Bruiser / Ionia TFT Comp
This comp averages a 2.25 placement with a 100.0% top 4 rate and a 16.7% first place rate across 641,662 ranked games. A 0.1% pick rate makes this a less contested composition.
- Illaoi
- Shen
1 CostReroll Lvl: Level 4
- Sion
- Aphelios
- Bard
2 CostReroll Lvl: Level 6
- Kobuko & Yuumi
3 CostReroll Lvl: Level 7
- Wukong
4 CostReroll Lvl: Level 10
- Volibear
- Sett
5 CostReroll Lvl: Level 10
Strategy Guide
This is the suggested positioning for the champions in this TFT team comp. Positioning is based on the roles of the units.
Playstyle Analysis
This composition focuses on survivability and scaling, aiming to outlast opponents in extended fights during the late game.
This composition focuses more on survivability than raw damage output. Deals ~155 avg damage per game.
Units in this comp are very durable — units survive significantly longer than average in fights.
Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker typically reaches deep into stage 6 and beyond, scaling into the late game. Games typically end around round 38.
This composition has strong "win lobby" potential when it hits its key units and items. Hitting 3-star Bard or Sion or Aphelios or Shen or Illaoi significantly increases your chances of taking first.
Detailed Analysis
Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker is classified as a Late Game Tank composition in TFT Patch 16.10. With a 100.0% win rate and 2.25 average placement, this comp is among the strongest options in the current meta.
Damage Profile: This composition is defensive — it focuses more on survivability than raw damage output. 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 Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker. This guide breaks down the optimal play pattern for each stage of the game.
Focus on building economy while collecting Bard and Sion and Aphelios and Shen and Illaoi copies. Play your strongest board with any 2-star units you hit naturally. Look for Illaoi and Shen 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 Bard by Stage 3-2, commit to the reroll strategy. Level to 5 at Stage 3-2 and begin slow rolling. At level 5, 1-cost units have the highest appearance rate.
By Stage 4, you should be close to or have already hit your 3-star Bard . Once you 3-star your primary carry, stop rolling and begin leveling. If resources allow, continue rolling for 3-star Sion and Aphelios and Shen and Illaoi. 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. If you find Volibear or Sett, add them for extra power. 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 Bard and Sion and Aphelios and Shen and Illaoi copies. Play your strongest board with any 2-star units you hit naturally. Look for Illaoi and Shen 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 Bard by Stage 3-2, commit to the reroll strategy. Level to 5 at Stage 3-2 and begin slow rolling. At level 5, 1-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 Bard . Once you 3-star your primary carry, stop rolling and begin leveling. If resources allow, continue rolling for 3-star Sion and Aphelios and Shen and Illaoi. 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. If you find Volibear or Sett, add them for extra power. Scout remaining players and position to counter their carries.
Player Damage Analysis
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:: Volibear contributes 13.6% of total player damage. This unit reliably survives to deal player damage, though other units also contribute meaningfully.
Other Key Survivors:: Sett (12.5%), Wukong (11.6%). 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 Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker
Strengths
- High 100.0% win rate makes this a top-tier composition
- Excellent 2.25 average placement for reliable top 4
- Strong 16.7% first place rate for high-rolling games
- Bard and Sion and Aphelios and Shen and Illaoi can be 3-starred for power spikes
Weaknesses
- Requires specific items on carries to maximize potential
- Can struggle if key units are contested
Strategic Tips
Economy Strategy
Focus on 3-starring Bard for a 100.0% win rate power spike.
Itemization
Prioritize items for Aphelios. Check the Top Items section for optimal builds.
Positioning
Place Wukong and Kobuko & Yuumi in the frontline to protect Aphelios in the backline. Use the positioning board above as a guide.
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A Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker TFT Comp - Frequently Asked Questions
What traits does this comp use?
This composition uses the following traits: Targon, Bruiser, Ionia, The Boss, Caretaker. The primary trait is Bruiser, which is active on 6 units.
What are the carries of this TFT Comp?
The primary carries for this composition are Bard (3-Star Win Rate: 100.0%, Pick Rate: 100.0%), Sion (3-Star Win Rate: 100.0%, Pick Rate: 100.0%), Aphelios (3-Star Win Rate: 100.0%, Pick Rate: 100.0%), Shen (3-Star Win Rate: 100.0%, Pick Rate: 58.3%), Illaoi (3-Star Win Rate: 100.0%, Pick Rate: 50.0%).
What is the best positioning for this composition?
Place your carries like Aphelios in the backline and your tanks like Wukong and Kobuko & Yuumi 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 100.00% and an average placement of 2.25, making it a strong contender in the current meta.
What item builds does Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker use?
Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker performs best with these item builds: Aphelios with Guinsoo's Rageblade, Giant Slayer, Kraken's Fury (100.00% win rate, +0.00% difference from comp average); Sett with Hextech Gunblade, Jeweled Gauntlet, Titan's Resolve (100.00% win rate, +0.00% difference from comp average); Sion with Dragon's Claw, Spirit Visage, Warmog's Armor (100.00% win rate, +0.00% difference from comp average).
Is Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker contested in TFT Set 17?
Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker 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 Aphelios without much competition.
What is the win condition for Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker?
The win condition for Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker is "2-Cost Reroll". This is a reroll composition that focuses on 3-starring Bard and Sion and Aphelios and Shen and Illaoi as the primary carrys. Focus on 3-starring Bard which has a 100.0% win rate when upgraded.
Should I reroll or level with Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker?
Yes, Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker is a reroll composition. You should slow roll at level 5 where 1-cost units have the highest appearance rate. Your primary reroll targets are Bard (100.0% win rate at 3-star) and Sion (100.0% win rate at 3-star) and Aphelios (100.0% win rate at 3-star) and Shen (100.0% win rate at 3-star) and Illaoi (100.0% 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 Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker cost to build?
Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker is a high cost composition requiring approximately 123 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 Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker?
Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker is moderately flexible with 3 pivot options available. The best pivot options share key units like Volibear and Sett. If you're contested, look at similar compositions that use these same champions with different supporting units.
When should I pivot away from Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker?
You should consider pivoting away from Targon / Bruiser / Ionia / The Boss / Caretaker 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 Bruiser / Caretaker with a 73.5% win rate. Scout your lobby at stage 2-1 and 3-2 to decide. Check the Pivot Suggestions section above for 3 alternative compositions.