TFT Set 15 Guide: How to Play Strategist

Welcome to our trait guide, where we’ll be covering the Strategist trait in the new TFT Set 15: K.O. Coliseum. In this guide, we’ll explain how Strategist works, cover the different champions, and give a quick rundown of the other potential traits you could branch into.

Explore all of the new Set 15 traits here!

Strategist Trait Bonus

Combat Start: Allies in the front 2 rows gain a shield for 15 seconds. Allies in the back 2 rows gain Damage Amp. Strategists gain triple.

• (2) 150 Shield; 4% DA
• (3) 225 Shield; 6% DA
• (4) 350 Shield; 10% DA
• (5) 450 Shield; 14% DA

Strategists provide a very useful positional bonus for the team, offering both shield and Damage Amp. With fewer Strategists available it can be a bit trickier to activate, but they’re well worth the inclusion when found.

Strategist Synergy

Here’s a rundown of the traits you can branch into from Strategist:

• Janna – Crystal Gambit / Protector
• Ziggs – The Crew
• Jarvan IV – Mighty Mech
• Ryze – Mentor / Executioner

Unfortunately there are no extra branches between the existing Strategists, although this isn’t that surprising given that fewer exist.

Janna Crystal Gambit Protector Strategist 2g

Janna’s ability lets her shield the two lowest health allies, then deal magic damage to the two closest enemies. This goes pretty hand-in-hand with her Protector trait, really making the most of the Durability. Strategist also provides a similar effect, allowing as many units as you like to gain shielding and Durability from the get-go. As a three trait 2-cost unit, Janna’s a fantastic well-rounded addition.

Ziggs The Crew Strategist 3g

Ziggs throws magic bouncing bombs as his regular attacks, damaging the first enemy hit. As for his active ability, it simply deals more damage within a small radius. Ziggs is pretty simple, but when benefiting from the Attack Speed of The Crew and Damage Amp of Strategist, he becomes a solid source of consistent damage.

Jarvan IV Mighty Mech Strategist 4g

Jarvan IV’s Mega Drill Crash grants himself a shield for a few seconds before slamming into a group of enemies, dealing magic damage and Stunning those within range. This is an excellent form of CC, and the pre-shielding from Strategist only makes it more likely that he’ll survive long enough to pull off the Crash.

Ryze Mentor Executioner Strategist 4g

Ryze deals a huge amount of magic damage over a short duration, bursting down one target while harming nearby enemies within range. Strategist + Executioner help make this even more devastating with the Damage Amp and Crit Chance. On top of that, Ryze’s unique Mentor ability grants the team additional Mana Per Attack, helping fuel their abilities at a faster rate.

• Game Plan: Mark 1 hex per Strategist fielded. Allies standing in marked hexes gain 200 Health and 12% Damage Amp, Strategists gain 100% more. Gain a Janna and Ziggs.
• Strategist Crest: Gain a Strategist Emblem.
• Strategist Circlet: Gain a Strategist Emblem, a Ryze, and a Tear of the Goddess.
• Strategist Crown: Gain a Strategist Emblem, a Janna, and an Adaptive Helm.

Team comps are very fickle, but we’ll try to keep this section updated with the best team comps you can play around.

☑️ 5 The crew 4 Strategist Jiggs

Link Guide: 5 The crew 4 Strategist Jiggs

☑️ 6 Protector 4 Strategist

Link Guide: 6 Protector 4 Strategist

☑️ 5 Executioner 4 Strategist Ryze

Link Guide: 5 Executioner 4 Strategist Ryze

Thanks for reading! If you want to try and come up with your own team comps for Set 15, check out our Team Builder. For a full overview on the new set, check out our TFT Set 15 Blog Page.