Teamfight Tactics Patch 17.4 is finally live, and it brings a long list of balance changes to TFT Set 17. Overall, Riot Games wants to create a more diverse meta. Instead of seeing the same few team comps every game, players should now have more competitive options.
As a result, several weak traits and champions have received buffs. Meanwhile, some of the strongest strategies have been toned down. In addition, Riot has introduced a major rework for Judgment, one of the most important traits in the current set.
Because of these updates, TFT Patch 17.4 could significantly change the ranked ladder in the coming weeks.

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TFT Patch 17.4 Overview
According to Riot Games, the main goal of this update is to increase team comp diversity. Therefore, many underperforming units and traits have been strengthened.
At the same time, Riot has targeted a few dominant picks that have controlled the meta for multiple patches.
One early change affects Ekko’s Blessing: Special Variant. Its star damage has been reduced from 85 to 70. Meanwhile, Greedy Chest has been temporarily disabled due to a bug.
Although these adjustments may seem small, they help improve overall game balance.

Judgment Gets a Major Rework
The biggest change in TFT Patch 17.4 is the rework of Judgment.
In previous patches, Judgment often felt too random. Players needed the right Input and Output combinations to succeed. Because of that, the trait could be unreliable.
Now Riot has divided Judgment Inputs into three groups:
- Stable
- Conditional
- Economy
Each game will always offer one option from each group. As a result, players can make better decisions and plan ahead more easily.
Judgment Outputs have also been split into three categories:
- Offensive
- Defensive
- Economy
In addition, Riot added several new effects. Some reward players with extra durability. Others provide gold or improve the chance of getting Leona.
At the same time, older effects have been removed. For example, effects tied to low Health, takedowns, or repeated damage triggers are gone.
Because of these updates, Judgment should feel much more consistent. It can now support many different playstyles.ortantly, it can now support a wider range of playstyles.s.
N.O.V.A and Super Sentai Receive Buffs
Meanwhile, N.O.V.A is one of the biggest winners of this patch.
The N.O.V.A 5 breakpoint has received several important buffs:
- Aatrox deals more ability damage.
- Akali gains additional bleed damage.
- Kindred receives more damage amplification.
As a result, N.O.V.A comps should perform better throughout the game. Furthermore, players will not need to rely as heavily on finding a N.O.V.A Emblem.
In addition, Super Sentai has also received meaningful adjustments.
Several signature items have been updated, including:
- Drone Link
- Virus Matrix
- Augmented Senses
- Target Lock Scope
These items now work better on both AD and AP champions. Therefore, players have more flexibility when building their boards.
Most notably, Target Lock Scope has been redesigned. Because of this, it should perform much better on champions that frequently switch targets during combat.

Trait Changes in TFT Patch 17.4
Several traits received balance updates.
Challenger Buffed
Challenger now grants more Attack Speed at its middle breakpoints.
As a result, Challenger boards should have stronger combat power during the mid game.
Dark Star Nerfed
Dark Star 6 was one of the strongest traits in the game. Riot has now reduced its power.
Changes include:
- Bonus stats reduced from 85% to 70%.
- Small Black Hole Health reduced.
These nerfs should make Dark Star less dominant.
Sniper and Planet Improved
Sniper now gains more damage at higher trait levels.
Meanwhile, Planet 7’s bonus has increased from 10% to 15%.
Because of these buffs, both traits may become more popular in the new patch.

Champions Buffed in Patch 17.4
Many champions received buffs.
1-Cost Champions
- Aatrox heals more.
- Twisted Fate gains a partial buff after earlier nerfs.
These changes help low-cost reroll comps.
2-Cost Champions
Several units received useful upgrades:
- Bel’Veth deals more ability damage.
- Gnar gains Attack Speed.
- Gwen gets more durability and damage.
- Zoe deals more spell damage.
- Jax has a new damage reduction system.
As a result, more 2-cost reroll comps could return to the meta.
3-Cost Champions
The following champions received buffs:
- Aurora deals more split damage.
- Clone Miss Fortune deals more damage.
- Viktor deals more spell damage.
- Ornn’s Health increased from 850 to 950.
These changes improve both frontline and carry options.
Corki and Fiora Nerfed
Riot also targeted several strong late-game carries.
Corki
Corki’s rocket damage has been reduced.
His Bell Spirit Rocket damage has also been lowered.
Since Corki has been one of the most popular carries, these nerfs should reduce his pick rate.
Fiora
Fiora’s true damage has been lowered.
As a result, she should be less effective at deleting key targets.
Other Champion Changes
Several other champions were adjusted:
- Xayah gains more base Attack Damage.
- Xayah deals more damage to her main target.
- Graves gains Attack Speed.
- Shen casts earlier and deals more damage.
- Zed receives mana and clone adjustments.
These updates could help more 5-cost champions find a place in the meta.
Augments, Radiant Items, and Emblems
Riot also updated several Augments.
Buffed Augments
- One Two Three
- Enhancement Package
- Energy Conversion I
- Energy Conversion II
Nerfed Augments
- Hold the Line
- Group Hug
- Kamehameha
- Sweet Gift
Radiant Items were also adjusted.
Buffed Radiant Items
- Adaptive Helm
- Dragon’s Claw
- Guinsoo’s Rageblade
Nerfed Radiant Items
- Gargoyle Stoneplate
- Nashor’s Tooth
In addition, Judgment Emblem now grants 30% Attack Speed instead of 20%.
However, Outlaw Emblem’s Omnivamp has dropped from 40% to 25%.

Final Thoughts
Overall, TFT Patch 17.4 is focused on improving game balance and increasing team comp diversity.
Judgment should become much more reliable after its rework. Meanwhile, N.O.V.A and Super Sentai both gain useful buffs that make them easier to play.
On the other hand, powerful options like Dark Star 6 and Corki carry have been toned down.
Because of these changes, players can expect a more open meta. Comps built around Judgment, N.O.V.A, Sniper, Planet 7, and several reroll carries all look promising.
For players looking to climb the ranked ladder, Patch 17.4 offers many new strategies to explore. The early days of the patch should be exciting as the meta continues to evolve.
For more meta team comps, visit https://op.gg/tft/meta-trends/comps.
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