Bench: What is the Bench in Teamfight Tactics

In Teamfight Tactics (TFT), the "bench" is a crucial element that allows players to store additional champions not currently placed on the battlefield. Understanding how to effectively use the bench is key to strategic gameplay. Here’s a concise guide on the bench and its role in TFT.

What Is the Bench?

The bench is a row of slots located below the main battlefield, providing space for up to nine champions. These champions can be bought from the shop but are not immediately deployed onto the battlefield. Champions on the bench do not participate in combat until placed on the board during the planning phase.

How Does the Bench Work?

Champion Storage

The primary function of the bench is to store champions. This is essential for managing your team composition and preparing for future rounds. For instance, you might keep multiple copies of a champion on the bench to upgrade them to a higher star level. If you have two 1-star Vaynes on the battlefield and a third on the bench, you can combine them into a 2-star Vayne when you get another copy.

Strategic Flexibility

The bench allows players to remain flexible with their strategies. Players can hold champions for potential future synergies or to counter opponents' strategies. For example, if you’re unsure whether to go for an Assassin or Sorcerer build, you can hold champions from both categories on your bench until you decide.

Resource Management

Managing the bench efficiently involves balancing the cost of holding champions with maintaining a strong economy. Since bench space is limited, deciding which champions to keep and which to sell is crucial. If your bench is full and a critical 4-cost champion appears in the shop, you might need to sell a less important champion to make room.

Bench Strategies

Preemptive Purchases

Buying champions that might be part of your future composition and holding them on the bench ensures you are prepared for strategic pivots. For instance, if you plan to transition into a Dragon synergy, start collecting Aurelion Sol and Shyvana on your bench early.

Item Management

Players use the bench to temporarily hold champions with items, allowing strategic combination or transfer. For example, place a Giant’s Belt and a Needlessly Large Rod on separate champions to combine them into a Morellonomicon later.

Conclusion

The bench in TFT is crucial for managing team composition, planning strategic moves, and maintaining flexibility. Effective bench management often differentiates between a winning strategy and an early exit. By mastering bench utilization, players can improve their chances of victory in TFT.