The Slayer and Keeper team composition in TFT Set 4.5
Introduction
Appearing in TFT Set 4.5, the Slayer trait was rated as one of the strongest team compositions in Riot Games' major update. Slayers can also synergize with various traits, creating multiple variations for players to choose from in their TFT strategies. Today, let’s explore how to play the Slayer and Keeper team composition in TFT Set 4.5 through the following guide.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Slayer and Keeper Composition in TFT Set 4.5
- Strengths
- Diverse power through synergies with multiple traits.
- Champions possess effective crowd-control abilities.
- Olaf becomes incredibly strong upon reaching his power spike.
- Weaknesses
- Vulnerable to Sharpshooters when grouped too closely.
- Requires players to have good pivoting skills.
- Needs to level up quickly to secure key 4-cost carries.
Guide to Playing the Slayer and Keeper Composition in TFT Set 4.5
- Strength of the Composition
This composition uses a Slayer Chosen to activate 3 Slayers, enhancing lifesteal and damage for Olaf. In this team, both the Slayer and Keeper traits have a primary carry: Olaf for Slayers and Xayah for Keepers. While Olaf unleashes his powerful whirlwind attacks, Xayah deals significant damage with her skill, Featherstorm.
Play this composition when you find a Slayer Chosen unit, preferably Olaf Chosen. Both Olaf and Xayah are 4-cost units that appear in the late game, so focus on securing the necessary items for them early if you intend to play this team.
- Core Team Composition
- Azir
- Garen
- Jarvan IV
- Pyke
- Olaf
- Ornn
- Rakan
- Xayah
- Activated synergies: 4 Keepers, 3 Slayers (with Slayer Chosen), 3 Warlords, 3 Elderwood, 2 Vanguards, 1 Emperor, 1 Blacksmith.
Recommended Items for Xayah
Recommended Items for Olaf
Early game
In the early game, you cannot activate the lowest tier of the Slayer synergy, but you can activate Keeper. Jarvan IV and Rakan are suitable Keeper units for the early game and will also be part of your final team composition.
Level up to 4 early if you want to start a winning streak. With Keeper activated through Jarvan IV, Warlord becomes a perfect addition to form a strong early-game team. Continue leveling up to 5 if you want to maintain your winning streak.
Mid game
In the mid-game, you can look for a Slayer Chosen from one of three champions: Pyke, Zed, or Darius. If the Chosen is not Zed, let Zed temporarily hold Olaf's items and act as a carry until Olaf appears.
Level up to 6 at round 3-2 or earlier and assemble the strongest possible team using traits related to your composition. You can add a Vanguard like Braum or Nautilus to enhance your defensive line.
Late game
In the late game, upon reaching level 7, begin searching for your two main carries, Olaf and Xayah. Both are powerful units, making competition among players for them quite high. To minimize the risk of not finding Olaf and Xayah, aim to reach level 7 early to make the search easier.
After securing Olaf and Xayah, proceed to level 8 to look for Azir and Ornn. In terms of priority, focus on Azir first to activate the 4 Keeper synergy. Then, add Ornn, as activating Elderwood is secondary for this composition.
Tips and Advice
This composition relies on two high-cost carries, so make sure to save up a lot of gold in the early game and use low-cost units effectively to navigate through the early and mid-game smoothly.
It seems that Slayer Chosen is much harder to find compared to Keeper Chosen. If you cannot find a Slayer Chosen, you can pivot to a Keeper Chosen instead, adjusting the number of units based on the Chosen you have.
Conclusion
The Slayer and Keeper composition in TFT Set 4.5 demands a high level of skill in planning and pivoting from the very beginning. However, the reward is a remarkably strong late-game phase, with excellent offensive and defensive capabilities provided by the team. What do you think about this composition? Give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments below!