The Introduction of the Galactic Armory Galaxy
Unlike the previous version, patch 10.10 introduces only one new Galaxy called Galactic Armory. Essentially, when in this Galaxy, all players will receive the same two random large items at the start of the match. According to Riot Mortdog – the lead designer of TFT – these two items will be completely random, non-repeating, and not from the Spatula.
With two large items right from the start, along with 1-2 completed items after the first three rounds of monsters, all players will have plenty of equipment, leading to teams becoming extremely strong very quickly. Observations from the PBE suggest that the dominant playstyle in this Galaxy will focus on building a team based on the items you have at the start or on champions that can use various items effectively, such as Darius, Jayce… who are very popular.
Items Will Drop More Frequently in Early Rounds
Continuing with a change related to items, this update promises to enhance the team-building strategy based on received items. With the early rounds (pre-Wolf rounds) dropping more items, this means that large items will form much earlier than before. Of course, each person will receive a unique set of items, which will indirectly reduce the occurrence of multiple players forcing the same team composition.
This encourages players to be more creative and have a certain understanding of Teamfight Tactics instead of just spamming one team composition continuously. If you want to learn how to build a team based on items, you can explore HERE.
Reworking the Island Galaxy
The Island Galaxy used to always grant you Natural Armor when you reached level 5; however, in patch 10.10, you can only receive that powerful item fixed at round 3-1. The reason for this rework is very simple; Riot Games does not want the snowballing potential in the Island Galaxy to occur too early and too strongly.
There was a somewhat negative playstyle in the Island Galaxy where players rushed to level 5 extremely early, sometimes as soon as round 2-2/2-3, making it nearly impossible for other players to maintain their health. Hopefully, the change of the timing for obtaining Natural Armor to be fixed at round 3-1 will help all players avoid excessive early health loss.
Direct Nerfs to Hyper-roll Champions
Specifically, the trio of Xayah – Poppy – Twisted Fate will all be nerfed. Xayah is likely hit the hardest, as her base damage is reduced by 5 points, while Twisted Fate is nerfed at the 3-star mark, meaning the Candyland composition will lack damage significantly in the mid-game. Poppy receives the least nerf, as her damage and shield from her skill are only slightly reduced.
Overall, Riot Games’ changes are just a trial regarding the strength of hyper-roll teams; if they continue to dominate after this update, it indicates a significant issue with these compositions. If merely reducing stats of 3-star champions can lessen their dominance, then these champions can be considered balanced.