Discovering the Truth About Smolder in Team Fight Tactics (TFT): Is He Truly a Fraud?

As a seasoned TFT player with countless hours spent in the Nexus, I can confidently say that Smolder is a conundrum wrapped in a riddle. While some players might consider him the game’s equivalent of a ‘shiny rock,’ others see him as a hidden gem waiting to be polished.

Discussions about Team Fight Tactics (TFT) often get heated, especially concerning certain characters like Smolder, a 5-cost champion. A recent post on the TFT subreddit by user gummytab asked a direct question: ‘Is Smolder the least effective 5-cost unit in this set?’ Many players responded, expressing their personal experiences and opinions about whether Smolder is worth using in their strategies. Most seemed to be doubtful about his usefulness, especially if he’s not armed with the right items or partnered with compatible champions. The diverse viewpoints highlight how crucial it is for Smolder to fit specific playstyles and tactics, particularly those involving shapeshifters and dragons.

Smolder is fraud?
byu/gummytab inTeamfightTactics

Summary

Mixed opinions on Smolder’s viability as a carry set him apart from other champions.
His performance is highly conditional, depending largely on supporting items and team compositions.
Players report varying degrees of success, making him a polarizing character in tactics.
The larger discussion hints at the need for adaptable strategies and the evolving meta.

Challenging The Notion of Fraud

In response to Gummytab’s query about Smolder’s abilities, the focus was drawn to a shared player complaint: high-priced champions that fail to deliver results. Immediately, numerous responses poured in, showcasing differing experiences. For example, SoupySpuds stated, “I managed to come first twice with Smolder this season, but I also ended up sixth once.” This suggests that although some players have triumphed, it often demands specific circumstances such as a robust early game or particular item combinations. SoupySpuds further emphasized that Smolder’s power primarily stems from a strong start and essential items, which are crucial for him to excel later on.

Item Dependencies and Strategic Flexibility

One key factor influencing Smolder’s gameplay is his heavy dependence on items. Players have noted that without these items, Smolder seems ineffective and burdensome. For instance, user Gary_The_Strangler humorously described past disappointments by saying, “I no longer purchase him because I ended up in 4th place in an easily winnable first round due to my 2-star 3 item Smolder flying straight into the enemy team.” This situation illustrates a common sentiment: when poorly equipped, Smolder behaves erratically and sometimes negatively. Many users have expressed the belief that a well-equipped Smolder can surpass expectations, highlighting the significance of item selection in unlocking his full potential.

Competing for Slots: Finding Your Carry

In the expansive terrain of TFT, success is often determined by strategic compositions. However, Smolder finds himself in a challenging competition as he’s frequently overshadowed by other powerful carries. For instance, CryMeUhRiver commented that Smolder functions best when transitioning into a carry role but lacks strength on his own and craves items and traits. This suggests that while Smolder can be a valuable asset in specific team setups, top-tier damage dealers usually hog the limelight due to their simpler utility. Similarly, Brettdgordon345 echoed this viewpoint by stating that Smolder becomes virtually useless without items and needs a robust frontline for protection against quick bursts of damage. To maximize Smolder’s potential, it’s essential not only to optimize your equipment but also to carefully coordinate with other champions to compensate for his vulnerabilities.

Community Insights and Evolving Strategies

Discussions about Smolder in TFT reveal not only players’ opinions but also hint at the continuous changes in strategies within the game. The insights provided by user reallyNotTyler are particularly illuminating, as he shares, “I managed to reach masters exclusively with a shapeshifter-dragon composition… unless I was compelled to play something else.” This demonstrates how champions can significantly influence gameplay tactics, forcing players to adjust according to their luck in champion selection and item acquisition. Such observations suggest that many aren’t using Smolder merely for the sake of it; instead, they are strategically adapting their playstyles to make effective use of him when the situation permits.

Final Thoughts on Smolder’s Viable Risks

In the course of our chat, it’s evident that Smolder is a divisive character within Team Fight Tactics (TFT). His reliance on items, compatibility with other champions, and strategic placement make him a complex figure. Some gamers extol his importance in compositions such as Shapeshifters or high-tier tournament victories, while others view him as inconsistent in less favorable configurations. As the game progresses, players must decide whether to back Smolder according to their present meta, item collection, and broader strategic objectives. This ongoing debate not only reveals the intricacies of TFT gameplay but also demonstrates how communities collaborate to exchange ideas and strategies, thereby enhancing the gaming experience.

2024-09-24 13:58