Currently, there are likely two types of Teamfight Tactics (TFT) players: one side is waiting for the new updates, with season 6.5 approaching, while the other side is actively climbing ranks, taking advantage of the meta-compliant builds or creating some unique off-meta strategies to shake things up. Recently, some players have “invented” a unique build revolving around the 1-cost champion Caitlyn but with an unusual itemization, enabling this champion to cast her abilities continuously: Caitlyn 3 Shojin.
Overview and Operation
For Caitlyn, being a Marksman – Sharpshooter, players do not need to worry about damage output. The only weakness of Caitlyn is her energy requirement, which is quite high for a 1-cost Marksman. However, since Caitlyn’s damage can reach up to 2250 at 3 stars, she arguably deserves to be at the level of a… 5-cost champion if not nerfed.
At the start of the game, it is, of course, not difficult for players to obtain Caitlyn, even at 2 stars or higher. Because this build revolves around this 1-cost champion, it is not necessary to level up too early. Additionally, since this build requires optimal itemization, losing some rounds early is not a concern. From rounds 1-4 to 2-4, reaching around level 5 or 6 is fine to maintain a good chance of upgrading Caitlyn. This build has good health defense in this phase: Vi – Caitlyn – Twitch/Kog’Maw – Illaoi/Zac.
In the mid-game phase, players need to add more Marksman champions to trigger the Marksman system, increasing Caitlyn’s damage. Additionally, players can build a Brawler – Marksman composition to enhance the overall durability of the build. Marksmen are generally quite fragile, so Brawler champions will be a good choice. Dr. Mundo can be chosen as a replacement for Zac. Another Marksman that needs to be added closer to the end-game is Jhin.
In the late game, players can utilize a 4 Marksman – Brawler – Mech setup to maximize damage and attack speed as much as possible. Alternatively, they can opt for a Mutant – Marksman composition, but since it revolves around Caitlyn, this build may not be optimal and takes up one slot in the composition. Additionally, players can flexibly switch to a 4 Marksman – 4 Sharpshooter setup if they manage to acquire Jayce. The most optimal complete build could be: Vi – Jayce – Fiora – Caitlyn – Jhin – Miss Fortune – Kog’Maw – Dr. Mundo.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strength of this build lies in the cheap core damage dealer, with Jayce being the only expensive champion in the setup. The others, including Fiora and Jhin, can be obtained early at levels 6 or 7. Additionally, Caitlyn’s damage is quite strong, and at 3 stars, she can one-shot any champion, no matter how tanky they are. Moreover, the 3 Shojin item build helps Caitlyn mitigate her high energy requirement weakness.
However, the main weakness is that if the right items and a solid build are not in place early, Caitlyn will struggle to survive in the late game. In season 6, Riot has somewhat addressed the issue of 1-cost champions becoming too strong, leading to these champions being easily taken down in the late stages of the match. But that doesn’t mean these “unique” builds can’t reach their full potential. Of course, alongside skill, TFT players always need a bit of luck.