The Rise of Zeri in TFT Season 13
Before patch 13.4 launched TFT Season 13, Zeri was often seen merely as a “synergy unit” in compositions utilizing the Marksman trait. This was due to other carry units like Kog’Maw and Twitch being too strong and deserving of more investment in items compared to Zeri. However, this unit has received significant buffs recently, and when other Marksman units were nerfed in patch 13.4, Zeri seized the opportunity and rose powerfully.
Additionally, a series of other Vanguard units like Lloris and especially Leona receiving strong buffs also help Zeri deal damage much more effectively in the new patch. After all, Zeri is still a type of carry that deals damage over time, and its strength increases as the match progresses. Therefore, a stronger Vanguard lineup will help Zeri achieve the safest possible position and ensure damage output.
Building a Zeri – Vanguard Composition in TFT Season 13
In the early game, players should pay attention to the amount of items received from monster rounds to decide whether to pursue a Zeri – Vanguard composition. If you acquire a Wooden Bow and a Giant’s Rod early, Zeri as a carry will be a very strong choice. Additionally, having multiple tank items will help 1-star Vanguard units like Irelia and Singed hold their ground effectively in fights and maintain health. Maddie is also a unit worth investing in at this stage as this champion holds items very well for Zeri.
In the mid-game, players should stop buying experience when reaching level 6 to find and upgrade Zeri. During the reroll process, Leona and Rell will be the units to purchase to complete the 4 Vanguard threshold as soon as possible. Players can even aim to upgrade these units to 3-stars along with Zeri if they appear frequently in the shop. If Singed appears often, players should also buy this unit since its skill from Chemist will buff a lot of attack speed for Zeri.
After completing the upgrade of Zeri along with one Vanguard unit to 3-stars, players should consider saving gold and leveling up to 8. At this point, units like Illaoi or even Rumble will be a great addition to activate the crucial 6 Vanguard threshold. Additionally, Caitlyn will be a necessary replacement for Maddie late in the game to enhance the overall damage output of the composition. If players reach level 9, they can add some units like Malzahar, Viktor… to increase the surprise factor.
Some Tips for Building the Composition
Zeri’s “core item” at this moment will be Guinsoo’s Rageblade to maximize damage output. Additionally, items like Deathblade, Infinity Edge, or even Hextech Gunblade are also very suitable for this champion. Even if players acquire the Super Storm Core, the gameplay with 2 Runaan’s Hurricane can be extremely powerful. Moreover, cores that enhance reroll capabilities like Lucky Ticket, Trading Post… will help players save quite a bit of gold while upgrading Zeri.