Assassin / Ninja builds: Akali with Spirit Emblem, Archangel's Staff, Ionic Spark (100.00% WR, +46.67% difference); Shen with Sunfire Cape, Spirit Visage, Spirit Visage (100.00% WR, +46.67% difference); Talon with Infinity Edge, Quicksilver, Titan's Resolve (100.00% WR, +46.67% difference)
Strategy Guide
- Win Condition: 3-Cost Reroll - 3-star Akali as your primary carry.
- Reroll Targets: 3-star Akali and Zed and Kennen. Roll down at level 6 where 2-cost units have the highest appearance rate.
- Economy: Medium Cost comp (66g investment). Save gold early, loss streak for extra gold and first carousel priority.
- Items: Best-in-slot items add +46.7% win rate - hold components.
- Carousel Priority: Tear Of The Goddess and Giant's Belt.
- Augment Synergies: Look for Reroll augments (Three's a Crowd, Pandora's Items), Assassin trait augments.
- Diana
1 CostReroll Lvl: Level 4
- Zed
- Pyke
2 CostReroll Lvl: Level 6
- Akali
- Katarina
- Kennen
3 CostReroll Lvl: Level 7
- Shen
- Talon
4 CostReroll Lvl: Level 10
This is the suggested positioning for the champions in this TFT team comp. Positioning is based on the roles of the units.
Champion | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| - | Win Rate: 50.0% Pick Rate: 93.3% | Win Rate: 100.0% Pick Rate: 6.7% | |
| - | Win Rate: 53.3% Pick Rate: 100.0% | - | |
Win Rate: 0.0% Pick Rate: 6.7% | Win Rate: 62.5% Pick Rate: 53.3% | Win Rate: 50.0% Pick Rate: 40.0% | |
| - | Win Rate: 75.0% Pick Rate: 53.3% | Win Rate: 28.6% Pick Rate: 46.7% | |
| - | Win Rate: 50.0% Pick Rate: 93.3% | Win Rate: 100.0% Pick Rate: 6.7% | |
Win Rate: 0.0% Pick Rate: 20.0% | Win Rate: 85.7% Pick Rate: 46.7% | Win Rate: 40.0% Pick Rate: 33.3% | |
Win Rate: 0.0% Pick Rate: 6.7% | Win Rate: 57.1% Pick Rate: 93.3% | - | |
Win Rate: 66.7% Pick Rate: 20.0% | Win Rate: 50.0% Pick Rate: 80.0% | - |
Top 5 items by win rate for each champion. Diana's best item is Titan's Resolve with a 78.6% win rate. Pyke's best item is Morellonomicon with a 83.0% win rate. Zed's best item is Quicksilver with a 80.6% win rate. Akali's best item is Thief's Gloves with a 91.3% win rate. Katarina's best item is Thief's Gloves with a 63.8% win rate. Kennen's best item is Morellonomicon with a 72.7% win rate. Shen's best item is Protector's Vow with a 80.4% win rate. Talon's best item is Last Whisper with a 77.4% win rate. Items with low pick rates are excluded.
If contested, consider pivoting to Enlightened / Ninja (5 shared units, 3.99 avg place).
Playstyle Analysis
This composition focuses on survivability and scaling, aiming to outlast opponents in extended fights during the late game.
This composition prioritizes survival and scaling over early aggression. Deals ~103 avg damage per game.
Units in this comp are very durable — units survive significantly longer than average in fights.
Assassin / Ninja usually peaks in stages 5-6, balancing mid-game power with late-game potential. Games typically end around round 32.
Detailed Analysis
Assassin / Ninja is classified as a Late Game Tank composition in TFT Patch 16.2. With a 53.3% win rate and 4.07 average placement, this comp is among the strongest options in the current meta.
Damage Profile: This composition is very defensive — it prioritizes survival and scaling over early aggression. This defensive approach means you may lose some early fights, but you'll have more HP remaining when your comp comes online.
Game Phase Strategy: Focus on economy and leveling to reach your power spike, even if it means taking some early losses.
Stage-by-Stage Guide
Understanding when to level, roll, and transition is crucial for maximizing your success with Assassin / Ninja. This guide breaks down the optimal play pattern for each stage of the game.
Focus on building economy while collecting Akali and Zed and Kennen copies. Play your strongest board with any 2-star units you hit naturally. Look for Diana and Zed as early game frontline. Aim to have 30-40 gold by the Stage 2 carousel.
Stage 3 is your key decision point. If you've collected 5+ copies of Akali by Stage 3-2, commit to the reroll strategy. Level to 6 at Stage 3-2 and begin slow rolling. At level 6, 2-cost units have the highest appearance rate.
By Stage 4, you should be close to or have already hit your 3-star Akali. Once you 3-star your primary carry, stop rolling and begin leveling. If resources allow, continue rolling for 3-star Zed and Kennen. Transition to leveling at Stage 4-5 or 5-1.
Your 3-star carry should be online and dealing massive damage. Focus on adding your remaining high-cost units and finding optimal positioning against the remaining players. Scout remaining players and position to counter their carries.
This is a high economy investment that requires disciplined gold management during your reroll phase. Slow roll above 50 gold until you hit your 3-star targets.
Full Written Guide
Stage 2: Early Game
Focus on building economy while collecting Akali and Zed and Kennen copies. Play your strongest board with any 2-star units you hit naturally. Look for Diana and Zed as early game frontline. Aim to have 30-40 gold by the Stage 2 carousel.
Stage 3: Transition
Stage 3 is your key decision point. If you've collected 5+ copies of Akali by Stage 3-2, commit to the reroll strategy. Level to 6 at Stage 3-2 and begin slow rolling. At level 6, 2-cost units have the highest appearance rate.
Stage 4: Power Spike
By Stage 4, you should be close to or have already hit your 3-star Akali. Once you 3-star your primary carry, stop rolling and begin leveling. If resources allow, continue rolling for 3-star Zed and Kennen. Transition to leveling at Stage 4-5 or 5-1.
Stage 5+: Late Game
Your 3-star carry should be online and dealing massive damage. Focus on adding your remaining high-cost units and finding optimal positioning against the remaining players. Scout remaining players and position to counter their carries.
Player Damage Analysis
This shows which units survive fights long enough to deal damage to the enemy player in Assassin / Ninja. Units that stay alive longer contribute more player damage — so this reflects both damage output and survivability, helping you identify which units to protect and prioritize.
Multiple units survive and contribute player damage. This makes the comp resilient — losing one unit doesn't cripple your damage.
Key Takeaways
Full Damage Breakdown
Top Survivor: Shen contributes 14.6% of total player damage. This unit reliably survives to deal player damage, though other units also contribute meaningfully.
Other Key Survivors: Talon (13.7%), Pyke (12.8%). These units also survive fights consistently and contribute to your player damage total.
Positioning Tip: Your damage is spread across multiple units, so you're less reliant on any single unit surviving. This gives you more flexibility in positioning.
When to Play Assassin / Ninja
Strengths
- High 53.3% win rate makes this a top-tier composition
- Good 4.07 average placement indicates viability
- Akali and Zed and Kennen can be 3-starred for power spikes
- Strong trait synergies across multiple activated traits
Weaknesses
- Requires specific items on carries to maximize potential
- Can struggle if key units are contested
Strategic Tips
Focus on 3-starring Akali for a 28.6% win rate power spike.
Prioritize items for your main carry. Check the Top Items section for optimal builds.
Place Shen and Kennen in the frontline to protect carries in the backline. Use the positioning board above as a guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What traits does this comp use?
This composition uses the following traits: Assassin, Ninja. The primary trait is Assassin, which is active on 5 units.
What are the carries of this TFT Comp?
What is the best positioning for this composition?
Place your carries in the backline and your tanks like Shen and Kennen in the frontline to absorb damage. Check the positioning board above for exact placement.
Is this composition good in the current meta?
This composition has a win rate of 53.33% and an average placement of 4.07, making it a strong contender in the current meta.
What item builds does Assassin / Ninja use?
Assassin / Ninja performs best with these item builds: Akali with Spirit Emblem, Archangel's Staff, Ionic Spark (100.00% win rate, +46.67% difference from comp average); Shen with Sunfire Cape, Spirit Visage, Spirit Visage (100.00% win rate, +46.67% difference from comp average); Talon with Infinity Edge, Quicksilver, Titan's Resolve (100.00% win rate, +46.67% difference from comp average).
Is Assassin / Ninja contested in TFT Set 16?
Assassin / Ninja is relatively uncontested with only a 0.1% pick rate, making it a good choice when you want to avoid fighting for units. You can often hit your key champions like your carries without much competition.
What is the win condition for Assassin / Ninja?
The win condition for Assassin / Ninja is "3-Cost Reroll". This is a reroll composition that focuses on 3-starring Akali and Zed and Kennen as the primary carrys. Focus on 3-starring Akali which has a 28.6% win rate when upgraded.
Should I reroll or level with Assassin / Ninja?
Yes, Assassin / Ninja is a reroll composition. You should slow roll at level 6 where 2-cost units have the highest appearance rate. Your primary reroll targets are Akali (28.6% win rate at 3-star) and Zed (50.0% win rate at 3-star) and Kennen (40.0% win rate at 3-star). Save gold above 50 and roll excess gold each round until you hit your 3-star units.
How much gold does Assassin / Ninja cost to build?
Assassin / Ninja is a high cost composition requiring approximately 114 gold investment to complete. Prioritize economy early, maintain 50+ gold interest, and avoid rolling until you have a strong economic foundation.
What are the best pivot options for Assassin / Ninja?
Assassin / Ninja is committed composition with few pivot options - decide early if contested. The best pivot options share key units like Shen and Talon. If you're contested, look at similar compositions that use these same champions with different supporting units.
When should I pivot away from Assassin / Ninja?
You should consider pivoting away from Assassin / Ninja if: (1) you see 2+ players contesting your key units in the early game, (2) you're not hitting your core champions by stage 3-2, or (3) you find stronger units for an alternative comp. The best pivot is Enlightened / Ninja with a 63.6% win rate. Scout your lobby at stage 2-1 and 3-2 to decide. Check the Pivot Suggestions section above for 1 alternative compositions.