As of the first patch of Teamfight Tactics Set 14, the best composition in the game utilizes the traits A.M.P. and Strategist. While it is unlikely that this composition will remain at the top in the next patch, given its overall potency, it will likely stick around as a playable composition for the entire set. Let us dive deeper into how to play this top-tier board.
Teamfight Tactics A.M.P. Strategist Overview
While the previous guides focused primarily on one trait, this one dives into multiple to be successful. A.M.P. increases the potency of the units’ abilities within the trait. The more A.M.P. Annie has, as an example, the more projectiles she throws when she casts her ability. Strategist gives your entire team Durability or Damage Amp, depending on whether they are in the frontline or backline. Strategists gain double the stats.
The units found within the A.M.P. trait are Nidalee, Naafiri, Yuumi, Annie, and Samira. The Strategist units are Ekko, Leblanc, Yuumi, Neeko and Ziggs. Those paying attention will notice that the one unit that dips into both traits is Yuumi. One last note: Strategist Emblem is craftable, but there is no A.M.P. Emblem to attain.
A.M.P. Strategist Early Game
How you play the early game depends on the items and units you have at stage 2-1. This composition is economy-hungry, so you are playing high-tempo with a strong AP opener, or you play Cypher/lose streak to bolster your economy and focus on levels. You do not need to play A.M.P. or Strategist units to have a dominant board. Often, players skip out on all but Ekko since he is the only unit that ends up on late-game boards. If you have an early Cypher start, utilizing the loss streak and cashout will help hit the capped-out board.
A.M.P. Strategist Mid-Game
If you were win-streaking in the early game, you want to try and maintain that streak while focusing on leveling. Add any additional Techies to empower your carries or units with the Strategist or Street Demon Trait. One of the best units to look for at this stage is Yuumi since she is a three-cost Strategist and can handily hold Annie’s items, such as Spear of Shojin, Blue Buff, or Nashor’s Tooth.
Neeko or Annie will be your best finds during the mid-game, but you will not hit them at this stage in every game. A two-star Ekko will be your item carrier to transition into the late game. If you were on a loss streak during Stage Two with Cypher, continue this until 3-7, when you look to cash out.
A.M.P. Strategist Late Game
Now that you have reached the late game, regardless of your prior strategy, you want to go to level eight and look for your four-cost units. Hitting two-star Annie and Neeko will propel your board strength. If you are on a loss streak, you must find these two to stabilize your board. If you are lucky and find a Kobuko or Samira, those two will increase your board strength. But do not rely on coming across them.
Once you have a stable board, level up to nine to find your five costs. Your level nine board should be Ekko, Mordekaiser, Yuumi, Annie, Neeko, Ziggs, Kobuko, Samira, and Viego. Our level nine board has several four and five costs on this board, which makes it extremely expensive. That is why we want to play economy-focused in the early and mid-game. Regarding items, you want Spear of Shojin, Blue Buff, and Nashor’s Tooth on Annie, any leftover AD items on Samira, and any tank items on two-star Neeko or two-star Kobuko.
When to Play A.M.P. Strategist
Unlike the vertical compositions Anima Squad, Street Demon, and Exotech, knowing when to play this composition is not cut and dry. The composition does not have early-game units that point directly toward it. Units like Nidalee, Naafiri, Leblanc, and Ekko can point toward other boards you can play.
If you start the game with tears or get offered a blue battery, that can help push you towards this composition. Another possibility is having an augment like Level Up or Upward Mobility, but those augments alone do not scream that you can play it. The concrete decision to play the composition will often come during the mid-game.
Best Augments to Take
The composition needs as many resources as possible in the early game, so prioritizing economy-focused Augments is paramount. The aforementioned Augments in the previous section apply here. Both are Prismatic Augments and will not appear in every game. Others, like Slammin or Epoch, will show up more often and increase your chances of hitting higher levels. Your final augment should help increase combat power. One of the best augments for combat power for this composition is Manaflow II. The additional mana on auto attacks will help Annie, Samira, and Ziggs cast more times.
