In the recent patch 11.4, the hyper-roll playstyle had nearly disappeared from the meta of Teamfight Tactics. Riot’s significant nerfing of 1-cost champions rendered them unable to deal sufficient damage even when reaching 3-star level. Therefore, even with successful hyper-rolls, 1-cost carries, including Yasuo, couldn’t compete with units like Olaf, Kayle, and Aurelion Sol.
In the newly updated patch 11.5, the hyper-roll strategy has somewhat returned with the Yasuo – Duelist composition being highly praised by top players. According to statistics from Tftactics.gg, the Yasuo – Duelist team even ranks as the most dominant composition currently. So what has made the Yasuo-centric composition become so strong after 2 weeks of “darkness” in patch 11.4? Let’s find out.
First, we need to mention the direct buff from Riot Games to Yasuo in patch 11.5. Specifically, the interaction rate with Attack Damage from the ability Steel Tempest has increased from 180/185/190% to 190/200/210%. With the attack speed and rapid energy charge of the Duelist trait, Yasuo can use the ability Steel Tempest extremely frequently in each round. This increase in interaction rate with Attack Damage will significantly boost Yasuo’s damage output.
Furthermore, this change makes hyper-rolling Yasuo to 3 stars more “worth it” than before. In addition to items, leveling up is also a way to increase Attack Damage for champions. Yasuo at 3-star level can deal 210% damage with Steel Tempest, making the Duelist composition nearly unbeatable in the mid-game.
Moreover, the nerf to the two defensive classes, Vanguard and Guardian, significantly benefits Yasuo. Typically, Yasuo uses Infinity Edge as a primary damage item along with two defensive items, Quicksilver and Guardian Angel. Therefore, Yasuo himself lacked the ability to counter compositions with excessively high defensive stats.
It’s common for the Duelist team to have their winning streak interrupted by compositions centered around Vanguard and Guardian due to insufficient damage. Thus, Riot’s nerf to these major “rivals” of the Duelist team has made the Yasuo-centric composition much more comfortable during the mid-game.
In patch 11.5, Riot reduced the appearance rate of 4-cost champions in the shop at level 7 to just 2%. This makes it nearly impossible to roll a 4-cost champion early. Therefore, the peak power period for 1-cost champions at 3 stars will be extended, allowing players to accumulate a lot of gold to level up and roll for important units.
This change is perfectly suited for the Duelist composition as you will hyper-roll for Yasuo early but also need to have expensive units like Yone and Lee Sin to win. With so many advantages from the meta that Riot Games has provided, it’s no surprise that the Yasuo – Duelist composition is dominating patch 11.5. If you want to climb the ranks effectively at this moment, playing around Yasuo is the perfect choice.
