As a new champion introduced in Teamfight Tactics season 3, Riven is currently a crucial piece in many strong compositions, with the Time-Stream Sorcerer being one of them. Right now, this is also one of the strongest comps used for rapid rank climbing.
First, let’s get to know Riven:
– Cost: 4 Gold
– Tribe: Time-Stream
– Class: Blademaster
– Exiled Blade: Riven dashes forward and gains a shield of 300/450/900 before dealing 100/150/450 magic damage in front. After using her ability twice, Riven leaps into the air and unleashes a wave of energy that deals 400/600/1800 magic damage.
How does Riven fit into the Time-Stream Sorcerer comp?
One of Riven’s problems at Diamond rank and below is that she often only serves to activate the trait, as items are usually dedicated to early appearing carry units like Master Yi, Yasuo, Vayne… However, with the Time-Stream Sorcerer comp, it’s different; Riven, acting as both a tank and top damage dealer, must have appropriate items such as the Sorcerer’s Hat, Guardian Angel, and Luden’s Echo…
This composition will start with basic Sorcerer units like Zoe, Ahri, TF, and Syndra. Poppy (with 2 Vanguard) will hold the frontline until Wukong or Riven appears, which is a reasonable strategy. In this setup, Riven and Viktor will be the two main carries, requiring items beforehand, making reaching level 6 a top priority.
This comp will struggle against 4 Guardian and 4 Mystic compositions, so players will need to reach level 9 and add Thresh to the lineup, plus accumulate Urgot to boost power if this robot reaches 2 stars early.
Additionally, to counter the 4 Mystic comp, don’t forget to utilize the “trump card” named Janna and switch Viktor to the Star Guardian trait (if luck strikes) to turn all damage into true damage, the “one-hit kill” scenario will wipe out the enemy team’s carries in an instant.
One thing to note is that this comp will be quite weak before obtaining Riven and Viktor, consider between hyper-rolling “CandyLand” champions to 3 stars as in the past and leveling up to increase the chances of acquiring key units early. This might explain why, despite being the only comp with the potential to “evaporate” your opponents in a single ability cast, relatively few players are willing to try it, while other comps are easier to play and provide more early sustain and damage.
However, some Challenger players believe that perhaps this challenge will turn into your very own opportunity. While the meta revolves around Jinx and Master Yi, having a sole focus on Sorcerer champions will allow you to roll champions quite smoothly in the early game, not to mention that magical items are also less contested. What you need to do is keep a cool head, accept a few initial losing streaks, and wait until Riven appears, charging amidst the enemy with continuous and abundant shields, “when the time comes, nothing can stop you”.
– Items for Viktor: Morello’s Evil Tome, Blue Buff, Sorcerer’s Hat, switch to Star Guardian trait, Giant Slayer.
– Items for Riven: Storm Bow, Guardian Angel, Sorcerer’s Hat, Luden’s Echo (can replace Storm Bow with Mercury’s Cloak).