For Teamfight Tactics players, Patch 16.4 is a turning point. After multiple patches dominated by fast-leveling and 4-cost carry boards, Riot has deliberately reopened a long-neglected path: 3-cost reroll strategies.
The key change is simple but powerful — Level 7 now offers a 43% chance to see 3-cost units, up from 40%. Combined with targeted buffs to several 3-cost champions, this update transforms reroll from a high-variance gamble into a reliable, skill-based way to secure top-four finishes.
Riot’s stated goal for Patch 16.4 is to ensure “as many viable paths to top four as possible.” This guide shows how to capitalize on that philosophy — step by step.
🔍 What Is a 3-Cost Reroll Strategy?
A 3-cost reroll strategy revolves around upgrading specific 3-cost champions to 3-star by intentionally delaying leveling and investing gold into shop rolls at the optimal level.
Instead of racing to Level 8 or 9 for legendaries, you:
-
Spike earlier
-
Dominate the mid-game
-
Force other players to bleed HP before they stabilize
Two Core Reroll Styles
-
Slow Roll (Recommended):
Roll only excess gold above 50 at Level 7 to maintain economy while hunting upgrades. -
Hyper Roll:
Roll aggressively in one turn to spike immediately (rarely optimal for 3-costs).
With Patch 16.4’s Level 7 odds buff, slow rolling becomes significantly more consistent — and far less punishing if you miss early.
📊 Patch 16.4 Changes That Enable Reroll
| Change | What Changed | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 Shop Odds | 3-cost odds increased from 40% → 43% | Makes hitting key units faster and more consistent |
| Level 9 XP Cost | Reduced from 76 → 68 XP | Pulls some players away from heavy Level 8 rolling |
| Darius | Bug fix + longer bleed duration | More reliable executions |
| Draven | Base AD increased 53 → 58 | Massive boost to early and mid-game DPS |
| Gwen | Ability damage buffs | Stronger AP reroll carry |
Together, these changes clearly signal Riot’s intent: mid-game power should matter again.
🔥 Quick Tier Snapshot — Patch 16.4 3-Cost Reroll
S-Tier (Reliable & Consistent)
-
Noxus Trio (Darius / Draven / Swain)
-
Bilgewater Reroll (Gangplank / Nautilus / Draven)
A-Tier (Situational but Strong)
-
Double Trouble Zoe + Leona
-
Gwen-centric AP reroll boards
High Risk / Lobby Dependent
-
Heavily contested rerolls
-
Low-econ openers without synergy
🛡️ Best 3-Cost Reroll Comps in Patch 16.4
1️⃣ Noxus Trio Reroll (Darius / Draven / Swain)
Why it Works:
This comp directly benefits from multiple champion buffs and thrives at Level 7.
Core Plan
-
Slow roll at Level 7
-
3-star Darius and Draven first
-
Push vertical Noxus (5 or 7)
Item Priority
-
Darius: Gargoyle Stoneplate, Spirit Visage, Bramble Vest
-
Draven: Infinity Edge, Giant Slayer, Guinsoo’s Rageblade
-
Swain / LeBlanc: AP leftovers (Shojin, JG)
Strengths
-
Early power spike
-
Excellent into fast-9 lobbies
-
Scales well with added legendaries later
2️⃣ Bilgewater Reroll (Gangplank / Nautilus / Draven)
Why it Works:
Bilgewater’s trait shop accelerates reroll speed, reducing variance.
Core Plan
-
Reroll at Level 7
-
Target 3-star GP and Nautilus
-
Transition into Tahm Kench smoothly
Key Advantage
-
Tahm Kench now requires fewer Serpents, letting you stabilize earlier
When to Play
-
Early Bilgewater units
-
AD or hybrid item starts
3️⃣ Double Trouble Zoe + Leona
Requirement:
You must have the Double Trouble augment.
How It Wins
-
Field exactly two copies of Zoe and Leona
-
Reroll at Level 7 to 2-star both pairs
-
Abuse the massive stat amplification
Why It’s Viable Now
-
Higher 3-cost odds make hitting pairs realistic instead of coin-flip
🧭 Stage-by-Stage Reroll Blueprint
Stage 2 — Build the Base
-
Level to 4 on 2-1 or 2-3
-
Play strongest board
-
Aim for early econ breakpoints
Stage 3 — Prepare the Pivot
-
Level to 6 on 3-2
-
Roll only if bleeding HP
-
Scout for contesting
Stage 4 — Commit at Level 7
-
Level to 7 on 4-1
-
Slow roll above 50 gold
-
Prioritize 2-stars before chasing 3-stars
Post-Spike
-
Once core units are 3-starred:
-
Stop rolling
-
Push Level 8 or 9
-
Add legendaries or trait caps
-
🚫 When NOT to Play 3-Cost Reroll
Avoid reroll if:
-
2–3 players are holding your key unit
-
You miss multiple upgrades by Stage 4-3
-
Your augments heavily favor fast-9 econ
-
Your item components don’t match your carry
Discipline matters more than commitment.
🔁 If Reroll Fails: Smart Pivot Options
-
From Noxus reroll → Fast 8 Noxus flex
-
From Bilgewater → Tahm Kench frontline carry
-
From AP reroll → Hybrid mid-game board
Never roll to zero chasing a dream — top four > perfect comp.
🎯 Final Verdict: Is 3-Cost Reroll Viable in Patch 16.4?
Yes — and it’s one of the most consistent ways to climb right now.
Patch 16.4 didn’t just buff reroll odds — it reshaped tempo, rewarded mid-game strength, and reduced the dominance of autopilot fast-8 strategies. Players who master Level 7 slow roll discipline, understand lobby tempo, and pivot intelligently will climb faster than those forcing outdated metas.
The tools are here. The path is open.
Now it’s time to roll smart.
👉 Next recommended reads:
Comments
Post a Comment