Teamfight Tactics started off as an auto-chess spin-off for League of Legends, but, over the years it has become much, much more. And as Riot game has been expanding into different games, it has had 8 major sets at this point, with every set after 3 having a mid-season major overhaul. TFT has gone from strength to strength, with tons of game modes, constant balancing updates, dozens of different comps to play and so many fan-favorite characters. The game essentially tries to re-invent the basic concept of every set, adding new gameplay quirks that define the entire set. Whether it be the galaxy system or the chosen cards showing up in the shop, each set has something new.
Set 8 was no different, with a major focus on augments, giving players the choice between three at three different instances in the game. These augments define how a player built their time, what items and units to use, how to position, and how to prepare for the late game. Hero augments give specific boosts to certain champions, making them better at being a player's main 'carry' or granting supportive stats, whereas other augments can have their own unique effects.
5 Pantheon's Hero Augments
Pantheon, famed as one of the strongest champions in League of Legends lore, is back in set 8.5, this time as a 2-cost front-line tank. Pantheon scales with magic resistance and has solid stats all around. As part of the InfiTeam trait, Pantheon acts as a decent unit, but his real strength lies in his augments.
Chronic Hallucinations is the best augment available for the entire trait. Should players use it, they gain a Pantheon, and Pantheon and his four nearest allies take 60 percent reduced damage for a total of six seconds. This is an incredible trait for a Pantheon re-roll comp. On its own, it makes the board really strong and players can rush for a fast 7.
His second augment, the best offense is more carry oriented, and while not as good it's still solid—Pantheon gains 40 Ability Power and 100 Magic Resistance. This augment, along with a good combination of items, can make a 3-star Pantheon very scary.
4 Portable Forge
Portable Forge is one of the best and most flexible augments in the game, and it can turn a weak board into a great one with ease. Portable Forge lets players choose between one of three Ornn items, with a total of ten in the game. A lot of these items are fantastic, with Rocket Propelled Fist being essentially a Blitzcrank Hook Grab. Infinity Force is an excellent carry item, and the likes of Gold Collector and Obsidian Cleaver all have their uses.
Units like Ezreal, Belveth, and Camille do great with Ornn items, and this augment can be a great choice for players who are still waiting to see what comp they're deciding to go for or those who don't want to be restricted to a particular route. In the early game especially, Ornn items can be a difference maker in fights and can act as the foundation for a win streak.
3 Trade Sector
Trade Sector is reminiscent of one of the old galaxy stages in Set 3 and 3.5. Using this augment gives players 10 gold and a free shop refresh every turn. This augment is incredible if players are playing a re-roll comp, especially if it shows up early in the game.
Moreover, the augment is great to build a solid economy. Not only does the 10 gold instantly put players over the threshold for interest, but the free refresh can be seen as 2 gold saved every turn, even if the players are not playing a re-roll-heavy comp. Overall, this is a very solid augment that can be used on nearly every occasion.
2 Twisted Fate
Twisted Fate has been added to the game this set as well. He's a 4-cost unit with three different traits, InfiniTeam, Duelist, and Spellslinger. These traits make him a solid ability power carry option and an all-around decent unit. While Twisted Fate is considered a hard champion to play in League, he's very easy to play in most TFT comps. What makes Twisted Fate great is his augments, particularly Ante Up, as this augment rewards players with gold and item components after Twisted Fate uses his ability a certain number of times.
If Twisted Fate is itemized, he can use his augment effectively giving players a decent stream of gold and items. His second augment gear shift is solid too, particularly if players are playing a comp that relies on units having high attack speed.
1 Future Sight
Future Sight isn't really recommended to newer players, but it's easily one of the best augments in the game and goes a long way in improving a player's skill as well. Future Sight gives players a free zephyr and tells them which opponent they face next. This leaves a ton of room for skill expression, as players can position their board according to their opponents, adjust their comp if they are trying to win-streak or lose-streak and move their zephyr across the board, so it targets someone useful.
Overall, not only is Future Sight a great augment, it teaches players the importance of proper positioning and scouting. Moreover, a good zephyr or good positioning can completely turn the tide of a match, especially in the mid-game. Similar to Azir in League, properly using this augment is difficult to master, but leads to devastating results.
Teamfight Tactics is available to play on PC, iOS, and Android.