Teamfight Tactics patch 15.3 brings balance changes to competitive meta

Riot Games has released Patch 15.3 for Teamfight Tactics (TFT), introducing widespread balance changes to units, items and traits ahead of the Pro Circuit season launch.

The update, which went live on August 26th, focuses on slowing combat pacing through targeted nerfs to Radiant Items and Artifacts. According to the patch notes, the developers are continuing their goal of extending combat rounds to create more strategic gameplay opportunities.

Rodger ‘Riot Prism’ Caudill and Katie ‘Riot Ukime’ Guo, the patch’s lead designers, confirmed that three Prismatic traits will become more obtainable following player feedback about accessibility issues.

Crystal Gambit, which has dominated as the strongest Gold tier trait for two consecutive patches, received significant damage reduction from 30% to 20% at its seven-unit threshold. The trait’s gem generation for losses also increased from 11 to 13 at the three-unit level.

Mighty Mech saw substantial reductions to its late-game scaling, with HP stage scaling dropping from 90/120/135/170/200% to 90/115/120/150/175%. The combination core healing was adjusted from 10% to 12% of champion damage dealt.

The Luchador trait received multiple nerfs, with healing reduced from 20/50% to 15/35%. Additionally, the trait no longer cleanses damage-over-time effects upon triggering, directly impacting its defensive capabilities.

“We’re wrestling this trait down to a balanced state with these nerfs, but have plans in the future for bigger Luchador changes,” the development team stated in the patch notes.

In a significant shift to game balance, four-star units will no longer receive their 200 flat HP bonus. The change aims to ensure other units can compete as primary carries regardless of star level. The update arrives as more methods than ever exist to achieve four-star units in TFT, with their consistency matching their power level according to Riot’s data.

Guinsoo’s Rageblade, identified as enabling several dominant compositions, saw its attack speed per second reduced from 7% to 6%. Radiant Guinsoo’s Rageblade received parallel nerfs, with base attack speed dropping from 30% to 25% and per-second gains decreasing from 14% to 12%.

Spear of Shojin’s attack damage was reduced from 18 to 15, while its Radiant variant saw reductions to both AD (35 to 30) and AP (30 to 25). Manazane received a complete mechanical overhaul. Rather than banking mana and granting it after the second cast, the artifact now pauses the mana regeneration timer when champions are not mana locked.

Caitlyn, the patch’s best-performing three-cost unit, received damage reductions across her kit. Primary target damage decreased from 350/525/840 to 330/495/790, while bouncing bullet damage dropped from 95/145/240 to 85/130/205.

Dr. Mundo’s HP gain was substantially reduced from 300/350/420 to 240/280/350, addressing his dominance as a two-cost tank. Gangplank saw his gold generation chance lowered from 40% to 30%, though his ability damage increased to compensate.

Among four-cost units, Samira received fixes to properly double her Style’s omnivamp during abilities, though her damage numbers were reduced to maintain balance. Bullet damage decreased from 90/135/650 to 80/120/650.

Five-cost units Seraphine and Yone received buffs to improve their viability. Seraphine’s base damage increased from 135/205 to 150/225, while Yone’s on-hit magic damage rose from 90/135 AP to 105/160 AP.

The Over 9000 power-up no longer functions during PvE rounds, addressing player behaviour where checking for the power-up took priority over early game strategy. Several other power-ups received adjustments, with Colossal’s damage amplification reduced from 10/30% to 10/20%. Two previously disabled power-ups returned to the rotation. Max Speed and Mana Rush, both previously weighted at zero probability, now have weights of 10 and 5, respectively.

The timing of Patch 15.3 proves crucial as the TFT Pro Circuit begins its season with this update. Players who adapt quickly to the meta shifts will find themselves positioned advantageously for early-season points.

The patch also introduces purchasable Battle Pass XP on the Public Beta Environment (PBE), with the feature scheduled to go live on September 10th. Battle Pass levels will cost 130 RP per level.

Prismatic Orb drops received adjustments to address player frustration, with the all-gold drop changing from 55 gold to 10 gold plus a Radiant Lucky Item Chest.

The comprehensive balance changes mark Riot’s continued commitment to maintaining competitive integrity ahead of professional play, with the development team monitoring early data for potential hotfixes if needed.