TFT (Teamfight Tactics) Patch 16.4 Champion Guide: Best Buffed Picks & How to Build Around Them in the New Meta
Patch 16.4 is live and shaking up the TFT (Teamfight Tactics) meta by buffing a wide range of champions — from reliable 3‑cost carries to impactful late‑game units. With system changes that increase 3‑cost odds at Level 7 and incentives for more diverse strategies, many previously underperforming champs are now worth considering. This guide breaks down every major champion buff, explains why it matters in the current meta, and gives you practical build and comp tips to climb the ranked ladder.
⚙️ Meta Context: Patch 16.4’s Background
Before we dig into the champions, it’s important to understand the system changes that give these buffs context:
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๐ผ 3‑cost odds at Level 7 increased from 40% → 43%, making it more consistent to hit key 3‑star carries like Gwen or Draven midgame.
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Patch 16.4 overall leans into buffing weak units and diversifying viable paths rather than nerfing the strongest comps.
These changes create a better environment for champions with midgame power spikes and those worth building around as primary or secondary carries.
๐ฅ Buffed Champions: Who’s Worth Playing Now
Below are the most significantly buffed champions in Patch 16.4 — and how to utilize them efficiently.
๐ช Draven — Explosive AD Carry Power
Buff: Base Attack Damage increased from 53 ⇒ 58.
Why It Matters: Draven’s damage scales directly with his AD, so even a modest increase significantly raises his output — making him a much stronger candidate as a primary carry. He shines in Noxus and hybrid comps with strong frontline units.
How to Play:
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Prioritize AD damage items (e.g., Infinity Edge, Last Whisper).
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Aim for three‑star Draven if possible — especially potent with Noxus or traits that boost attack stats.
✂️ Gwen — Strong AP Carry with Consistent Damage
Buff:
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Primary damage buff: 45/68/105 ⇒ 50/75/120 AP
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Secondary damage buff: 20/30/50 ⇒ 25/35/60 AP
Why It Matters: Gwen is now a reliable AP skirmisher who deals both front‑line burst and sustained damage. The buffs increase her impact in Spirit and Mystic boards.
How to Play:
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Use in Spirit or hybrid compositions.
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Stack AP, Mana Regen, or Resist Shreds to maximize her damage over time.
๐ถ Bard — Better Early & Mid‑Game Utility
Buff: Ability damage increased from 120/170/240/320 ⇒ 130/185/255/325 AP.
Why It Matters: Bard’s utility becomes more relevant when his damage output matches his supportive value. This buff makes him stronger as both a reroll carry and utility unit.
How to Play:
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Pair Bard with a durable frontline.
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Items with AP and Mana generation help him cast more frequently.
๐ฏ Jhin — Stronger Burst Evaluated
Buff: Ability damage increased from 135/200/300 ⇒ 145/215/325 AD.
Why It Matters: This buff helps Jhin finally hit his intended sweet spot after a weaker post‑rework state, allowing him to be more threatening as a mid‑late carry.
How to Play:
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Build around traits like Ionia or Gunslinger for synergy.
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Attack Speed and Crit items increase his burst potential.
๐งฑ Other Buffed Champs Worth Noting
These champions received buffs that make them situationally strong or better options depending on your comp:
๐ก Sylas — More Disruption & Damage
Buffs:
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Cataclysm and Demacian Justice damages increased.
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Sylas remains a strong unit in late‑game AP boards.
Why It Matters: Sylas gains reliable damage and disruption — especially valuable in Arcanist or versatile AP builds where his utility shines.
How to Play:
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Itemize with AP and tank items to maximize both survivability and damage.
๐ฅ Tristana — Better 3‑Star Scaling
Buff: Tristana’s 3‑star ability damage increased.
Why It Matters: This helps Tristana find more power in high‑roll scenarios, especially in Yordle or Reroll‑centric builds.
How to Play:
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Prioritize stacking damage on items and aim for a 3‑star.
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Works well with attack speed boosts.
๐ฉธ Xin Zhao — Slight Sustain Boost
Buff: Increased heal amount on ability cast.
Why It Matters: Better sustain makes Xin Zhao a more reliable frontline bruiser, especially in comps where he’s meant to tank and disrupt.
๐งฑ Aatrox & Lissandra — Niche Value Increases
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Aatrox: Increased omnivamp conversion improves durability and damage output.
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Lissandra: Ability damage increased to help her stand out outside of her previously buffed synergies.
These buffs make certain specialized builds more viable when items or traits align properly.
⚠️ Important Nerfs & Neutral Adjustments
To give players proper context, here are some champions that received nerfs or bugfixes alongside the buffs:
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Sona: Healing reduced.
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Jinx: Damage adjusted after a bugfix.
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Yunara: Attack speed bonus from ability reduced.
These changes partly offset otherwise strong kits and should influence your pick decisions when balancing your comp.
๐ง How to Build Around Buffed Champs in Patch 16.4
Rather than just listing buffs, here’s how to strategically use them:
๐น 1. Plan for 3‑Cost Reroll Boards
Due to higher 3‑cost odds at Level 7, reroll strategies centering on champions like Draven, Gwen, and Tristana are now more reliable.
Quick Tip: If your early board is weak, consider rolling at Level 7 to stabilize with these champions.
๐น 2. Flexible Carry Selection
Champions like Draven and Gwen are now primary carry candidates rather than fallback options.
Item Priority Examples:
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Draven: Infinity Edge, Last Whisper.
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Gwen: Rabadon’s Deathcap, Jeweled Gauntlet.
๐น 3. Mix Buffed Champs with Complementary Traits
Putting champions into strong trait synergies improves their power significantly:
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Jhin + Ionia/Gunslinger: Adds burst to his damage output.
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Sylas + Arcanist/AP builds: Offers both frontline and disruption.
This approach helps ensure you’re not just fielding a buffed champ but building a cohesive team around them.
๐ Quick Tier Snapshot — Best Buffed Champions
| Tier | Champions |
|---|---|
| ๐ฅ S‑Tier | Draven, Gwen, Jhin |
| ⭐ A‑Tier | Bard, Sylas, Tristana |
| ⚠️ Situational | Xin Zhao, Aatrox, Lissandra |
| ⚡ Nerf‑Adjusted | Sona, Jinx, Yunara |
๐ Final Thoughts
Patch 16.4 marks a shift toward empowering underused units and reinforcing diverse strategies. With targeted buffs across 2‑, 3‑, and 4‑cost champions, players can explore new reroll boards and hybrid builds. Understanding how each champion’s buffs interact with meta rhythm — especially during Level 7 rerolls — is key to mastering TFT’s evolving landscape this patch.
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