Teamfight Tactics released a Mid-Patch Update that nerfed Rengar, the poor kitty cat. Luckily for Executioner enjoyers, it is a pre-emptive nerf before Graves and Varus receive buffs in Patch 14.2. With the incoming buffs, Executioners are in a comfortable spot. With the composition guaranteed to be sticking around for at least one more patch, we can dive into how to play this re-roll composition and execute our path to victory.
Teamfight Tactics Executioner Overview
Unlike previous compositions discussed, Executioners does not rely on four and five-cost units to carry. As a result, the way you approach Executioner games varies. Usually, you aim to hit levels eight and nine in most games, but not here. The integral units of this composition are Graves, Rengar, and Varus. Graves is a two-cost unit, while Rengar and Varus are three-cost units. Eventually, you want to add Vex and Urgot, the other two executioners, but that comes later in the game. There are two predominant variations of the Executioner board, which we will discuss. However, the crucial part is having your three carry units.
Executioners Early Game
Utilizing Golden Ox and Graves in the early game will help you power forward in the mid-late game. Graves is one of the best early-game units and can single-handedly win fights. Graves can generate a decent amount of gold through Golden Ox to boost you closer to level seven. Graves can carry almost any tank or melee carry item, so do not hesitate to slam items on him. More importantly, if you can hit a two-star Graves early, there will be few fights you will lose if he also has items equipped.
Executioners Mid-Game
Once you hit level six on Stage Three, add more Executioners or, if you can not find them, units to add traits to beef up your frontline, a Vanguard for Jarvan IV, or a Bruiser for Alistar. If you have yet to hit two-star Graves, spending some gold to find him is vital. If you are comfortable, do not drop below forty gold when looking for him. Otherwise, focus on leveling and picking up copies of Graves, Rengar, and Varus as you move through the stage. If you find a two-star Rengar at this stage, you can move the items on Graves to Rengar.
Something else to keep an eye on during this stage is if you can hit Golden Ox intervals to increase the power of your Graves. It is usually worth dropping one interest threshold to ensure you hit the interval.
Executioners Late Game
By now, you should be level seven. At this stage, you want to be slow-rolling gold above fifty to hit your three-star Rengar and Varus. Hitting three-star Graves will boost your board, but it is not required to find him. Hitting Vex or, if you are lucky, Urgot is a near necessity to increase the power of your Executioners. Only drop below fifty gold if you need to hit your three stars. However, some games play out differently, so react accordingly. Look to go to level eight once you have your three-star units. If you can afford it, going to level nine will significantly increase power as you can ensure you hit your five costs.
Rengar is your focal point of this composition, so prioritize melee items for him. Bloodthirster, Titan’s Resolve, Hand of Justice, Edge of Night, and Quicksilver are all possible choices. Other alternatives include melee-based artifact items like Infinity Force, Death’s Defiance, Prowler’s Claw, and mittens. As Varus is your secondary carry, you want him to have utility-based items, like Morelonomicon and Stattik Shiv. Spear of Shojin will also help to make him cast more often. Leftover AP items can go to Vex, and Graves and Urgot will utilize Thieves’ Gloves exceptionally well.
Executioner Variations
There are two variations of Executioner Boards you can play. The variations utilize Street Demons or more Divinicorp units. The Street Demon variation is far more common and benefits the integral parts of your composition. The variation adds in Ekko and Neeko, meaning you have two traits that boost the overall power of your board. Rengar gains substantial benefits from the Street Demons buff and the increased durability. The last addition to your composition is Viego. Out of all the Golden Ox units, he does not need a secondary trait to be effective. The addition of his hologram will help in most fights.
The other variation sees you utilizing Jarvan IV, Rhaast, and Gragas. Jarvan and Rhaast provide Vanguard, while Gragas increases the Divinicorp boost from Rhaast and Vex while offering increased health from his bonus. While this board will be stronger in the earlier levels, not depending on four and five costs, the power of this board at the end of the game will be weaker than the other variation unless you can three-star all three frontline units. Given your focus on your carry units, it is unreliable to hit them.
When to Play Executioners
Two main signs of whether you are playing Executioners are if you hit early Graves or Rengar, and the other is the items you hit early. This composition is item-hungry. Having at least two carries and extra items for your other units will help cap your board. One of the best encounters to play most reroll compositions in is the Vi Encounter since you can guarantee at least two item components needed for your Rengar.
Best Augments to Take
Augments that give additional items for your units will aid significantly in your quest for victory. Artifacts can also go a long way in increasing the power of your composition since Rengar can use most of them. Rigged Shop can help to ensure you hit Rengar and Varus, while Trifecta I and II will give buffs to both of your carries. Lastly, an Executioner Emblem is a nice addition to put on a unit like Viego in the late game, but it is not required since you are playing five executioners regardless.
