The Power of Syndra
Essentially, the current meta of patch 14.8 revolves around upgrading 4-cost carries like Kayn, Ashe, and Kai’Sa. The common characteristic of these team compositions is playing in a front-to-back style and requiring a very sturdy frontline. In the context where Kayn, Ashe, and Kai’Sa are fiercely contested, many TFT experts have turned to Syndra as a quality backup option.
It is important to note that Syndra’s power scales based on the number of ability casts. Therefore, metas with many front-to-back compositions are very suitable for Syndra as this unit has ample time to deal damage. Furthermore, the fact that Syndra and the Mage class have been continuously buffed recently also helps this composition become extremely strong. Combined with Syndra’s Fate effect increasing damage by 11% for the entire class, this composition can deal a lot of damage even when starting items are not optimal.
Additionally, the fact that Syndra is not heavily contested at the moment is a huge advantage for this composition. According to statistics from Metatft.com, the pick rate is only 0.49, significantly lower than Kayn (1.28), Kai’Sa (0.9), or Ashe (1.64). This leads to players using Syndra often upgrading this unit to 2 stars before those using Kayn, Kai’Sa, or Ashe with the same amount of resources. Clearly, with the power difference between 1-star and 2-star carries, Syndra can dominate the match and provide a long win streak for players.
Building the Syndra – Mage Composition
Players should start with a Fate composition combined with Duelist to ensure effective health preservation. At this point, Ahri will serve as the main magic damage dealer holding items for Syndra. Additionally, players should invest in tank items for Darius to enhance the frontline’s sturdiness.
In the mid-game phase, players should look to supplement valuable 3-cost units like Illaoi and Thresh. Additionally, Aphelios can be utilized to complete the 5 Fate milestone at this stage. Using the connection between Yasuo and Thresh will make your composition extremely sturdy thanks to the large amount of shields and armor/magic resist.
Moving into the late game, players will begin to “spend money” and search for key 4-cost units. Syndra is, of course, the top priority to ensure damage output. Additionally, Ornn is also an extremely valuable unit as he increases tankiness and provides additional items for the composition in combat. If players have enough gold and health, they can aim for level 9 and utilize additional 5-cost units like Sett and Lissandra.
Items and Augments
With Syndra as the main carry, players should aim to build Blue Buff, Glove of Thorns combined with any damage item. Strong tank items like Warmog’s Armor, Stoneplate, etc., should be equipped for Ornn in the late game. Regarding Augments, Gemstone is the most suitable for this composition due to the multiple sources of damage from Mage units. Additionally, upgrades providing many items are also very suitable for the Syndra – Mage composition.