Teamfight Tactics — All traits in Set 9.5, Ranked
The ninth Teamfight Tactics expansion brought it back to where it all started by celebrating the regions of Runeterra and with the mid-set expansion TFT Runeterra Reforged: Horizonbound, even more regions have joined the cast. Each regional trait is very different from the next but not all regions are equal in power. Esports Illustrated’s TFT expert ranks the best traits for players to use in TFT Set 9.5.
Void
Void has been a massive success both in TFT Set 9 and now in 9.5. The crazy thing about the trait is that it actually didnt gain or lose any members. The biggest reason why the trait is such a staple in the metagame is thanks to its early and mid game power spike with the potential to pivot with strong standalone carries like Vel’Koz, Kai’Sa and Bel’Veth and for games where players can find a Void emblem and hit the 8 Void chase trait, Baron Nashor is essentially an automatic top 2.
Ixtal
One of the two new regions in TFT set 9.5, the Ixtal trait doesn't look like much on paper as its only a three-piece trait, but it shines big time when it comes to splashability. It does take some time to be able to properly utilize the different elemental hexes but if players are familiar with TFT’s second expansion, Rise of the Elements, they will feel right at home with Ixtal.
Noxus
Noxus is the big winner in TFT set 9.5 as it lost a tier-two champion but replaced it with a much needed four-cost carry with Mordekaiser. Before the mid-set, Noxus was still a strong trait that played around its tier-three reroll duo of Darius and Katarina but now it can also lean into a more traditional comp built around Mordekaiser giving the trait even more options than it did before.
Shurima
Despite Shurima not seeing a shift in total numbers of champions in its trait, the structure of its breakpoints did. Instead of needing three champions to get the trait online, players will only need two to get the trait active. On paper, this is a fantastic change as Shurima can be a splashable two-piece in comps that want to focus around Azir.
Bilgewater
The big new vertical trait in TFT set 9.5, Bilgewater brings in seven new champions, almost all with carry potential and a damage-loaded trait bonus. But while the trait does benefit from many different carry champions, it lacks in frontline only having a tier one Bastion with Illaoi and a tier three Juggernaut with Nautalis. But even with its frontline weakness, expect to see this trait being a solid addition throughout the set with a revolving door of carries depending on the patch.
Demacia
The Demacia trait switched out two champions in the mid-set electing for Quinn and Fiora over Garen and Lux. While this change does seem to be lateral, Garen was a monster of a champion that dominated during certain patches and its unlikely that Quinn will be able to fill that hole. Fiora does seem promising as a new carry champion but only time will tell if Demacia can rise up the ranks.
Ionia
Ionia swapped out four-cost carries in 9.5 trading Yasuo for Xayah but besides that the comp is pretty much the same when it comes to functionality. Vertical Ionia was a menace throughout TFT Set 9 as Yasuo was a top-tier carry in almost every patch. The fate of Ionia in 9.5 will lie with how well Xayah does with filling Yasuo’s shoes.
Freljord
Freljord before the mindset was the king of splashability. With Sejuani and Lissandra being very good frontliners while also providing much-needed resistance shredding, the Freljord duo found their way into almost every single team composition. However, in TFT 9.5, Lissandra has been removed making the trait less splashable as players will need to play Ashe in their compositions to get the Freljord bonus.
Zaun
Zaun also got a new four-cost carry but they did at the cost of both of their old ones, Zeri and Urgot. Silco from Arcane makes his second appearance in TFT now as a tier four sorcerer and while he does do well on his own, the Zaun supporting cast is lacking as the champions in the trait don't really synergize with each other and on top of that, the Zaun modifications are not universally good on the Zaun champions leaving the trait in a bad spot.
Piltover
The econ trait of TFT set 9. In the early days of the expansion, Piltover was beyond broken as cashing out and getting an immediate stabilizer in the T.Hex meant Riot Games had to go back to the drawing board. Ever since its rework, Piltover has missed the mark as Riot doesn't want to buff it too much. It's a fate that econ traits have, either be busted and everyone play them or be a for-fun meme pick. Piltover at the moment is the latter.
Targon
The weakest of the splash traits, Targon is niche at best as it doesn't give the team basic stat increases or debuff to enemy comps. Instead it empowers shielding and healing which is only good in specific comps. Targon in the right circumstances is very strong but overall it suffers from a lack of utility which spells doom for a two-piece trait.
