In version 11.4, the Chosen system of Teamfight Tactics underwent significant changes that strongly affected the meta. Specifically, the base appearance rate of Chosen champions will increase to 50%, but the additional stats will be reduced. This has nearly caused the hyper-roll meta to disappear as 1-cost Chosen champions no longer possess the ability to dominate enemy team compositions with superior stats.
However, Riot’s changes have led to a different, somewhat more negative meta where everyone shifts to rolling for 4-cost Chosen champions regardless of the team composition they are playing. The reason is that players can now acquire Chosen champions too easily. Being able to buy strong key champions like Kayle, Aurelion Sol, Olaf… in their Chosen form almost guarantees a victory.
According to statistics from Metatft.com, rolling for 4-cost Chosen champions has become much more popular in patch 11.4. Specifically, the appearance rate of this type of champion has increased to 33.7% (up from 21.3%). The effectiveness of this playstyle has also increased, with teams possessing 4-cost Chosen champions having an average placement of 4.10. This means that owning a 4-cost Chosen champion almost guarantees a spot in the top 4.
This has diminished the strategic aspect of Teamfight Tactics, as the outcome of games is heavily influenced by luck. Players who have experienced the new meta of Teamfight Tactics in patch 11.4 have expressed extreme disappointment with the new Chosen system. Some have even sarcastically remarked that Riot has turned Teamfight Tactics into a “gambling game” where everyone only focuses on rolling all their gold at round 4-1.
So are people going back to spending all their gold to roll for 4-cost champions at levels 7-8?
That’s right, my friend.
It seems like Teamfight Tactics now resembles those “gambling games”. Before, players rolled at rounds 2-4 to get 1-cost Chosen champions. Now they roll at round 4-1 to find 4-cost Chosen champions. At least the meta at level 8 forces players to learn how to build the strongest team possible early in the game. That’s why people are playing Forest Spirits a lot because it’s the best option to maintain health before reaching level 8.
Honestly, the new Chosen system is not reasonable at all. Players perform poorly early in the game and only look to roll for 4-cost Chosen champions. No matter how well players play, they can still be crushed by those who are luckier. This is not how Teamfight Tactics is supposed to work. Riot should not allow the appearance rate of 4-cost Chosen champions to exist at level 7.
With Riot Games’ changes, acquiring Chosen champions has become much easier as their appearance rate is 50%. In theory, for every two rolls, you are guaranteed to see one Chosen champion. Therefore, it is incredibly easy for players to have “super carries” like Kayle, Olaf, or Aurelion Sol in their Chosen form.
The power of these champions is undeniable; they can carry the team effectively no matter what composition you are playing. Thus, all strategic calculations become meaningless when the final victory depends on who is lucky enough to roll a strong 4-cost carry first.
Perhaps it is time for Riot to step in and adjust the appearance rates of Chosen champions, especially for the 4-cost champions. Reducing their appearance rates to 25-30% at level 8 is a reasonable approach to address the currently overly negative meta.
