Kha Y Tran Graves is one of the strongest 5-cost champions in TFT Set 17. After the latest update, Riot increased his base attack speed. Because of this change, he deals damage more often and feels much smoother to play.
In addition, Graves is very flexible. He can work as a frontline fighter, a backline caster, or an on-hit carry. As a result, players can use him in many different team compositions.
However, choosing the right build is important. The wrong items can make Graves feel weak. On the other hand, the right setup can turn him into a game-winning carry.
Right now, there are three main ways to build Graves in TFT Set 17. These are Bruiser Graves, Sorcerer Graves, and On-Hit Graves.
For more meta team comps, visit https://www.metatft.com/comps
Why Is Graves So Strong in TFT Set 17?
The recent patch gave Graves more base attack speed. Therefore, he attacks faster from the start of combat.
As a result, he can deal damage more consistently. He also benefits more from attack-based items and effects.
Furthermore, Graves can use many different item combinations. Unlike some carries, he does not rely on one specific build. Instead, he can adapt to the items you find during a match.
Because of this flexibility, Graves fits into many late-game boards.
Still, he is a 5-cost champion. Therefore, players need a strong economy and enough health to reach Level 8 or Level 9.
Bruiser Graves – The Most Reliable Build
Bruiser Graves is the easiest and most consistent version. This build gives him extra health and survivability. As a result, he can stay alive longer and deal more damage.
Best Items for Bruiser Graves
The most common items are:
- Giant Slayer
- Titan’s Resolve
- Bloodthirster
- Sterak’s Gage
- Quicksilver
First, Giant Slayer helps Graves kill tanks faster.
Next, Titan’s Resolve gives both damage and durability during long fights.
Meanwhile, Bloodthirster provides healing. Because of this, Graves can survive while dealing damage.
In addition, Sterak’s Gage helps him withstand burst damage.
Finally, Quicksilver protects him from crowd control. Therefore, he can continue attacking without interruption.
When Should You Play Bruiser Graves?
Bruiser Graves is best when:
- You have defensive items.
- Your team needs a frontline carry.
- You are playing N.O.V.A or Master Yi boards.
- You find Graves early.
In these situations, Graves becomes very difficult to kill. At the same time, he can deal heavy damage throughout the fight.
Therefore, many players consider this his most reliable build.
Sorcerer Graves – A Strong Backline Carry
Sorcerer Graves plays very differently. Instead of fighting on the frontline, he stays behind his tanks.
As a result, he can cast abilities safely and deal damage from a distance.
This version works best when your frontline is already strong.
Best Items for Sorcerer Graves
Popular item choices include:
- Blue Buff
- Spear of Shojin
- Deathblade
- Giant Slayer
- Infinity Edge
Blue Buff and Spear of Shojin are the most important items. They help Graves gain mana quickly.
Because of this, he can cast more often.
After that, players should focus on damage items. For example, Deathblade increases raw damage. Meanwhile, Giant Slayer helps against tanks.
Infinity Edge is also useful because it boosts critical strike damage.
Why Play Sorcerer Graves?
This build has several advantages:
- Strong area damage
- Safe positioning
- Good late-game scaling
- Better performance against tanks
In addition, it works well with strong frontline champions such as Shen, Ornn, and Tahm Kench.
Because those units absorb damage, Graves has more time to cast.
Therefore, Sorcerer Graves is a safe choice in many games.
On-Hit Graves – The Highest Damage Potential
On-Hit Graves has the highest ceiling. However, it is also the hardest version to play.
This build depends on specific artifacts and items. Without them, it is much weaker.
With the right setup, though, Graves can destroy entire teams.
Best Items for On-Hit Graves
Recommended items include:
- Titanic Hydra
- Infernal Axe
- Sterak’s Gage
- Quicksilver
These items improve his attacks and increase his survivability.
As a result, Graves can stay alive while dealing constant damage.
Furthermore, his increased attack speed allows him to trigger on-hit effects more often.
Because of this, his damage can become extremely high.
When Should You Play On-Hit Graves?
Choose this build when:
- You find strong attack-based artifacts.
- You have attack speed items.
- Your team can protect Graves.
Otherwise, Bruiser Graves or Sorcerer Graves is usually the better option.
Even so, On-Hit Graves can be the strongest build when everything comes together.
How to Play Graves Effectively
Many players make the mistake of saving items for Graves too early.
As a result, they lose health during the early game.
Instead, use temporary item holders. This strategy helps you stay strong while waiting for Graves.
Good item holders include:
- Master Yi
- Fiora
- Bel’Veth
- Corki
- Nami
These units can carry items until you find Graves.
Meanwhile, focus on reaching Level 8 or Level 9.
Once you get Graves, look at your items.
If you have defensive items, play Bruiser Graves.
If you have Blue Buff or Shojin, consider Sorcerer Graves.
On the other hand, if you find powerful attack-based artifacts, switch to On-Hit Graves.
This flexibility is one of Graves’ biggest strengths.
Final Thoughts
Graves is one of the best late-game carries in TFT Set 17. Thanks to his flexibility, he can fit into many different team compositions.
Bruiser Graves offers the most consistency. Meanwhile, Sorcerer Graves provides strong spell damage from the backline. On-Hit Graves, on the other hand, delivers the highest damage potential.
Therefore, the best build depends on your items, augments, and game state.
If you adapt correctly, Graves can become the centerpiece of a winning board and help you climb the ranked ladder much more easily.
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