Kha Y Tran Aphelios TFT Set 18 is a strong choice for players who enjoy backline carries. This comp also works very well with a Fast 8 strategy. Therefore, you do not need to reroll too much in the early game.
Instead, focus on saving HP and building your economy. Then, reach Level 8 as soon as possible. At that point, you can roll for Aphelios and other key units.
The main strength of this comp comes from Aphelios and Thornbound. Your frontline buys time for Aphelios. Meanwhile, he keeps gaining attack speed during the fight.
As a result, Aphelios can deal huge damage in long battles.
So, how do you play the Aphelios TFT Set 18 comp? This guide covers the best team, items, leveling plan, and tips for each stage.
For more meta team comps, visit https://op.gg/tft/meta-trends/comps.
Aphelios TFT Set 18 Comp Overview
Aphelios Thornbound is mainly a late-game comp. He is your main AD carry. Meanwhile, Alune provides extra magic damage. Lillia and the other Thornbound units form your frontline. Their main job is to stay alive for as long as possible.
Therefore, Aphelios gets more time to attack.
The full Level 9 team can include:
- Ornn
- Xayah
- Alistar
- LeBlanc
- Aphelios
- Lillia
- Alune
- Gnar
- Ivern
At Level 9, this setup can activate 5 Thornbound, 2 Quickstriker, 2 Moonborn, 2 Faerie, and 2 Warden. In addition, you get Ivern’s unique effect.
However, you do not need every unit right away. The comp is quite flexible before Level 8.
Therefore, use your strongest 2-star units first. Then, slowly replace them with your final champions.
Aphelios TFT Set 18 Strengths
One major strength is Aphelios’ late-game damage. With Guinsoo’s Rageblade, he gains more attack speed during combat. As a result, his DPS keeps rising. This makes him very strong in long fights.
Another advantage is the simple economy plan. You do not need to spend lots of gold on early rerolls. Instead, you can save gold and push toward Level 8. Alune also gives the team extra magic damage. Therefore, you do not have to depend only on Aphelios.
Finally, the team has some flexible slots. You can change your final board based on Emblems, Augments, or strong 5-cost units.
Aphelios TFT Set 18 Weaknesses
However, this comp also has clear weaknesses. First, Aphelios needs a strong frontline. If your tanks die quickly, he cannot stack enough attack speed.
Second, the final board uses several expensive units. Therefore, you need a good economy to complete it.
Finally, losing too much HP early can become a serious problem. You may not have enough time to reach your strongest board.
Because of this, you should always balance economy and board strength.
Best Aphelios TFT Set 18 Items
Aphelios is your main physical carry. Therefore, he should receive your best AD and attack speed items.
Best Items for Aphelios
His most important item is:
Guinsoo’s Rageblade
This item gives Aphelios more attack speed during combat. Therefore, it works very well in long fights.
After Guinsoo’s Rageblade, you can use:
- Giant Slayer
- Kraken’s Fury
These items give Aphelios strong and steady DPS.
However, you should not force the same three items every game.
For example, some lobbies have many high-Armor tanks. In that case, Infinity Edge and Last Whisper can be better options.
Last Whisper is especially useful against heavy frontline teams.
Overall, Guinsoo’s Rageblade should be your first choice. After that, choose the other items based on the lobby.
Best Alune Items
Alune is your secondary carry. Therefore, you can give her leftover AP items.
Good choices include:
- Blue Buff
- Jeweled Gauntlet
- Void Staff
Alune adds magic damage to the team. As a result, she helps against enemies that can survive Aphelios’ physical damage.
Still, Aphelios should remain your first item priority.
Best Lillia and Gnar Items
Lillia should hold your main tank items.
Good options include:
- Sunfire Cape
- Protector’s Vow
- Moonstone Renewer
Her main job is simple. She needs to survive and buy time for your backline.
Meanwhile, Gnar can use fighter items.
For example, you can give him Sterak’s Gage, Titan’s Resolve, or Hand of Justice.
Therefore, most of your leftover defensive and fighter items can still provide value.
How to Play Aphelios TFT Set 18 Early Game
During the early game, focus on saving HP and building your economy. You can start with Ornn, Xayah, Alistar, and LeBlanc. This setup gives you a solid early board.
More importantly, Xayah can hold Aphelios’ items. Therefore, you do not need to keep important AD items on your bench. Give them to Xayah and use her to save HP.
Also, prioritize natural 2-star upgrades. However, avoid spending too much gold on rerolls. Your main goal is still to build your economy.
If your board is strong, keep saving gold. Then, level up when you can do so without hurting your economy too much.
How to Play Aphelios TFT Set 18 Mid Game
Around Stage 3-2, you can reach Level 6. At this point, add more Thornbound units when possible. This will improve your frontline.
If you find Aphelios or Lillia early, put them on the board. Both units can give your team a big power boost. After that, start saving for Level 8. However, always watch your HP.
If your board becomes too weak, roll a little gold. Try to find important 2-star upgrades. This can stop you from taking heavy damage every round.
Therefore, do not force Fast 8 when your board is losing badly. Sometimes, spending gold at Level 6 or 7 is the better choice.
Your goal is to reach Level 8 with enough HP and gold to finish the comp.
How to Play Aphelios TFT Set 18 Late Game
Level 8 is the key point for this comp. Once you reach Level 8, start rolling for your core champions.
Your main targets are: Aphelios 2-star and Lillia 2-star
At the same time, look for the other units needed for your final board. Once Aphelios has good items, your damage becomes much stronger. However, your frontline also needs upgrades.
If your board becomes stable, stop rolling. Then, check your HP and gold.
If your HP is low, stay at Level 8 and keep rolling. In contrast, if you are healthy, start saving again. After that, you can push toward Level 9.
At Level 9, add Gnar, Ivern, or another strong high-cost unit. As a result, your team becomes much stronger in the late game.
Best Tips for Aphelios TFT Set 18
First, do not force this comp just because you find Aphelios early. Aphelios still needs strong tanks. Without them, he may die before he can build enough attack speed.
Second, prioritize Guinsoo’s Rageblade. This is the most important Aphelios item. After you have Guinsoo’s, you can be more flexible with his other two items.
Also, you do not always need the exact Level 9 board. For example, LeBlanc and Ivern can be replaced in some games. You may find a useful Emblem or a strong 5-cost unit. In that case, change your team based on what the game gives you. Positioning is also important.
Keep Aphelios safe in the backline. Moreover, scout other players before each fight. Move Aphelios away from enemies that can quickly reach him. Finally, know when to stop saving gold.
If you are losing too much HP, roll and improve your board. Do not force Level 9 when you are close to being eliminated.
Is Aphelios TFT Set 18 Worth Playing?
Overall, Aphelios TFT Set 18 is a strong choice for players who enjoy Fast 8 comps. The strategy is also easy to understand. You save gold, build a strong frontline, and reach Level 8. Then, you roll for Aphelios and Lillia. Most importantly, Aphelios needs time.
If your Thornbound frontline stays alive, Aphelios can keep stacking Guinsoo’s Rageblade. As a result, his damage becomes much stronger as the fight continues.
Therefore, try to save HP during the early game. Next, build your economy during the mid game. Finally, roll at Level 8 to complete your core board. If you are healthy enough, push to Level 9 for an even stronger team.
With good items and a durable frontline, Aphelios Thornbound can become a powerful late-game comp in TFT Set 18.
Read more:
How to Build a Strong Mischief Team in TFT Set 18
How to Play the Powerful Sun Reroll Team at TFT 18
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