Kha Y Tran The Riftbeast Elder Dragon TFT Set 18 comp is a powerful late-game option. It combines a durable frontline with strong physical damage. Most importantly, Elder Dragon becomes the main carry once you reach the late game.
This is not a reroll comp. Instead, you want to save gold and level up quickly. Your main goal is to reach Level 8 with enough gold to find your expensive units.
However, you should not force this comp every game. It works best when you have a good Riftbeast start and useful AD items. A healthy economy also makes the transition much easier.
So, how do you play Riftbeast Elder Dragon in TFT Set 18? Here is a complete guide.
For more meta team comps, visit https://op.gg/tft/meta-trends/comps.
Riftbeast Elder Dragon TFT Set 18 Comp
The standard late-game board includes:
- Pebbles
- Murkwolf
- Krug
- Brambleback
- Sentinel
- Elder Dragon
- Gnar
- Taric
Each champion has a clear role.
Pebbles can provide extra magic damage. Meanwhile, Murkwolf and Krug help build your Riftbeast core. Brambleback adds physical damage during the mid and late game.
Sentinel is one of your main tanks. It protects the rest of the team and gives Elder Dragon more time to attack.
Finally, Elder Dragon is your main late-game carry. Gnar and Taric provide extra utility and make the final board more balanced.
As a result, the comp has both damage and defense. It also has several units that can carry items.
Why Is Riftbeast Elder Dragon Strong?
The Riftbeast trait is the foundation of this comp.
One major advantage is its smooth progression. You can find Riftbeast units across several cost levels. Therefore, you can start building the trait early and improve it as the game continues.
Pebbles and Murkwolf can help during the opening stages. Then, Krug becomes another useful unit in the mid game.
Later, Brambleback and Sentinel provide a major power spike. Finally, Elder Dragon completes your late-game setup.
This progression makes the comp flexible. You do not need to find every important unit at once.
Moreover, the team has several damage sources. Elder Dragon is the main carry, but Brambleback can also deal heavy damage. Pebbles can use spare AP items as well.
Therefore, your entire game does not depend on one champion.
Best Elder Dragon Items
Elder Dragon should receive your best AD items.
A strong item combination is:
Deathblade + Last Whisper + Striker’s Flail
Deathblade gives Elder Dragon more raw damage. Meanwhile, Last Whisper helps against enemies with high Armor. However, you do not need these exact three items every game.
Infinity Edge, Giant Slayer, and Sterak’s Gage are also useful choices. Other strong AD items can work depending on your components.
Therefore, avoid holding items for too long. A good completed item now can save much more HP than a perfect item several rounds later.
Since Elder Dragon arrives late, you also need an item holder. Give its AD items to another champion during the early and mid game.
Then, transfer the items when you finally find Elder Dragon.
Best Brambleback Items
Brambleback is your main secondary carry.
A strong build is:
Edge of Night + Giant Slayer + Sterak’s Gage
Edge of Night improves Brambleback’s survival. This is useful because it often fights close to the enemy frontline.
Meanwhile, Giant Slayer helps against high-HP targets. Sterak’s Gage adds even more durability. Brambleback is also very useful before you find Elder Dragon. For that reason, a two-star Brambleback can help stabilize your board during Stage 4.
However, Elder Dragon remains the main late-game priority. Therefore, do not sacrifice all your best items just to complete a perfect Brambleback build.
Best Sentinel Items
Sentinel is one of the most important tanks in the comp.
A solid item combination is:
Gargoyle Stoneplate + Warmog’s Armor + Protector’s Vow
Gargoyle Stoneplate works well when several enemies attack Sentinel. Meanwhile, Warmog’s Armor gives it a much larger health pool. Protector’s Vow adds another layer of defense.
Still, you should stay flexible. If the lobby has many AP comps, prioritize Magic Resist. If most opponents deal physical damage, Armor becomes more valuable.
The goal is simple. Keep Sentinel alive for as long as possible.
A stronger frontline means more time for Elder Dragon and Brambleback to deal damage.
How to Use Pebbles
Pebbles gives you another way to use AP items.
A possible build is:
Blue Buff + Jeweled Gauntlet + Rabadon’s Deathcap
However, Pebbles is not your main item priority. Instead, give it AP items that you cannot use elsewhere. This makes the comp much more flexible.
For example, AD components can go to Elder Dragon or Brambleback. Tank items can go to Sentinel. Meanwhile, AP items can go to Pebbles.
As a result, most item drops can still improve your board.
Early Game: Save Gold and Preserve HP
During the early game, focus on two things: economy and HP. If you find Pebbles or Murkwolf early, you can start building around Riftbeast. However, you do not need to force the trait immediately.
Instead, play your strongest available board. This is important because Riftbeast Elder Dragon needs high levels. If you spend too much gold on early rerolls, reaching Level 8 becomes harder.
Therefore, avoid rerolling for cheap three-star units. You should also build useful items early. Do not keep every component on your bench while waiting for perfect items.
Strong completed items can help you win rounds. Even when you lose, they can reduce the amount of damage you take. If you can build a win streak, even better. The extra gold will make your Level 8 transition much easier.
Mid Game: Build a Stronger Frontline
Stage 3 is about improving your board without destroying your economy. Krug can strengthen your frontline during this stage. In addition, you should continue adding useful Riftbeast units whenever possible.
However, do not replace strong upgraded units with weak one-star Riftbeasts just to activate another trait. Board strength is more important.
During Stage 4, start looking for Brambleback and Sentinel. These units can greatly improve your board. Brambleback can hold your AD items. Meanwhile, Sentinel becomes your main tank.
If you find both at two stars, your board should become much more stable. Still, do not spend all your gold unless necessary. You need enough resources to continue leveling and eventually find Elder Dragon.
When Should You Go Level 8?
This comp usually wants to reach Level 8 quickly. However, your HP should decide how greedy you can be.
If you have high HP and a strong board, continue saving gold. Then, reach Level 8 before spending heavily.
On the other hand, you may need to roll earlier if your board is weak. For example, imagine that you enter Stage 4 with low HP. Waiting several more rounds could lead to an early elimination. In that case, spend some gold and look for upgrades.
Brambleback 2-star and Sentinel 2-star can help you stabilize. After that, rebuild your economy and continue toward Level 8.
The key is balance. You need to stay alive without spending all your gold too early.
Late Game: Find Elder Dragon
The biggest power spike arrives when you find Elder Dragon. At this point, transfer your best AD items to Elder Dragon. Then, rebuild your frontline around it.
Your final core can look like this:
Pebbles – Murkwolf – Krug – Brambleback – Sentinel – Elder Dragon – Gnar – Taric
Next, focus on upgrading your expensive units. Elder Dragon 2-star should be your biggest goal. However, Brambleback and Sentinel upgrades are also very important.
If your board is already strong and you have enough gold, you can consider going Level 9. This gives you more space for extra utility. However, do not become too greedy.
If your HP is low, stay at Level 8 and spend your gold. A stronger board now is better than a Level 9 that you never reach.
How to Position Riftbeast Elder Dragon
Good positioning becomes very important in the late game. Place Sentinel where it can absorb heavy enemy damage. It should protect your important carries and buy time for them.
Meanwhile, position Brambleback where it can quickly enter combat. Gnar can help disrupt the enemy team. Therefore, place it where its crowd control can affect important targets. Elder Dragon should also avoid unnecessary early focus.
Most importantly, scout before every major fight. Look at where enemy carries are standing. Also, check for crowd control and dangerous frontline units.
Then, move your champions when needed. Even a small positioning change can turn a loss into a win.
Tips for Playing Riftbeast Elder Dragon
First, do not force the comp every game. A good Riftbeast opener does not always mean you should commit immediately. Instead, check your items and economy. Also, consider how much HP you have.
Second, avoid rerolling too much during the early game. Your main carry is expensive. Therefore, reaching higher levels should remain your main goal.
Third, build useful items early. Perfect items are great, but preserving HP is usually more important. Moreover, use temporary item holders. This allows you to stay strong before Elder Dragon appears.
Finally, scout your opponents often. If several players are contesting the same expensive units, you may need to roll earlier.
However, if you are healthy and uncontested, you can save more gold and build a stronger late-game board.
Conclusion
Riftbeast Elder Dragon TFT Set 18 is a strong late-game comp with excellent carry potential. The strategy begins with a flexible early game. Pebbles, Murkwolf, and Krug can help you build your first Riftbeast board.
Then, Brambleback and Sentinel become important during the mid game. They give you enough damage and defense to survive while you prepare for Level 8. Finally, Elder Dragon becomes your main carry.
However, economy management is the key to success. Avoid unnecessary rerolls and preserve as much HP as possible. At the same time, do not be afraid to spend gold when your board becomes too weak.
With strong items, good positioning, and a healthy economy, Riftbeast Elder Dragon can become one of the most dangerous late-game comps 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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