Article analyzing the TFT Set 13 Patch 13.5 meta by Zeta Title

Title is a Japanese Teamfight Tactics player who is currently playing for ZETA DIVISION. He is the first and only Teamfight Tactics two-time World Champion. Zeta Title has won numerous major tournaments, earning a total of $427,853. Notably, he claimed two TFT World Championships: the Runeterra Reforged Championship and the Magic n' Mayhem Tactician's Crown.

For every TFT patch, Title publishes a meta analysis article, but it's written in Japanese, making it difficult to read the content. Here is his article:

There aren’t many changes compared to the previous patch. Essentially, this is still a patch where 1-2 cost reroll comps and 4-cost carries remain very strong. Most compositions have stayed the same, and dominant comps from the last patch—such as 6 Scrap, Urgot reroll, and Visionary—are still highly effective.

The buffs in this patch are relatively minor, mainly targeting Dominator and Rebel traits. However, Dominator comps still feel somewhat weak due to their many unfavorable matchups and strict team-building requirements.

On the other hand, Rebel comps were already in a decent spot, so even a small buff makes them feel quite strong. In particular, the Heimerdinger Sentinel comp benefits from the Rebel HP buff, making the entire team much stronger.

Chem-Baron has been heavily nerfed. Previously, obtaining Chem-Baron from Augments or Training Dummies almost guaranteed a top 1 finish, but now that the Chem-Baron Emblem has been removed, reaching 500 stacks has become much more difficult. However, the Smeech comp is still viable if you can gather around 300-400 stacks.

Additionally, since the Chem-Baron Emblem has been removed, the "Calling Card" Anomaly can now guarantee the creation of certain emblems.

Some useful emblems include Visionary, Pit Fighter, and Ambusher. While situational, they can be extremely strong in specific scenarios, allowing you to expand your playstyle if used correctly:

• Visionary: Strong when you already have Rumble.
• Pit Fighter: If you've already obtained a Pit Fighter Emblem through the Ambessa Portal, you can activate 8 Pit Fighter.
• Ambusher: Although its emblem is strong, "Calling Card" isn't ideal for an Ambusher comp since it heavily relies on Anomalies, and simply having Jinx is enough to activate 5 Ambusher.

On the other hand, when playing Scrap, activating Ambusher from Smeech is extremely powerful. Consider keeping it for synergy.

This not only boosts Ekko’s damage but also helps optimize Rumble and Corki’s itemization. At level 9, you should aim for 6 Scrap and 5 Ambusher to maximize power.

• Gain an emblem that matches a non-unique trait from this champion.

The emblems that can be guaranteed from the "Calling Card" Anomaly can be found in detail in this article: TFT Set 13: Tips for Choosing the Right Emblem with Anomaly "Calling Card"

These are compositions that don’t require specific Augments, making them easy to pivot into in any game. This section includes both flexible comps and those with clear conditions, allowing you to quickly assess their viability in each match.

1. Overview

This is a composition that can be played without specific conditions and is also the only viable option for utilizing AD items effectively.

You should prioritize this comp when you receive an item-related Augment at 2-1 or when you can build items from Sparring Gloves (such as Infinity Edge, Last Whisper, etc.).

This Comp Has Two Main Strengths:

• High overall durability: The total number of defensive items helps keep the carry stable, even at 1-star.
• Flexible slots: Easy to fit in 6-cost champions if you roll them and allows for an early Rumble if you're lucky.

Item Priorities:

• Giant’s Belt > Guardbreaker
• Tear of the Goddess > Hand Of Justice
• Chain Vest > Crownguard

At level 9, you can add 2 Guardian or slot in any 6-cost champions you’ve rolled. If you get a 2-star Ekko or Corki duplicate, you can play both for extra power.

2. Gameplay Tips

• Only build damage items—survivability is covered by Scrap shields.
• Giant’s Belt & Chain Vest can turn into damage items thanks to Scrap 6, so avoid building Warmog’s Armor or Bramble Vest too early.
• Negatron Cloak cannot convert into a damage item, so it’s best used for Ionic Spark, Evenshroud, or Runaan’s Hurricane.
• Prioritize item-related Augments—since this comp distributes many components, Thief’s Gloves Augments aren’t ideal. Also, items and emblems held by Training Dummies or Golems count toward Scrap shield effects. If you get a Scrap Emblem from Golem Trainer or "Wandering Dummy" Augment, prioritize picking it.
• Choose Forecast Augments wisely—this comp scales with the total number of items. Look for Augments that increase item count, such as Vi, Mel’s Blessing, or An Exalted Adventure, to maximize strength.

• First Augment: Provides a shield equivalent to 12 item components, making it the strongest Augment for this comp. Take it immediately if available.
• Second Augment: Helps utilize hard-to-use Emblems, making Scrap more viable. Additionally, the increased drop rate of Reforgers is a huge advantage, allowing for better item optimization.

3. Recommended Anomalies

• Calling Card: Ekko; Smeech
• Stoneskin: Ekko
• Bulwark: Ekko
• Center of the Universe: Gangplank
• Dual Wielding
• Infectious Anomaly

Increasing Armor and Magic Resist for Ekko helps him cast abilities faster, indirectly boosting the team's damage output.

However, only assign an Anomaly to Ekko if he is 2-star or can be upgraded soon. This ensures he has enough durability to fully utilize the effect.

And more!