The Allure of 4-Cost Units in Teamfight Tactics
Diving straight into the heart of Teamfight Tactics (TFT), players often find themselves captivated by the strategic dance of unit costs, where every gold piece feels like a carefully placed chess piece on a volatile board. If you’re scratching your head over “how many 4-cost units TFT has,” you’re not alone—it’s a question that reveals the game’s intricate layers, blending luck, timing, and sharp decision-making. As someone who’s spent countless late-night sessions rerolling for that perfect lineup, I can tell you it’s more than just numbers; it’s about turning those units into game-changing assets that can swing a match from defeat to triumph.
In TFT, units are categorized by cost, from 1 gold up to 5, and 4-cost champions represent a sweet spot: powerful enough to dominate mid-game but rare enough to demand smart resource management. Based on the latest set data from Riot Games, we’ll break down the exact count, offer step-by-step ways to spot and utilize them, and sprinkle in real-world examples that go beyond the basics. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, mastering these units can feel like unlocking a hidden path in a labyrinthine forest—twisty, rewarding, and full of surprises.
Unpacking TFT Unit Costs: Why 4-Cost Matters
At its core, TFT’s economy revolves around unit costs, which dictate not only their strength but also their rarity and the strategies they enable. A 4-cost unit isn’t just another addition to your board; it’s a high-stakes investment, akin to betting on a dark horse in a high-speed race. These champions often come with unique abilities that can pivot the tide of battle, making them essential for players aiming to climb the ranks.
From Set 11 onwards, Riot has refined the unit pool to keep things fresh, but the 4-cost category remains a cornerstone. In the current meta, there are typically around 10 to 15 4-cost units per set, though this fluctuates based on themes and updates. For instance, in Set 11 (Inkborn Fables), we see exactly 12 such units, each tied to specific traits like mages or warriors. This number isn’t arbitrary—it’s designed to force players into thoughtful choices, balancing the thrill of pulling a rare champ against the risk of an empty bench.
Personally, I’ve had matches where landing a 4-cost unit early felt like catching a rogue wave just right—exhilarating and momentum-shifting. But miss the roll, and it stings like a misplaced step in a complex dance. To give you a clearer picture, let’s count them out based on recent sets.
Breaking Down the Numbers by Set
Counting 4-cost units isn’t as straightforward as tallying items in a shopping list; it evolves with each TFT set. Here’s a snapshot from the last few releases, drawing from official patch notes and community data:
- In Set 10 (Remix Rumble), there were 14 4-cost units, including standouts like Aphelios and Seraphine, which synergize with music-themed traits for explosive area control.
- Set 11 (Inkborn Fables) trims it to 12, with units like Lillia and Yuumi offering mystical buffs that can turn a defensive setup into an aggressive beast.
- Looking back at Set 9 (Runeterra), it peaked at 15, featuring powerhouses such as Riven and Yasuo, whose abilities feel like wielding a finely honed blade in combat.
These variations keep the game dynamic, preventing any one strategy from dominating. If you’re tracking this in-game, fire up the TFT client and check the champion carousel—it’s updated with each patch, giving you real-time intel.
Actionable Steps: Identifying and Building with 4-Cost Units
Now, let’s get practical. Knowing how many 4-cost units exist is one thing; using that knowledge effectively is where the real fun begins. Follow these steps to integrate them into your gameplay without burning through your gold reserves.
- Start with scouting the shop. Every round, scan for 4-cost options early. If you spot one, weigh its traits against your current build—don’t just grab it impulsively. For example, if you’re going for a mage-heavy comp, prioritize a unit like Veigar from Set 11 over a fighter.
- Calculate your economy. Aim to have at least 30-40 gold by mid-game to afford rolls. I once turned a game around by saving up for a 4-cost unit at level 7, which snowballed into a three-star powerhouse and left my opponents reeling.
- Experiment with synergies. Pair 4-cost units with lower-cost ones for balanced boards. In Set 10, combining a 4-cost Aphelios with 2-cost allies created a rhythm that outpaced faster comps, teaching me that depth beats speed.
- Adapt based on the lobby. Watch what others are building via the lobby interface. If multiple players are vying for the same 4-cost traits, pivot quickly—it’s like reading the room in a high-stakes negotiation.
- Test in practice tools. Use TFT’s custom game mode to simulate scenarios. Roll for 4-cost units and build out lineups; this hands-on approach helped me discover that certain 4-cost picks, like Sett in earlier sets, thrive in unexpected trait combos.
Through trial and error, I’ve learned that these steps aren’t just rote; they build intuition, turning what could be a frustrating loss into a victorious high.
Unique Examples: 4-Cost Units in Action
To make this tangible, let’s look at specific examples that go beyond the surface. Take Set 11’s Lillia, a 4-cost unit with sleep-inducing abilities. In a recent ranked game, I used her to stall enemies long enough for my backline to clean up, comparing it to a master illusionist distracting the crowd while the real magic happens. Contrast that with Set 10’s Seraphine, whose crowd control felt like conducting an orchestra—harmonious and overwhelming when timed right.
Another gem is Yasuo from Set 9, whose wind-based dashes could slice through defenses like a precision knife through fabric. I remember a match where he single-handedly carried me from eighth place to first, a turnaround that still gives me chills. These aren’t just stats; they’re stories of triumph and the occasional heartbreak when RNG doesn’t favor you.
Practical Tips for Maximizing Your 4-Cost Pulls
Here are some hard-won tips to elevate your game, drawn from years of grinding TFT ladders:
- Focus on trait stacking: A 4-cost unit shines brightest when it completes a trait bonus, like boosting a mage lineup to full power for that extra edge in fights.
- Avoid over-reliance on rolls: If you’re burning gold too fast, switch to leveling up instead—it’s like choosing a steady climb over a risky leap.
- Incorporate items wisely: Equip 4-cost units with synergistic items, such as a Hand of Baron for sustain, to amplify their impact without overcomplicating your strategy.
- Learn from losses: After a defeat, review replays to see how a 4-cost unit could have changed the outcome; it’s a reflective process that feels like piecing together a puzzle.
- Stay updated with patches: Riot often tweaks unit costs, so follow sites like the official TFT page for the latest counts and balances.
In the end, whether you’re counting 4-cost units or crafting the perfect comp, TFT is about that blend of strategy and serendipity. It’s rewarding in ways that keep you coming back, turning each game into a personal epic. So, roll those dice wisely—your next big win might just be one 4-cost pull away.