Guardian – Cosmic
Although it didn’t receive any direct adjustments, the Guardian – Cosmic composition has become the biggest victim of changes to the appearance rates of champions. Specifically, at level 5, the appearance rate of 2-cost champions in Teamfight Tactics was 40%, but after Patch 10.9, it dropped to just 35%. This seemingly minor change has made rolling for Xin Zhao and Rakan significantly more difficult, not to mention upgrading them to 3 stars.
This also means you will spend more money and time to reach the power level you had before. Otherwise, you have to rely entirely on items, which can be extremely hit or miss. Furthermore, Sona’s ability now only stuns instead of disabling all harmful effects (like healing reduction, armor reduction…) makes your Guardian line much easier to take down.
Sorcerer – Star Guardian
Although it was nerfed in Patch 10.8B, the power of this composition really took a noticeable hit in Patch 10.9. The reason, of course, comes from changes to the appearance rates of champions, as most of the key damage dealers in the Star Guardian composition, like Syndra, Neeko, and Ahri, fall into the 2 and 3-cost groups. Meanwhile, the 1-cost champions (Zoe, Poppy) only serve as tanks or for filling out the composition.
Indeed, the nerf targeting Syndra has greatly weakened this composition as both damage output and mana regeneration for the entire team have significantly decreased. Now, players must have items to turn Vel’Koz into a Star Guardian to also have all 6 Sorcerers for effective play; otherwise, the composition will be extremely weak.
Shadow
Although Jhin remains one of the strongest carries in the game, the Shadow composition has plummeted in rank after two direct nerfs and has fallen out of the top strong compositions. Moreover, Shaco being nerfed directly earlier has left the Shadow composition severely lacking in damage. Remember that the buffs of this tribe are purely Attack Damage and Ability Power, not effects like armor reduction or critical hits for the jester to thrive.
Shadows have gone from being strong across stages and having many carries to being visibly weaker and overly dependent on late-game damage from Xerath. Perhaps the lesson from the composition relying on 5-cost champions from the Rebels still holds; as soon as Xerath is nerfed, Shadows will become even more pathetic. Our advice is not to use Shadows during this phase.
