TFT: Slow roll, the mid-game roll strategy on Teamfight Tactics

Our articles on TFT Tactical Combat: Slow roll, the mid-game roll strategy on Teamfight Tactics The “slow roll” is a very useful strategic tool on TFT, since it allows you to effectively obtain level 3 champions. detail the procedure to follow.

Similar to its "hyper roll" counterpart, the strategy slow roll generally aims to obtain level 3 champions. It is, however, different in that it takes more of its time, contenting itself with rolling interest above a certain level for many rounds to increase its chances in the long term, and generally targets 2, 3 or even 4 range units. Here's all the info on the slow roll on TFT and how to perform it.

• Read also | Our guide to the hyper roll strategy.

How to slow roll to get level 3 champions on TFT

Most often, the slow roll is used in mid-game compositions that use 2 or 3 range champions in carries. Since these are likely to run out of steam later compared to tier 4 and legendary units, they must therefore be allowed to reach level 3 so that they remain effective until the end.

What is slow roll?

Slow roll is simple: it is a strategy that consists of reach a certain PO level (usually 50 PO to have the maximum interest), then to use extra gold each round to roll without going below 50. The interest is to be able roll a very large number of times, up to 3 to 5 times per round, to obtain many copies of the same champions and unlock them at level 3.

The strategy will therefore generally bereach 50 gold, to climb to the most suitable level to your composition without going below, then start slow rolling until you find your main upgrades. It is obviously recommended to watch your opponents before starting this strategy: if you are several on the same composition, you significantly reduce your chances of hitting. 

From the perspective of a slow roll strategy, you should try tosave as much as possible at the start of the game separating you from units that are obsolete to your composition, in order toreach 50 gold as soon as possible.

Why slow roll?

If the fact of slow roll will give you an XP delay compared to your opponents who play normally, this will be compensated by the strength of your composition once you have unlocked one or two level 3 units. Your carry should then become very powerful with the right items, and sometimes allow you to go secure victory. Slow roll is therefore generally a stratégie « high risk, high reward », which often leads to a top 1 or a top 8.

Quand slow roll ?

Some compositions are based on slow rolling in order to obtain their level 3 carries. Depending on the composition and the most important champions, it is better to roll at certain levels rather than at others to maximize its chances.

The chances of getting a champion of each cost based on your level.

Here are generally the levels at which you should roll depending on the champions you are looking for in priority:

• Champions Tier 2 → Roll level 6 or 7

If the primary champions in your comp cost 2 PO (and you have other interesting ones that cost 1 or 3), you should pass 6 level (usually in 3-2 or 3-5 round depending on your economy) or 7 level (In start of stage 4) before slow rolling for maximum luck.

• Champions Tier 3 → Roll level 8

For comps where the main carry(s) are champions at 3 PO, it is more recommended to first pass 8 level before slow roll. It is however possible to slow roll a little level 7 the time to have your champions level 2 so as not to be too weak, then to pass level 8 later and resume.

• Champions Tiers 4 or 5 → Roll level 8.

 

There are a few compositions in which you want your carry tier 4 level 3 (Heel, Riven, Jhin, Morgana, Ashe...). While you're technically more likely to get Tier 4s at level 9, going that level will usually cost you too much to roll enough afterwards. In these situations, you will want pass level 8 as soon as possible puis slow roll at this stage. This strategy can also be used to obtain legendary champions tier 2. 

Tips for good slow roll on TFT

Here are some additional tips to get a good grasp of slow roll.

• It can be interesting to roll up to 30 or 40 gold at the beginning in order to have your level 2 champions and stabilize : Since you won't be leveling up and getting level 3 champions very quickly, it's likely that you'll be pretty weak during the first few rounds of the slow roll. It is therefore interesting to roll a little more so as not to lose too many VPs.

 

• Play your strongest board before transitioning : If you have a good combination at the start of the game (like Fanatics for example), remember to keep them until you have upgrades on your slow roll composition to avoid losing too many VPs by making a transition too steep with still weak units.

 

• When you are just a few units short of your main upgrades, you can roll below 50 gold : If it is interesting to keep a strong economy, the saving of your HP will be more important in the end of the game. It is therefore wise to roll more when you have only a few missing champions left in order to reach your peak power and then resume a normal economy.

 

• If you realize you are being challenged, level up and rotate : Slow roll comps are usually very ineffective if contested as it will be very difficult to get level 3 champions. If so, try to level up and find a new comp that can use the objects you have to transition to, rather than forcing and doing a top 8. 

• If you have unlocked your main champions level 3, it is better to level up than continue to slow roll for secondary units : If you play for example a Star Guardian composition and you already have Neeko and Syndra level 3, it is generally more interesting to go to level 8 or 9 than to continue slow rolling for Ahri who is only a secondary carry .

 

 If you have any suggestions or questions, please let us know in the comments!