TFT Set 16 Patch 16.2: The Best Compositions

With the arrival of patch 16.2, the Set 16 meta has stabilized, revealing specific strategies that allow players to dominate lobbies and secure podium finishes. After the recent balance adjustments, success no longer depends solely on luck, but on understanding precise transitions and optimal itemization for each core unit.

In this article, we analyze in detail the four strongest compositions at the moment: from the maximum power potential of the Ryze-Ziggs combo to Kalista’s consistency in securing a Top 4. If you’re looking to optimize your decision-making in every phase of the game and understand which units truly unlock your board’s potential, these are the paths you need to know to push beyond your limits in the current ranked ladder.

Ryze + Ziggs

Strategy and Execution

This composition relies on an early Yordle start and Ability Power (AP) items. The player should transition through Yordles and later build a solid frontline with Dr. Mundo, Wukong, and Taric, eventually unlocking Sett. The backbone of the early-game synergy comes from Kennen, who becomes effective once the Yordles reach two stars.

Late-Game Scaling

• Level 8: Stabilize the board by positioning units in the backline to empower Sett as a secondary carry.
• Level 9: Essential to find Ryze. With multiple traits activated (Zaun, Ionia, Targon, and Piltover), the board reaches its maximum potential.

Key Items

• Ryze: Best with Morellonomicon.
• Ziggs: Requires Void Staff and, as a mana alternative, Nashor’s Tooth.
• Wukong: Serves as the main tank to hold the frontline while the mages deal damage.

Bilgewater

Strategy and Execution

A standard composition that depends on getting Twisted Fate early, equipping him with items, and starting to generate “snakes,” which allow you to buy exclusive Bilgewater champions and items. The key is to quickly activate the first three Bilgewater units using Graves and Illaoi alongside TF.

Win Conditions

• Tahm Kench: The most important piece. Aim to get him to two stars and give him the “orange” so his damage scales. His best items are Bloodthirster and Protector’s Vow so he can cast quickly and heal constantly.
• Frontline: If Nautilus doesn’t reach level 3, tank items should go to Taric. Wukong and Volibear complete the defense as bruisers.

Items and Positioning

• Miss Fortune: Main damage carry. While she can use Shojin, it’s recommended to equip her with three pure damage items to maximize her bursts.
• Senna: Works as a utility unit; should carry Red Buff (for attack speed and burn) and Last Whisper so Miss Fortune and Volibear hit harder.
• Ornn: Place him opposite the enemy carry to ensure his crowd control (CC) hits directly.

Ekko 3 Stars

Strategy and Execution

This composition takes advantage of the recent Zaun buff, aiming to play with five units from this synergy. You don’t need every unit at 3 stars to stabilize; having them at 2 stars in the mid-game is enough to start winning. The main strategy is to reach level 6 and perform a heavy reroll to get Ekko, Neeko, and Vi to 3 stars.

Team Setup

• Frontline: Vi and Neeko provide the necessary durability for the team to hold while carries scale. After stabilizing the core pieces, add Nidalee to increase damage output.
• Support and Utility: Seraphine acts as a secondary carry. Equip her with utility items like Spear of Shojin, Void Staff, and Morellonomicon to provide AoE damage and debuffs.

Key Items

• Ekko: As the main carry, he needs Bloodthirster and Titan’s Resolve to heal while ramping up damage and resistances.
• Neeko: Excellent holder of utility items like Sunfire Cape or Ionic Spark to weaken nearby enemies.

Kalista

Strategy and Execution

This is the strongest “Tier A” composition due to its ease of execution. Unlike other versions, it’s not mandatory to chase 3-star Viego or Gwen; the absolute priority is to get a 2-star Kalista as early as possible to stabilize the board. Take advantage of the game’s tempo by building items from the start to maintain a win streak.

Unit Transition

• Early Game: Use Viego (two stars) as a damage item holder to activate Shadow Isles synergy alongside Yorick.
• Late Game: Once Gwen appears, transfer Viego’s items to her, as she has much higher combat potential. For defense, Braum replaces the initial tanks as the most solid piece of the comp.

Key Items

• Kalista: Her three core items are Spear of Shojin, Last Whisper, and Deathblade (or another crit damage item) to maximize her board-clearing ability.
• Support: Thresh provides utility with Morellonomicon, applying AoE burn. Ornn and Fiddlesticks are added in the late game for extra resources and crowd control (CC).

Conclusion

Success in patch 16.2 depends on adaptability and managing the game’s tempo. Whether aiming for maximum power ceiling with the Ryze-Ziggs board or prioritizing consistency and positioning with Kalista or Bilgewater, the key lies in recognizing the signals the game provides from the earliest rounds.

Mastering these four team architectures will not only stabilize your mid-game but also give you the tools to know when to push for a level 9 composition or when to secure a Top 4 through slow-rolling 3-cost units. Implement these strategies in your matches and use each transition as an opportunity to gain an edge over your opponents.

See you at level 9. Good luck climbing!