Carousel: What Are Carousels in Teamfight Tactics?

Teamfight Tactics (TFT) ^[1]introduces several unique mechanics to the auto-battler genre, with one of the most distinctive being the carousel. The carousel serves as both a strategic opportunity and a comeback mechanism, adding depth to the gameplay.

How Does the Carousel Work?

The carousel occurs at specific intervals during a TFT match, typically at the start and after every few rounds. During a carousel round, players are transported to a central area featuring a rotating selection of champions, each holding an item. Initially, players are released in a random order to choose their champion and item. 

In subsequent carousels, the order is determined by current health, with the lowest health players picking first, helping balance the game by giving struggling players access to potentially game-changing resources.

Why Is the Carousel Important?

The carousel offers an early boost that can set the tone for a player's strategy. The initial carousel is crucial as it provides the first champion and item, significantly influencing the early game direction. For example, securing a champion like Yasuo ^[2] or Vayne ^[3] with a synergistic item such as a Needlessly Large Rod can jumpstart a winning streak or lay the foundation for a specific team composition.

What Strategies Should Be Used During the Carousel?

Prioritize Items Over Champions

The items champions hold can be game-changing. Prioritizing items that complete powerful combinations or enhance key champions in your composition is typically more advantageous than the champion itself. For instance, a Sparring Glove can help craft items like Infinity Edge, boosting a carry champion's damage.

Flexibility and Denial

Players should be flexible and prepared to pivot strategies based on available options. Additionally, picking champions or items that opponents need can weaken their competition while strengthening one’s own position. For instance, taking a Needlessly Large Rod ^[4] can prevent an opponent from completing a Rabadon's Deathcap.

Balance Mechanism

The carousel also serves as a balancing mechanism by allowing players with the lowest health to pick first, providing a way to recover from early setbacks and ensuring games remain competitive.

In conclusion, the carousel enriches TFT gameplay by requiring critical decisions, providing comeback opportunities, and adding dynamic interactions. Mastery of the carousel is key to achieving victory in TFT.

References

1. [1] "Official TFT page". teamfighttactics.leagueoflegends.com. Retrieved September 06, 2024
2. [2] "Yasuo Champion page". www.leagueoflegends.com. Retrieved September 06, 2024
3. [3] "Vayne Champion page". www.leagueoflegends.com. Retrieved September 06, 2024
4. [4] "Needlessly Large Rod info page". leagueoflegends.fandom.com. Retrieved September 06, 2024