In patch 11.16 of Teamfight Tactics, Riot Games made the decision to rework the Legion system by providing total lifesteal as part of this system’s effect. This change theoretically should make the Legion much stronger, as units from this system no longer rely entirely on recovery items. However, the reality is quite different; according to evaluations from statistics websites, no compositions using the 4/6 Legion threshold have made it to the top of the meta.
To understand the extent of the “weakness” of the Legion team, we need to know that strong compositions in the meta require a balance between offense and defense. This balance allows you to win against various opponents and maintain health effectively during a match of Teamfight Tactics. Even a composition considered “full offense” like Assassins still has strong defensive units like Ivern and Volibear performing control roles.
Returning to the issue with the Legion, the unfortunate reality is that in Season 5.5, most units from this system tend to focus on offense and dealing damage. Perhaps the greatest defensive capability that Legion units possess in Season 5.5 is healing with Aatrox or damage reduction from Irelia. Such a meager defensive capability will lead the Legion compositions to be easily defeated if they lack sufficient damage items.
Furthermore, we must remember that the core champions of the Legion system require careful “nurturing” from level upgrades to item crafting. To achieve this, you need a substantial amount of gold, plenty of health to survive in the game, and additional time to roll.
However, as mentioned above, the lack of defensive capabilities makes the Legion team vulnerable to quick eliminations, causing players to lose significant health. Consequently, gamers often look for alternative options with stronger defensive capabilities, such as 4 Sorcerers when focusing on Yasuo or Zombies, 4 Divine, and Armor if choosing Riven as the carry. These are clearly more effective methods for maintaining health rather than taking the risky route of 4/6 Legion.
Besides the issues inherent to the Legion, the meta also prevents this system from shining. With magical carries capable of quickly clearing boards like Vel’Koz and Heimerdinger being highly favored, Legion compositions find it very difficult to survive. Additionally, other carry options like Lucian, Aphelios, Akshan… also prove to be more effective than using Legion units.
In conclusion, in Season 5.5, the lack of several sufficiently strong tank champions has rendered the Legion system extremely weak. Therefore, despite the rework of the effect, this system still cannot compete for a position in the Teamfight Tactics meta. With Riot Games not having a habit of adding champions post mid-season updates, it is highly likely that the Legion system will remain in a “super weak” state until the end of Season 5.5.