Recycling Augment
According to Challenger players, the Recycling Augment is almost like an insurance policy for placing in the top 4. Being able to own this augment allows you to acquire additional items and transform them into tremendous power towards the end of the match. Given that the strength and impact of items in Teamfight Tactics are still quite significant as they are now, this augment is an excellent choice in the early game. Additionally, having another Ezreal can help you maintain decent health early on.
As for the downside of this augment, it does not provide you with items immediately but rather supplies them based on the match’s duration. Clearly, with a reroll meta, playing fast as in previous versions, a gradually strengthening upgrade like Recycling Augment will struggle to make an appearance. However, as reroll compositions have been nerfed and gold-saving playstyles have taken the spotlight, it’s only a matter of time before the Recycling Augment shines.
Fiery Incense
With the disappearance of Janna, the selection rate for Fiery Incense has significantly decreased, as the current Mage champions are too challenging to utilize this augment effectively. Remember that the two most commonly used Mage units, Senna and Orianna, typically use their abilities with an offensive focus rather than buffing the carry. Therefore, Fiery Incense rarely provides continuous attack speed buffs for the carry despite the healing and shielding abilities from the Mage class.
However, if you use it “purely” like that, you are wasting a significant amount of power from this augment. If you didn’t know, Mage units can activate Fiery Incense even when shielding or healing from items. For example, with Iron Solari’s Pendant, a Mage champion can trigger this augment’s effect for up to 5 champions and deal substantial damage. Therefore, if you can combine items like Iron Solari’s Pendant or Redemption, be sure to grab this augment immediately.
Irresistible Temptation
According to Challenger players, this augment is considered one of the most unbalanced in the early and mid-game stages. The reason is quite simple; it gives you Leona along with the ability to reduce incoming damage by 15% from an incredibly early point. Given that Leona is already a strong tank at the 3-gold price point, Irresistible Temptation essentially gives you a powerful frontline for free in the early game. From there, you can implement your strategy and carry at will, regardless of the match situation.
The point that makes this augment less appealing to players is that it does not provide damage or direct damage capabilities to Elegant units. Clearly, with the use of strong attacking units like Draven, Syndra, Talon, etc., players will prioritize damage over survivability. Nevertheless, if you can obtain Irresistible Temptation early in the game, be sure to select it immediately to have the best possible early game “green” phase.