Full Guide to TFT Set 16

New TFT Set 16 Update Guide: Lore and Legends Explained

Teamfight Tactics Set 16 Lore and Legends brings one of the most ambitious updates the game has seen, not only because Riot is adding the largest champion roster ever but also because the new Unlockables mechanic completely reshapes how players approach strategy, planning, and power spikes. With one hundred total champions available and forty of them locked behind specific conditions, Set 16 encourages smarter decision making and rewards players who understand how and when to push their board toward new unlocks.

If you are looking to boost your rank in TFT this season, mastering Unlockables is going to be a key part of your climb. This guide breaks down how the system works and why it creates some of the deepest gameplay the autobattler has seen in years.

How Unlockables Work in Teamfight Tactics

Out of the one hundred champions in TFT Set 16, forty begin locked. Each one can only be added to your shop after meeting a unique requirement. Some of these conditions happen naturally. Others require very intentional planning. Either way, every unlock introduces a mini objective that adds more layers of decision making to every stage of the game.

A few of the common unlock patterns include:

• Reaching a specific star level across a trait
• Equipping certain items on a unit for one round
• Playing a champion from a partnered trait
• Performing a task such as winning or losing with a specific unit
• Reaching a soul threshold for Shadow Isles units
• Meeting level requirements before the game will offer the champion

Once you complete the condition, the champion will appear in your next shop on the furthest right slot. This small but important design choice reduces RNG, gives you a predictable payoff, and allows you to plan your next rounds more confidently.

However, Unlockables still operate within standard champion pool rules. If others unlock the same champion, you can be contested. If you sell an unlocked champion, it goes back into the pool. This keeps Set 16 competitive without removing the strategic benefits of the system.

Situational Shop Odds and How They Affect Your Rank

One important detail for players pushing for a rank boost in Teamfight Tactics is how unlocked champions appear in the shop. If you unlock a champion but do not buy it, the game gradually reduces its shop appearance rate until it drops to about twenty percent of its normal chance. This prevents your shop from being clogged with units you are not interested in.

If you later change your mind and decide you want the champion after all, buying your first copy resets the odds back to normal.

For 4 cost and 5 cost Unlockables, appearance rates also shift based on how many players in the lobby have them unlocked. The fewer the players who reach the requirement, the harder these units are to find. This helps preserve the intended difficulty of three starring high tier champions and keeps late game units from appearing too frequently in the early mid game.

Why Unlockables Boost Depth in TFT Set 16

The genius of this mechanic is that it creates meaningful long term goals without overwhelming players. Instead of adding dozens of randomly appearing traits, Riot created a structured way to introduce more champions while still encouraging smart planning.

Unlocking a champion often gives your board a spike at the exact moment you need one, which creates a very natural sense of progression. It also rewards players who recognize power curves early and pivot correctly based on the unlocks they can realistically achieve. Whether you are climbing from Gold to Platinum or pushing for Masters and higher, understanding how to time your unlocks is a real boost to your overall rank climb.

Early Game Unlocks and How They Shape Your Opening Strategy

Many unlocks happen as early as Stage 2. These are especially important because an early unlock can change your entire comp direction.

For example:

• Bard unlocks if you reroll four times before the Stage 2 carousel
• Graves unlocks simply by fielding Twisted Fate
• Orianna appears by activating Piltover 3
• Poppy unlocks when a Yordle or Demacian holds two items for a round
• Tryndamere unlocks through Ashe holding two items
• Yorick requires a two star Viego holding two items

These early unlocks are not just gimmicks. Each one opens up stronger synergy paths, improves your econ management, or pushes your tempo. If your goal is to boost your climb in ranked TFT, consistently securing early unlocks is one of the easiest ways to generate more top fours.

Other notable early game champions include Xin Zhao, who can be buffed with a Champion Augment to evolve into Zaahen later in the game.

Mid Game Unlocks and Power Spikes

The mid game is where Unlockables become even more impactful. Champions like Darius, Kennen, LeBlanc, Diana, Fizz, Kai’Sa, Nidalee, Rift Herald, and Veigar all fall into this category and can completely change how your comp performs around levels six, seven, and eight.

A few examples include:

• Diana unlocking through a fully itemized Leona
• Kai’Sa requiring level eight and a three item Longshot champ
• Nidalee unlocking through two two star Neekos
• Rift Herald appearing after eight Void combats
• Veigar appearing with two Rabadons on a single unit

Each mid game unlock interacts directly with your economy and board strength. If you unlock one at the correct time, it can save streaks, stabilize a roll down, or open the door for stronger late game transitions.

Late Game Unlocks and High Tier Champions

The final category includes 5 cost and 7 cost Unlockables. These are some of the strongest units in Set 16 and represent the peak of the new mechanic. These champions require specific conditions like alternating wins and losses, reaching certain star thresholds, holding expensive items, or hitting high level breakpoints.

Examples include:

• Aatrox unlocking at level eight with a unit holding 40 percent omnivamp
• Galio unlocking through 12 Demacia star levels
• Mel unlocking when a two star Ambessa dies with an item
• T Hex unlocking with Piltover nine star levels
• Volibear unlocking through 3800 health on a unit
• Ziggs unlocking at level nine with a three item Yordle or Zaunite
• Aurelion Sol unlocking with five Targon units
• Baron Nashor unlocking at level ten with seven Void units
• Brock unlocking through 500 Ixtal clues
• Ryze unlocking with four region traits at level eight
• Zaahen unlocking after fielding a 3-star Xin Zhao with the Champion Augment five times.

These high tier unlocks reward the players who understand econ management, pivot timing, and item distribution. Hitting them consistently is one of the strongest ways to boost your ranked climb and secure more first place finishes.

Final Thoughts

TFT Set 16 Lore and Legends introduces a mechanic that is both fresh and incredibly thoughtful. Unlockables create excitement, reward creative strategies, and give players more control over their power spikes. They also encourage better planning, which helps anyone aiming to boost their rank in Teamfight Tactics.

Whether you love reroll boards, vertical trait comps, fast nine strategies, or experimental high risk playstyles, Unlockables provide new ways to adapt and outplay your lobby

 

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