The Rise of Gangplank in Teamfight Tactics Season 13
After a while since Teamfight Tactics Season 13 launched, the game’s meta is heavily leaning towards formations that are “front-to-back” with very strong tanks and 1-2 backline carries. Typical examples of this playstyle include formations using 6 Brawlers, 6 Supers, or 6 Vanguard, which are still among the top of the meta. With the experts in the LPL Super Server, they have researched ways to counter this meta, and Gangplank has emerged as a highly promising option.
Essentially, Gangplank (backline) has the strength of dealing damage to enemy carries regardless of their tanks. This unit’s passive in ranged form will continuously attach barrels to opponents as Gangplank gains energy, and when activated, it will deal damage. This makes Gangplank extremely dangerous in prolonged fights when the number of barrels attached to opponents is immense and can take down enemy carries when the ability is activated. It is this unique operation of Gangplank that counters many formations and earns the trust of quite a few experts.
Building a Gangplank – Iron Fist Fighter Team in Teamfight Tactics Season 13
In the early game, players should take advantage of cheap yet quality units like Steb, Trundle, or Maddie to maintain health. At this stage, Maddie will play the role of holding items for Gangplank, and players can assemble Infinity Edge and Spear of Shojin early to ensure output damage. Additionally, any Recycler champion combined with Trundle also helps players “cheat strength” with the ability to receive powerful tank items from a piece of Chain Vest or Giant’s Belt.
After reaching level 7, players should stop buying experience to seek and upgrade Gangplank. At that point, gamers should switch to using champions with the Conqueror trait like Swain, Darius, or Draven, as they activate important traits with Gangplank while increasing resources for the team. This is quite important as many strong Dual Form and Iron Fist champions have a very high cost.
After acquiring a 3-star Gangplank, players will need to consider leveling up as quickly as possible, especially reaching level 9. This will help supplement quality units like Vi, Jayce, Sevika, or Elise to ensure the strength of the team. Moreover, both Vi and Sevika are excellent carries when equipped with items, which will significantly reduce the damage output burden on Gangplank and make the team harder to counter.
Some Tips for Building a Team Composition
With having many key champions in the composition, players can be flexible in choosing unusual anomalies in rounds 4-6. If a suitable anomaly for Gangplank cannot be found, champions like Vi, Elise… can also be chosen to increase the frontline’s durability. Additionally, gamers should select an upgrade that provides gold or experience to quickly level up to 9 and find key units for the late game.