Teamfight Tactics update changes item drops, adds ranked play

TL;DR

  • Ranked testing now live with 5-match placement system and ELO-based ranking
  • Item drops overhauled with guaranteed rewards and monster-specific buff mechanics
  • Major champion balance changes including Demon true damage scaling rework
  • Multiple item overhauls including Runaan’s Hurricane and Frozen Heart changes
  • Twisted Fate coming in Patch 9.14 with regular content updates planned

Riot Games has launched substantial updates to their popular auto-battler Teamfight Tactics, addressing player feedback and enhancing competitive features.

Following an explosive first week of live service, Teamfight Tactics has received comprehensive modifications on the PBE testing environment. These enhancements introduce competitive ranked gameplay, revamped item acquisition systems, and significant champion balancing adjustments to improve overall player experience.

The ranked testing phase is currently active on PBE servers. Players must complete five placement matches to establish their initial ranking position. ELO adjustments per match correlate directly with final placement outcomes—top four competitors gain ranking points while bottom four positions result in ELO reduction. Higher placements yield progressively greater ranking rewards, creating a skill-based progression system.

Community feedback regarding random item distribution has prompted Riot to implement guaranteed drop mechanics. Developers are exploring additional compensation systems including bonus gold, experience points, and champion units to further reduce RNG dependency.

All PvE encounters following the initial Gromp battle now provide guaranteed mystery items from the strongest monster in each engagement. Dragon encounters yield fully assembled items immediately. Uncollected items remain on the battlefield until match conclusion, automatically transferring to player inventories when stages conclude.

Item-dropping monsters now receive specific buff enhancements: Dragon’s Claw for magic resistance, Red Buff for burn damage application, or Guardian Angel for resurrection capabilities. These buffs significantly impact combat dynamics and strategic planning.

The Demon origin trait has been recalibrated to inflict 100%/200%/400% true damage against mana-burned targets, substantially increasing their late-game threat potential against magic-heavy compositions.

Multiple core items undergo significant functional changes: Runaan’s Hurricane now conjures damage-dealing spectral entities, Frozen Heart applies enhanced attack speed reduction, Hextech Gunblade provides increased healing percentages, while Morellonomicon inflicts maximum health percentage damage over time while applying healing prevention effects. Additional adjustments are anticipated in upcoming patches.

Riot development teams have confirmed the Teamfight Tactics ranked play beta season launches alongside Patch 9.14. The inaugural new champion addition, Twisted Fate, will debut simultaneously. Regular content introductions are scheduled throughout the approximately three-month beta duration, with updates expected in most patch cycles.

Action Checklist

  • Complete five placement matches on PBE to establish initial ranked position
  • Test new guaranteed item drop mechanics in PvE encounters
  • Experiment with Demon composition true damage scaling against mana-burned targets

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