TFT: Compo Initiator, Sniper and Dark Pulsar on Teamfight Tactics

Our articles on TFT Tactical Combat: Initiator, Sniper and Dark Pulsar composition on Teamfight Tactics How to play the Initiator / Sniper / Dark Pulsar composition? The writing explains everything: tips, composition, items, progress and positioning!

The composition Initiator / Sniper from Teamfight Tactics is one of the different versions of compositions that use Jhin in main carry, relying on its excellent damage to destroy the opposing team single-handedly in the late game.

• Read also | Our tier list of compositions.
• Read also | Our guides to TFT set 3.

The composition Initiator / Sniper / Dark Pulsar

This composition is centered around Jhin, with several synergies there to help it. The Initiators will mainly serve as a frontline, while the snipers et Dark Pulsars will boost your carry damage. Mystique will protect him from magic damage, and finally the celestial beings allow him to regenerate with his high damage without having to depend on a Thirst for blood. Ashe will often act as a secondary carry.

When to Play This Comp and Victory Conditions

Generally, you'll want to play this composition when you've met certain conditions rather than forcing it:

• Have at least 2 BF Swords at the end of Round 3, you will need it for the items of Jhin.
• You quickly have the possibility of having 4 Initiators with Mordecai level 2 et Jayce level 1 during round 3.

 

If you are aiming for top 1 in a game, you will generally have to be lucky and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Jin level 3, he will be able to one shot all units if you manage to unlock him, but this will be rather rare unless you have some Helping Hands from Neeko.
• Jhin and Lulu level 2, Ashe and Mordekaiser or Jayce level 3 with good things.

Preferred items

Spatula and other objects

If you find a  Spatula, you will have several options. The first is to change your Ashe en Press Shadow with the  Heart of the Dark Pulsar ( + ). If you pass level 9, you will be able to get 6 Dark Pulsars removing Mystique or a pair ofInitiators. Another option is to create a  celestial orb ( + ) to have 4 at level 9 if you add Kassadine for example.

Course of the game

This composition will generally be played with a “standard” economy, quickly fetching the 7 level to roll and find Jhin, then pass 8 level a bit later. She has the advantage of being pretty strong in the mid game, which will help you tremendously in creating win streaks and snowballing on them.

Early game (levels 3/4/5)

Generally, unless you already have tier 2 champions, you will want to pass 4 level naturally and as soon as possible use a pair ofInitiators (Leona + poppy ou Mordekaiser). If possible, add two cyborgs (Lucian et Fiora) will be very strong at the start of the game, Lucian that can equip items of Jhin. Another possibility is to go on Chronos with Twisted fate, Shen ou Blitzcrank + Caitlyn, the latter then serving as a transition unit.

Logically, you should pass level 5 and 2-6 (at the time of the PVE round). At this point you will want to have Jayce et Mordekaiser if possible to pass 4 Initiators. If so, consider using Graves for the bonus space pirate, the latter being able to equip items of Jhin. It is also interesting if you play Cyborg to boost your Lucian. You should then be able to go on a winning streak Try to save up to 50 gold as soon as possible.

Midgame (levels 6/7)

If all goes as planned, you should pass level 6 in round 3-4 or 3-6 (even sometimes 3-2 if you were in winning streak and that you wish to continue it). You should definitely have your 4 Initiators at this point, and try to enter additional synergies to stay strong: Ashe if you play Caitlyn, re-enter a third Cyborg... If you naturally find a Jhin at this point, great, otherwise it's okay, you'll have the opportunity to roll later.

With a good economy, you can spend level 7 and 4-1 and roll a little. Your objective here is to find Jhin, 2 level if possible. You can then sell the unit that was carrying its items to give it to it, and play Ashe et Karma if you didn't already have them. Also remember to take your upgrades'Initiators and try to replace poppy by Wukong. Avoid rolling below 30 or 20 gold (unless you're really in bad shape), you'll need to save some gold to level up to level 8 or 9 later. If you can't find level 2 Jhin, take a few losses but keep your gold.

Endgame (level 8+)

After you roll, rebuild your economy up to 50 and wait. Normally you should pass level 8 in round 5-1, and also roll at this point to find Lulu. If you can't find it, another celestial being ou Mystique (depending on the situation) may serve as a replacement. At this point, if you haven't yet successfully upgraded your Jhin, roll until it does, otherwise consider saving some gold to pass 9 level later and add additional champions.

Au 9 level, you will be able to add new units that provide additional synergies, especially if you have a Spatula to get 4 Celestial Beings with Kassadine for example. Otherwise, you'll just want to add a strong champion individually, like Gangplank ou Thresh.

At the level of champions to unlock 3 level, to have Jayce ou Mordekaiser in frontline will be interesting to make them more tanky. Ashe is also a very relevant choice, especially if you have items for her. Finally, if no one else is playing Jhin and you have a helping hand or two from Neeko, consider trying to get it level 3. If you can do that, top 1 is pretty much guaranteed.

Different possible transitions

There are different options when playing this composition, which bring different strengths, especially if certain units are particularly contested or you have other needs in your game.

Positioning Tips

Positioning is relatively simple: you want your tanks in the front line (usually the most tanky towards the center and the least tanky at the ends), and your snipers et Mystics backline. If you don't face Blitzcranks, put Jhin et Ashe in the corner, if not, put there instead Karma et Lulu so that they take the grapple for them.

Pay attention to Zéphyrs opponents on your Jhin, but also to Infiltrators who might target him. If you are playing against, you can for example try to put Jhin right behind one of your tanks (here Leona ou Mordekaiser) so that it is not quickly targeted by shaco ou Kai'Sa.