Teamfight Tactics Set 16: Launch Details and Gameplay Changes

The eagerly anticipated Set 16 of Teamfight Tactics, officially named "Lore and Legends," is set to debut on December 3rd, coinciding with the release of patch 16.1. This major update promises to immerse players in the rich tapestry of Runeterra's regions and their iconic champions. A core feature of this expansion is its colossal roster of 100 champions, presenting a fresh dynamic where 40 champions are uniquely unlocked in each game through various objectives. This design aims to provide a constantly evolving gameplay experience, pushing players to adapt their strategies and explore new team compositions with every match.

Scheduled to go live on Wednesday, December 3rd, Set 16 will see its release across different global servers. The Oceania server is typically the first to receive these updates, followed by other regions including North America, Europe West, and Europe Nordic & East. While specific release times are estimated based on previous patch cycles, players should be aware that maintenance periods can sometimes extend or conclude earlier than anticipated. For those in North America, the update is expected around 3 a.m. PST/6 a.m. EST, while European players can look forward to 5 a.m. GMT/6 a.m. CET for EUW and 4 a.m. EET for EUNE. Australian players on the east coast will see the update around 7 a.m. AEDT.

"Lore and Legends" introduces a wealth of new content, including thematic elements, units, traits, and game mechanics centered around the diverse regions of Runeterra. Fans familiar with League of Legends lore will appreciate the ability to assemble teams comprising Yordles, Bilgewater pirates, or mythical Targonian champions. The primary new mechanic, "Unlocks," is designed to manage the extensive champion pool. Players must complete specific in-game objectives to gain access to 40 champions each game. For instance, to unlock Bard, players might need to re-roll four times before the Stage 2 carousel. Crucially, these unlocks are not permanent and reset with each new game, encouraging dynamic playstyles and strategic flexibility.

Beyond champion unlocks, Set 16 also brings significant gameplay adjustments. The experience curve for leveling up to levels 8, 9, and 10 has been revised, with experience points more evenly distributed across these tiers. Specifically, reaching level 8 now requires 60 XP (up from 48), while levels 9 and 10 both require 68 XP (down from 76 and 84, respectively). These changes aim to influence the pace of the game and champion rarity distribution. At level 8, players will have a higher chance (30%) of finding four-cost champions and a reduced chance for one- and two-cost units. Similarly, at level 9, the probability of encountering five-cost champions increases to 15%, with a corresponding decrease in lower-cost units. Furthermore, player damage has been subtly tweaked in Stage 3 and 4, with base damage increasing by one in Stage 3 and decreasing by one in Stage 4. This adjustment could have notable implications for players with lower health totals in the mid-to-late game, adding another layer of strategic consideration.

The upcoming Set 16 for Teamfight Tactics promises to deliver a refreshing and engaging experience for players. With its vast champion roster, innovative unlock mechanic, and refined progression system, "Lore and Legends" is poised to challenge existing strategies and encourage new forms of tactical mastery. The emphasis on Runeterra's diverse regions not only enriches the thematic depth but also provides a broad canvas for unique team compositions and strategic experimentation, ensuring a dynamic and unpredictable journey through every match.