Patch 16.3 quietly shifted the TFT meta by adjusting unlock conditions, rebalancing traits, and enhancing system mechanics. While everyone obsesses over Bilgewater and the typical S-tier strategies, smart players are finding success with lesser-discussed builds that benefit directly from these changes.
If you’re tired of climbing queues where everyone forces the same handful of comps, this guide will uncover five underrated team compositions boosted by Patch 16.3 — each anchored in real patch changes and meta insights.
๐ What Changed in Patch 16.3 That Matters for Carry Choices
Before breaking down the comps, here’s why Patch 16.3 matters:
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Unlock Conditions Eased: Kai’Sa can now unlock at Level 7, and Tryndamere and Yorick require only 1 item to activate — meaning these carries and traits are more accessible and less contested.
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XP & Leveling Impact: Level 8 → 9 now requires more XP, slowing high-roll tempo comps and making mid-game strength more crucial.
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Trait & Quest Buffs: Ixtal quests and cashouts have been significantly improved, offering better rewards and item value.
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Bilgewater Nerfs: The tempo power of Bilgewater was softened, opening up space for other strategies.
These changes are subtle but impactful — and they’re the reason the comps below are primed to outperform overlooked alternatives.
๐ฅ 1. Rapid-Strike Kai’Sa (Level 7 Carry)
๐ก Why This Works Now
With Kai’Sa’s unlock level reduced from 8 to 7, she can now come online earlier and more consistently than before. This allows flexible mid-game play and gives you a powerful spike before most players have stabilized their Level 8 boards.
๐ง How to Play
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Early Game: Build around strong synergies like Void to funnel items into Kai’Sa.
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Goal: Hit Level 7 by Stage 4-1 and roll for Kai’Sa and her supporting units.
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Itemization: AD/AS (e.g., Guinsoo’s, Bloodthirster) and survivability items help her carry longer.
๐ Why It’s Underrated
Because this comp no longer needs to wait for Level 8 unlock, it’s less contested and easier to 2-star mid-game — exactly what Patch 16.3 aimed to encourage.
๐ฅ 2. Freljord Tryndamere Reroll
๐ก Why This Works Now
Tryndamere now only needs 1 item to unlock, making him easier to access in reroll boards. Combined with newly buffed Ashe stats in some versions and the slower tempo of high-cost rushes, Freljord becomes a sturdy reroll path that punishes greedy players.
๐ง How to Play
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Early Picks: Get Tryndamere’s unlock item early (defensive items work fine).
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Mid-Game: Slow roll at Level 5 or 6 to push stars on Tryndamere and Ashe.
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Board Focus: Add durable units like Braum and Lissandra to support the frontline.
๐ Key Advantage
This comp peaks before Level 9 spam builds do, exploiting the mid-game weakness inherent after the extra XP cost.
๐ฅ 3. Ixtal Item Overload (Strategic Cashout)
๐ก Why This Works Now
Patch 16.3 buffed Ixtal quests and cashout rewards, especially at 700 Sunshards, ensuring a Completed Item Anvil and multiple duplicators. This generates a massive item advantage — the best possible resource in TFT.
๐ง How to Play
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Early Game: Prioritize quest progress while keeping a functional board.
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Mid-Game: Reach high Sunshard thresholds to hit the 700+ cashout.
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Pivot: Use superior item resources to build a carry comp others can’t match — like a fully-equipped Aurelion Sol or other item-hungry carries.
๐ Key Advantage
This macro path turns item yield into overwhelming power, often outperforming unit-stat leads alone.
๐ 4. Sentinel Yorick (Durable Frontline + Flexible Carry)
๐ก Why This Works Now
Yorick now unlocks with just 1 item, making him a reliable frontline anchor for a variety of team builds. His summoned ghouls provide zoning and distraction, allowing high-damage backliners to operate safely.
๐ง How to Play
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Frontline: Invest Yorick with tank items (Warmog’s, Bramble Vest).
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Synergy: Combine with Sentinels like Poppy and Galio for extra durability.
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Backline Flex: Slot in versatile carries like Jhin or Lux behind the wall of units.
๐ Key Advantage
This comp trades raw tempo for consistency — very strong in mid-elo where contested boards can destabilize greedy builds early.
๐ 5. Piltover Orianna Invoker (Utility Engine)
๐ก Why This Works Now
Orianna’s unlock condition now requires only 2 items on a Piltover champion, instead of needing 3 Piltover units — a change that opens up her synergy without heavy trait investment. Additionally, mana-related buffs improve her utility loop.
๐ง How to Play
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Early Game: Prioritize Piltover units and stack items to unlock Orianna sooner.
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Mid-Game: Slow roll at Level 6–7 to three-star Orianna and her core spell casters.
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Synergies: Add Invoker traits for sustained spellcasting power.
๐ Key Advantage
This comp excels at utility and crowd control, making it resilient against burst-focused boards and harder for opponents to counter.
๐ง General Patch 16.3 Playstyle Tips
To maximize these underrated comps:
๐ฏ Respect Mid-Game Tempo
With more XP needed to hit Level 9, boards that can stabilize at Level 7–8 now earn consistent top placements.
๐ Scout Early & Avoid Contested Unlocks
Patch 16.3’s unlock changes make three-stars harder if you’re uncontested — but easier to 2-star when multiple players pursue the unit. This means choosing less contested cores yields stronger results.
๐งฑ Prioritize Board Strength Over Gambling
Pushing too hard for 5-cost carries usually means sacrificing board health before you can stabilize, exactly the kind of decision Patch 16.3 lowered the payoff for.
๐ Final Thoughts
Patch 16.3 didn’t just shift numbers — it opened up new paths to climb. While most players chase the same meta lists, these underrated carry compositions exploit specific changes that others overlook. With easier unlock routes and stronger mid-game rewards, mastering these strategies can give you a competitive edge in ranked play.
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