slow-roll grows stronger over time. Carries: Viego, Thresh, Kalista.Unlock more Shadow Isles units by hitting soul thresholds.Slow roll at Level 5–6 to 3-star 1 & 2-cost units, then level up for high-cost unlocks.
FlexiMelFlexible board built around 5-cost Mel. Carries: Lucian & Senna, Mel, Swain.Adapts based on available units/augments. Mel provides disruption & damage.Fast Level 9 strategy to find Mel & other high-impact 5-cost champions.

👍 A-Tier: Strong & Reliable Contenders

CompositionCore Strategy & CarriesKey Traits / MechanicsHow to Play
Unleash The VoidStack Void to summon powerful units; unlock 7-cost Baron Nashor. Carries: Kai'Sa, Baron Nashor.Unlock Rift Herald (Void active for 8 combats).Fast Level 8 for Kai'Sa, save units for Baron unlock.
Path of IoniaUtilize versatile Ionia trait; random effects per game. Carries: Sett, Wukong, Yunara.Adapt based on active effect (gold, XP, stats).Fast Level 8, assemble board with strong Ionia synergy.
BardpheliosSlow-roll centered on 2-cost Bard. Carries: Sion, Bard, Aphelios.Unlock Bard by rerolling 4 times before Stage 2 Carousel.Slow-roll Level 6 to 3-star Bard & other 2/3-cost units.

⚖️ B-Tier: Situational & Viable

CompositionCore Strategy & CarriesKey Traits / MechanicsHow to Play
FOR DEMACIA!Defensive team using Demacia trait for armor/magic resist. Carries: Lux, Garen, Vayne.Grants Radiant item at highest tier.Standard fast Level 8 to find 4-cost Demacia units.
Piltover-ProgressStack Piltover trait, manage loss streak for cash-out. Carries: Seraphine, T-Hex.High-risk, high-reward; careful health management needed.Build T-Hex, then convert gold advantage into strong late-game board.

💡 Expert Insight: Compositions can jump tiers depending on Hero Augments or Artifacts. For example, Viego or Illaoi comps may rise to S-tier with perfect unlock conditions.

Masterclass: Piloting “The Ruined King” (Shadow Isles)

Core Concept: Scale infinitely by collecting Shadow Isles souls. Every champion death generates souls, boosting health & damage.

Early Game (Stages 1–2):

  • Find Viego as your starter engine.

  • Use strong early units to preserve health.

  • Unlock Yorick by 2-star Viego with two items.

Mid-Game (Stages 3–4):

  • Slow-roll Level 5–6.

  • Roll excess gold to 3-star 1/2-cost Shadow Isles units.

  • Unlock Gwen at 20 souls, Kalista at 70 souls.

Late Game (Stage 5+):

  • Level 7–8, aim for 6 Shadow Isles on board.

  • Unlock Thresh at 175 souls for a massive spike.

  • Position Viego to chain resets; Thresh & Yorick form the frontline.

Essential Ranked Climbing Tips

  • Plan Unlocks Early: Check conditions for key units and strategize your mid-game accordingly.

  • Flexibility Wins: Don’t force the same S-tier comp; a well-placed B-tier can outperform a misplayed S-tier.

  • Use Provisional Games Wisely: First 5 games are safe experimentation. Top-four = bonus LP, bottom-four = no loss.

  • Respect Stage 3 Damage: Increased early damage punishes weak boards. Stage 4 decrease gives recovery opportunity.

Conclusion: Your Legend Begins Now

TFT Set 16: Lore & Legends offers unparalleled strategic depth. Master unlockables, adapt to the meta, and plan your boards carefully. Victory now intertwines with Runeterra’s lore—unlock legends and create your own stories on the battlefield.

CTA: Which composition has brought you the most glory in Set 16? Share your experiences and favorite unlockable champions in the comments below!

Community & Resources

Comments

Post a Comment