Gnar has become a popular champion in TFT Set 17 after Patch 17.4c. Riot gave him a small attack speed buff. His base attack speed increased from 0.7 to 0.75. The change may look small. However, it makes Gnar much stronger in real games. He attacks faster and deals damage more often. As a result, he performs better in both the early and mid game.
Many players used to reroll for Gnar 3-star. However, a new strategy is becoming more popular. Instead of rerolling, players focus on tempo and fast leveling. This approach helps save gold. It also keeps your board strong throughout the game. Because of that, you can reach Level 9 more easily.
In addition, the Wind-Up Spirit trait can help you find extra copies of Gnar. Therefore, getting Gnar 3-star becomes much easier without spending too much gold.
As a result, you can build a strong late-game board while still using Gnar as your main carry.
For more meta team comps, visit https://op.gg/tft/meta-trends/comps.

Why Tempo Gnar Is Strong
The recent buff improved Gnar’s damage output. He attacks faster and stacks damage more quickly. At the same time, the current meta rewards strong early boards. Therefore, Gnar fits perfectly into many games.
Unlike reroll compositions, Tempo Gnar does not require heavy rolling. Instead, you spend gold on leveling. Meanwhile, the trait helps you collect more Gnar copies naturally. Because of this, you keep a healthy economy. You also reach important levels much faster.
Furthermore, the composition scales very well into the late game. Once you reach Level 9, you can add powerful legendary units. This gives the composition a strong balance between early pressure and late-game power.
When Should You Play Tempo Gnar?
Should consider this composition when:
- You find several Gnar copies early.
- You get Wind-Up Spirit augments.
- Few players are contesting Gnar.
- You start with attack speed components.
- You have a strong opening board.
If these conditions are met, Tempo Gnar becomes a great option.
Moreover, the composition is flexible. Therefore, it can perform well in many different lobbies.
Early Game Strategy
Your goal in the early game is simple. Build a strong board and save gold.
Gnar should be your main damage dealer. Meanwhile, Poppy can hold the frontline.
Try to upgrade both units to 2-star. However, do not spend too much gold rolling.
Instead, focus on maintaining tempo.
Also, build useful items as soon as possible. Strong items help preserve HP and keep your streak alive.
Because this is a tempo composition, preserving HP is often more important than waiting for perfect items.

Mid Game: Maintain Tempo and Economy
Once you reach Levels 5 and 6, continue adding useful trait synergies.
At this stage, your economy becomes very important. Therefore, try to maintain at least 50 gold whenever possible.
You should focus on:
- Leveling on time.
- Preserving HP.
- Maintaining win streaks.
- Building a strong board.
- Avoiding unnecessary rerolls.
Meanwhile, keep collecting Gnar copies whenever they appear.
Because you are not spending gold on heavy rolling, your economy should remain strong. As a result, reaching Level 8 becomes much easier.

Level 7 Power Spike
Level 7 is an important stage for this composition.
By now, you should be close to activating 7 Wind-Up Spirit. If possible, complete the trait as soon as you can.
At the same time, continue collecting Gnar copies.
Your goals at Level 7 are:
- Activate 7 Wind-Up Spirit.
- Save economy.
- Strengthen your board.
- Prepare for Level 8.
Unlike traditional reroll boards, you do not need to force Gnar 3-star immediately.
Instead, allow the trait mechanic to help generate additional copies. Therefore, you can save more gold for later stages.

Level 8 Is the Key Stage
Level 8 is where the composition reaches its biggest power spike.
After reaching this level, you can roll some gold to stabilize your board.
Your top priorities should be:
- Gnar 3-star.
- 7 Wind-Up Spirit.
- Rammus as the main tank.
- Strong support units.
In addition, start collecting powerful 4-cost and 5-cost champions.
Some great options include:
- Karma
- Robot
- Other premium late-game units
These champions will become important once you transition into your final board.
Because of this, always keep an eye on valuable units in your shop.
Transitioning Into Level 9
After upgrading Gnar to 3-star, your next goal is reaching Level 9.
This is where the composition truly shines.
At Level 9, you no longer need to rely entirely on Wind-Up Spirit. Instead, you should focus on overall board quality.
You can reduce the trait from 7 Wind-Up Spirit to 5 Wind-Up Spirit.
Then, add stronger legendary champions.
For example, you can replace weaker units with upgraded 5-cost champions. As a result, your board becomes much stronger in late-game fights.
This combination gives you the best of both worlds. You keep Gnar’s steady damage while adding powerful late-game carries.

Best Items for Gnar
Core Item
Guinsoo’s Rageblade
This item is essential.
Gnar scales very well with attack speed. Therefore, Rageblade helps him deal more damage as fights continue.
Recommended Damage Items
- Last Whisper
- Giant Slayer
- Deathblade
- Infinity Edge
However, do not wait for perfect combinations.
Instead, build useful items early. This will help maintain tempo and preserve HP.
Best Tank Items
Rammus and Robot are excellent frontline units.
Good defensive items include:
- Warmog’s Armor
- Bramble Vest
- Dragon’s Claw
- Redemption
These items allow your frontline to survive longer.
As a result, Gnar gets more time to stack attack speed and deal damage.
Meanwhile, leftover damage items can be given to Jhin, Bard, or another secondary carry.
Best Augments for Tempo Gnar
Economy augments are usually the strongest choice.
Good options include:
- Extra experience augments.
- Gold-generating augments.
- Champion upgrade augments.
These choices help you reach Level 9 faster.
In addition, Kayle can be a strong God selection if you need extra combat power or additional items.
Therefore, she remains a solid option in many games.
Final Thoughts
Tempo Gnar is one of the most effective compositions in TFT Set 17. It offers strong early-game pressure, a healthy economy, and excellent late-game scaling. Unlike traditional reroll strategies, this composition rewards smart leveling and efficient resource management.
Furthermore, the Wind-Up Spirit trait makes upgrading Gnar much easier. As a result, players can achieve Gnar 3-star without sacrificing their economy.
Most importantly, the strategy allows you to reach Level 9 consistently. Therefore, you can field powerful legendary champions while still benefiting from Gnar’s damage output.
If you find early Gnar copies and a good Wind-Up Spirit start, Tempo Gnar is definitely worth trying in the current TFT Set 17 meta.
Read more:
TFT Set 17 Super Beast Items You Need to Know
How to Stargazer Works in TFT Set 17
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