TFT Set 14 Guide: How to Play Cypher

TFT Cypher is the economy trait of TFT Set 14. It works similar to past cash out win out traits but it has the additional twist that it is pre determined 4 different times when you can cash out.

This means that once you choose not to cash out that you are required to wait until a certain stage to have a chance to cash out again. This will force players to plan ahead and make unique decisions in order to get the cash out they want.

Explore all of the new Set 14 traits here!

Cypher Trait Bonus

Gain Intel by losing combat, increased for loss streaks. Gain a small amount for killing enemies.

You may trade your Intel by loot one time, on either round 3-3, 3-7, 4-3, or 4-7. After trading Intel, Cpher champions gain Attack Damage and Ability Power.

• (3) 1x Intel, 25% AD & AP
• (4) 1.5x Intel, 40% AD & AP
• (5) 2x Intel, 50% AD & AP

Cypher Synergy

Here are the additional traits of the Cypher champions that give the opportunity to create trait webs:

• Vi (1G) – Vanguard
• LeBlanc (2G) – Strategist
• Draven (3G) – Rapidfire
• Galio (3G) – Bastion
• Zed (4G) – Slayer

The Cypher Trait

Cypher makes the economy trait of this set interesting as it doesn’t require a spat to get the full cap of it. Oftentimes, there were spats that would be needed to get the reach part of the trait. However, Cypher has 5 units and caps out at 5 slots and one of the required champions isn’t a 5 cost champion. That isn’t to say that spat will never be helpful as a spat will allow you to collect Intel faster. I am excited to see how this trait plays out.

Vi (1G) – Vanguard

Vi is a vanguard which makes her one of the early game units in the comp and she can stick around to later in the game as well if needed. However, in most cases she will likely be ditched after cashout.

Her ability Block Chain gives her a shield (AP & Health) that rapidly decays over 4 Econ’s. Vi’ next attack deals 5 (AD) physical damage. You might have noticed if you have read other articles that Vi is under loaded compared to other units.

This is often common in standard in Econ trait units as they can’t be too strong as economy traits tend to be strong after cashout.

LeBlanc (2G) – Strategist

LeBlanc has the Strategist tag which gives her team damage amp and tank stats. She has the ability Data Spike which she sends similes alternating between the current target and nearest enemy each dealing (AP) magic damage.

Every cast she sends 1 more sigil. This makes her a caster that likely will benefit from crit damage and mana generation items. LeBlanc is likely one of the better units to use in the early game to get kills for a little extra Intel.

Draven (3G) – Rapidfire

Draven is a Rapidfire who hurls two massive axes at the most enemies in a line dealing (AD & AP) physical damage before returning. Damage is reduced for each enemy hit. Draven seems a bit underwhelming by reading his ablility alone, but I guess I will have to see what he looks like on board!

Galio (3G) – Bastion

Galio is a Bastion which is one of the premium tank traits. His ability gives him durability for 3 seconds. Afterwards, he heals (AP) Health and send a whirlwind at the enemy within 3 hexes that dealt the most damage to Galio during that time.

It deals (AP) magic damage and stuns for 1.5 seconds. On top of having a premium tag, Galio also stuns units which is why I think we will often see this unit play in other comps outside of Cypher too.

Zed (4G) – Slayer

Zed is the final piece of the Cyphers and will be the grand prize if hit early while playing Cypher as he is the final piece to the puzzle. He is a Slayer so he gains additional AD and likely is one of the main carries of the comp. His ability Cutthroat Business makes him throw a shuriken at the furthest unmarked enemy that deals (AP) magic damage and marks them.

He then becomes untargetable, teleports to them, and summons shadows on every other marked enemy dealing (AD) physical damage to adjacent enemies while shadows deal (AD) physical damage to adjacent enemies.

Zed is packed with damage and with the Slayer trait activated Slayers is a likely trait for Cypher to move into after cashing out and getting rid of some of the weaker units.

Thanks for Reading! If you want to try and come up with your own team comps for Set 14, check out our Team Builder. For a complete overview of the new set, check out my blog on TFT Set 14.