Comp tier list

Vanguard 4 absorbs the fight while a three-item Aphelios cleans up, with Riftbeast 3 and Summoner 2 from Zyra, Mama Beak and Brambleback.

Taric Diana Sentinel Hecarim Brambleback

Aphelios Mama Beak Zyra

Overview

Go for it when Aphelios is open but Nidalee is contested: the Vanguard front of Diana, Hecarim and Sentinel holds without her. Aphelios carries alone, so give him all three items before you roll at 8 and hold B.F. Swords and Recurve Bows from the start.

Units and items

• ApheliosCarry
• Taric No items needed
• Sentinel
• Brambleback No items needed
• Zyra No items needed
• Diana No items needed
• Hecarim No items needed
• Mama Beak No items needed

Aphelios carries with Deathblade, Infinity Edge and Red Buff. Sentinel takes two Protector's Vows and Sunfire Cape.

Item order

1. Infinity Edge
2. Red Buff
3. Protector's Vow
4. Deathblade
5. Sunfire Cape

How to play Aphelios Vanguard

Early game

Open on Rapidfire or Vanguard pairs (Varus, Xayah, Rakan, Elise); hold Swords and Bows for Aphelios.

• Varus
• Xayah
• Rakan
• Elise

Mid game

Level 8 at 4-1 with Diana and Hecarim in front and roll for Aphelios at two stars.

Late game

Taric completes Vanguard 4; at level 9, Alune joins Aphelios and Diana for Lunar 3.

TipAphelios takes Deathblade, Infinity Edge and Red Buff. Sentinel holds two Protector's Vows and Sunfire Cape, and a Rapidfire Emblem on Brambleback adds a third Rapidfire.

Best augments

• SwordsmithGold, A tier on our list Gain 2 random completed items that build from B.F. Sword.
• Latent ForgeSilver, S tier on our list After 8 player combats, gain an Artifact anvil.
• Backline BlueprintGold, A tier on our list Gain a 3-cost non-Tank champion and an Emblem that matches their class.
• Item Grab Bag ISilver, A tier on our list Gain 1 random completed item.

Augment priority: items, then combat.

Traits

Vanguard4Riftbeast3Lunar2Summoner2

Active on the final board: 4 Vanguard, 3 Riftbeast, 2 Lunar, 2 Summoner, 2 Rapidfire and 2 Ravager. Every trait is explained in the Set 18 traits guide.

Late upgrades

• Alune added

Questions about Aphelios Vanguard

Is Aphelios Vanguard good in patch 18.4b?

Aphelios Vanguard is B tier on the PivotTFT comp tier list for patch 18.4b: a good comp when you find its key units or items, but less forgiving than the tiers above.

Who is the carry in Aphelios Vanguard?

Aphelios is the main carry. Build Deathblade, Infinity Edge and Red Buff on Aphelios.

What level do you play Aphelios Vanguard at?

Aphelios Vanguard is a Fast 8 comp: you save gold, level to 8 quickly and roll there for the 4-cost carries. Roll for the board at level 8.

How do I import Aphelios Vanguard into TFT?

Copy its team code with the button on this page, then open the Team Planner in the TFT client and paste it.

What are the best augments for Aphelios Vanguard?

Swordsmith, Latent Forge, Backline Blueprint and Item Grab Bag I. When none of these is offered, take items, then combat augments.

Similar comps

• SAlune Fast 9
• SFlora Azir Reroll
• SKha'Zix Reroll

More comps for patch 18.4b

The full TFT Set 18 comp tier list