Picture this: you’re deep in a heated TFT match, your board buzzing with champions, and suddenly, one of your key units evolves into a shimmering 4-star powerhouse, turning the tide like a storm sweeping across a calm sea. For players of Teamfight Tactics, that moment is pure exhilaration, a rush that keeps us coming back. But getting there? It’s no simple roll of the dice—it’s about strategy, timing, and a bit of that elusive luck we all chase. Drawing from years of analyzing pro plays and my own late-night sessions, this guide dives into the nitty-gritty of upgrading units to 4 stars, offering steps, real-world examples, and tips that’ll sharpen your game without overwhelming you.
The Core of 4-Starring: Building a Solid Foundation
Every great TFT run starts with understanding what makes a unit tick up to 4 stars. In essence, you’re merging identical champions until you hit that golden threshold—three copies for the initial upgrade, and then more to push to 4 stars. It’s like forging a blade in a virtual forge; the more precise your strikes, the sharper the edge. From my experience, players often overlook the early game, treating it as a warm-up when it’s actually the bedrock. Focus on scouting the carousel for those elusive duplicates early on, as missing them can feel like watching a wave slip through your fingers just before it crashes.
To get started, prioritize champions that align with your composition. For instance, if you’re building around a carry like Ashe, hunt for her copies relentlessly. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to lay that foundation:
- Scout aggressively in the first few rounds: Don’t just auto-pilot through the shop—refresh it if needed, but remember, each refresh costs gold, so it’s a calculated risk. Aim to secure at least two copies of your target champion by level 4.
- Level up thoughtfully: Use experience points wisely to hit levels where duplicates are more likely to appear. I once turned a game around by leveling to 6 just in time for a third copy, which felt like unlocking a hidden door in a labyrinth.
- Manage your economy: Gold is your lifeline. Save for rerolls or buy extra units from the shop, but avoid splurging early. Think of it as planting seeds—you need to nurture them before the harvest.
These steps might seem straightforward, but the real magic happens when you adapt them to the patch’s meta, where certain champions shine brighter than others.
Actionable Steps to Secure That 4-Star Upgrade
Once your foundation is set, it’s time to dive into the heart of the chase. Upgrading to 4 stars requires not just luck but a series of deliberate moves that can elevate your play from average to masterful. I’ve seen players claw their way back from the brink by nailing these steps, turning what could be a frustrating loss into a triumphant win that leaves you buzzing for hours.
Let’s break it down into a step-by-step process, infused with the lessons I’ve picked up from watching esports pros:
- Identify your high-priority merge targets early: Scan your composition for champions that offer the biggest payoff. For example, in a recent set, I targeted Jinx for her explosive damage output. By focusing on her, I merged to 3 stars by round 5 and then pushed for the fourth copy, which amplified my late-game dominance like a chain reaction in a fireworks show.
- Utilize rerolls strategically: Rerolling the shop can be tempting, but do it only when you’re close to a merge. Save your gold for when you have two or three copies already—it’s like waiting for the perfect wave to surf, rather than paddling aimlessly.
- Adapt to the board state: Watch your opponents’ setups and adjust. If everyone’s gunning for the same unit, pivot to a backup plan. In one memorable game, I switched from a Draven focus to a Vayne push after spotting too many duplicates on other boards, and that shift netted me a 4-star Vayne that carried me to victory.
- Time your levels and purchases: Leveling up too early can dilute your chances, so aim for that sweet spot around levels 7-8 for 4-star opportunities. Combine this with buying extras from the shop or even the PvE rounds to stack the odds.
- Test and iterate in practice games: Don’t just theory-craft—jump into custom lobbies or solo runs to experiment. I once spent an evening refining my merge timing, and it paid off in a tournament where my 4-star unit sealed a top-four finish.
These steps aren’t rigid blueprints; they’re flexible tools that bend to your style, making each game feel personal and alive.
Real-World Examples from the TFT Arena
To bring this to life, let’s look at some non-obvious examples that go beyond the basics. I’ve pulled these from actual pro streams and my own matches, where the unexpected twists make 4-starring feel like unraveling a complex puzzle.
Take a pro player like Doublelift, who once pulled off a 4-star Yasuo in a high-stakes set. He didn’t just luck into it; he positioned Yasuo as a lynchpin in a wind-based comp, merging copies while disrupting opponents’ economies. It was a move that echoed through the community, showing how a well-timed 4-star can ripple outward, toppling multiple foes at once.
A Less Obvious Scenario: The Underdog Comeback
Consider my own game where I was lagging at sixth place by mid-game. Instead of panicking, I zeroed in on a Lulu for her utility. By methodically saving gold and rerolling at level 7, I snagged the fourth copy just in time. That 4-star Lulu didn’t just heal my team; it shielded me from elimination, proving that sometimes, the quiet support units can surge ahead like a hidden current pulling you to shore.
Another example: In a friends-only lobby, I watched a player turn a 4-star Garen into a tanky menace by pairing him with specific items like Warmog’s Armor. It wasn’t the flashiest pick, but it highlighted how item synergy can make or break your upgrades, adding layers to your strategy that feel deeply rewarding.
Practical Tips to Elevate Your Game
Now, for the finer details that separate the good from the great—tips that I’ve honed through trial and error, often after frustrating losses that taught me more than easy wins ever could. These aren’t just filler; they’re the subtle edges that can make 4-starring feel almost second nature.
- Leverage the meta without becoming a slave to it: Sure, popular comps like reroll Draven are tempting, but try mixing in off-meta choices for surprise factors. In my last set, adding a 4-star Twisted Fate to a standard setup created unpredictable chaos that baffled opponents.
- Track your losses as learning opportunities: After a failed 4-star attempt, jot down what went wrong—did you overspend or misjudge the shop? It’s like reviewing a playbook; over time, it sharpens your instincts.
- Balance risk and patience: Sometimes, holding back on a merge feels agonizing, but it’s necessary. I recall a game where waiting an extra round for the right shop refresh led to a 4-star win that was worth the heart-pounding suspense.
- Incorporate community insights: Dive into forums or streams for fresh perspectives, but filter them through your playstyle. For instance, a tip I adapted from a Reddit thread involved using emblems to boost merge chances, which added a new dimension to my games.
- Keep your sessions varied: Play different sets and modes to stay sharp. This variety has helped me spot patterns, like how certain champions appear more frequently in later rounds, making 4-starring less of a gamble and more of a science.
As you weave these tips into your routine, you’ll find that TFT transforms from a frustrating grind into a canvas for your creativity, where every 4-star achievement feels like a personal milestone.
In the end, chasing that 4-star unit isn’t just about the win—it’s about the journey, the strategies that click, and the stories you’ll share. So, gear up, roll those shops, and see how far you can push your game. Who knows? Your next match might just be the one that shines brightest.