TFT Set 11 Guide: How to play Every Encounter

How to Play around Encounters in TFT

TFT Set 11: Inkborn Fables is introducing a new set mechanic: Encounters. We’ve already written a guide on how Encounters work, so this article won’t be on that topic.

If you want to learn about how Encounters work, you can check out this guide. You can also find the full list of Encounters here.

In this article, we’ll be covering how to adapt based on your Encounters. We’ll cover things like what option to pick when an Encounter gives you multiple choices or how to adjust when an Encounter throws a wrench in your plans.

We’ll go through almost every Encounter and give some tips on how to maximize them to your advantage.

How to Play Every Encounter

Before we dive into each Encounter, some Encounters won’t change too much about your gameplan. Some Encounters might give you some training dummies, which can simply place in your frontline. Others might put more items on the carousel.

Since these types of Encounters don’t affect your gameplay too much, we’ll only gloss over them. For others that have larger impacts on your game, we’ll cover in more detail.

Aatrox

• Aatrox offers you a Component Anvil, Player Health, or Gold.

When Aatrox appears, you have an option to get an component, some Health, or Gold. Depending on your situation and when he appears, your optimal decision will change.

• In the early in the game, Gold can be very powerful to reach your next interest interval, jumpstarting your economy.
• If he comes later in the game and you were lose streaking, getting some Player Health will be nice.
• When you’re win streaking, getting an extra item component to keep powering up can be a good choice.
• Or, maybe you already have 50 gold and are middle of the pack. If so, getting a component can be a nice buff to your team.

Ahri

• Ahri’s kiss grants increased Player Health.
• Ahri bestows your team a combat blessing for the rest of the game.

For Ahri’s first Encounter, every player will gain some extra Health. In these games, you can opt to play a little more greedily as you now have more HP to work with. Conversely, if everyone decides to play greedily, you can try to secure a top 4 by playing more aggressively. It won’t affect your game too much, but it’s still notable.

For her second Encounter, she will grant your team a bonus stat of your choosing. If it’s early in the game, you may want to pick a stat that best matches your items. If you have more AD items, pick AD as your bonus stat, and the same for AP. This can  be awkward if you lock into a damage type early in the game, but just make the decision that best fits what you already have.

Alune

• Alune will permanently empower one tier of champions for you.
• Alune adds a Completed item to each champion on Carousel.
• Alune offers you a choice of completed items.

Alune’s first Encounter empowers a certain tier of champion. You can pick a low-cost tier to power spike early in the game, or pick 4-cost to save for late game. If you’re playing a reroll comp, the choice is a no brainer.

Her next two Encounters don’t really change your gameplan too much. Extra items is always good for every comp, so it’ll just be a nice bonus for everyone.

Amumu

• Carousel is full of Amumu’s 2-star 3-cost friends!
• Amumu gives amazing gifts to anyone who will be his friend.
  • 1: Fight a challenging PVE round with powerful rewards.
  • 2: You gain +1 team size.

Both of Amumu’s Encounters are quite impactful. Getting a free 2-star 3-cost can be very powerful, especially if you’re playing a reroll comp. With this Encounter, you can get the champion you want rather than the item you want.

For his second Encounter, it’s hard to compare “powerful rewards” to a free team slot. Extra loot can be very strong, but an extra team slot is guaranteed to be good regardless of your comp.

If it’s late in the game, the extra slot can be good if you have enough gold to put another strong unit in. If you’re behind and need a bit of a bump, extra loot can potentially help you find upgrades or level up.

Annie

• Annie offers you better shops or more gold for the next few rounds.
  • 1: For 3 rounds your shops are 1 level higher.
  • 2: For 3 rounds, double your interest.

Annie will only appear in Stage 3, and both of her effects are quite good. If it’s Round 3-3, you can argue that the interest gold is more impactful. The later in Stage 3 she appears, the more reason there is to potentially go for her second effect. This means you can level up to 7 and roll down as if you were level 8.

Either way, when Annie appears, you should note that other players will be able to power spike, so be wary for that.

Aphelios

• Aphelios calls down 2 Component Anvils for you.

This one won’t affect your game plan too much.

Ashe

• Ashe reveals your upcoming opponent for the rest of the game.
• For the next 3 player combats, Ashe reveals your next opponent.

When it comes to Ashe, she doesn’t particularly change too much either. Everyone will be able to see their next opponent, so be sure to use that to your advantage and reposition.

This potentially makes items like Shroud and Zephyr worse as everyone will be able to adjust to your board, but it’s a minor difference.

Azir

• Azir moves the 3-2 and 4-2 Augments to random rounds.
• Azir grants 6 free rerolls that last until used.

Azir’s first Encounter doesn’t change your gameplan too much. If you get your Augment early or late, you may run into more niche situations, but overall, it’s quite random and difficult to plan around.

The second Encounter is a nice bonus to everyone, and you can decide when best to utilize these rerolls. You can use them early to stabilize or save them for late game to try and hit high impact units.

Bard

• Bard levels each player up to level 3!

Bard will only appear at Stage 1 and instantly level everyone up to 3. This can alter the early game quite a bit, as players will more easily reach levels 4, 5, and even 6.

If you’re lose streaking, this can be a detriment as you’ll lose more HP from losing fights. As such, try not to commit to a full losing streak and save some HP early.

Caitlyn

• Caitlyn grants you 4 free rerolls this round.

This one won’t change too much about your game. Use these rerolls to hopefully hit some upgrades.

Cho’gath

• Cho’Gath offers you a boon if you sate his hunger…
  • 1: Lose a shop slot forever; gain 3 Component anvils.
  • 2: Decline the offer.
• Cho’gath will give you 2 lesser champion duplicators or 1 champion duplicator.

Cho’Gath’s first Encounter is quite risky. 3 component anvils is very powerful, but losing a shop slot is also a big detriment. If it’s late in the game and your comp is mostly upgraded, you can potentially go for Cho’Gath. Even still, there’s always room to upgrade in the late game, and taking this deal will hurt your shop odds greatly.

As for his second Encounter, the lesser duplicators will be great for reroll comps. If you’re playing around a 4-cost carry, you can also use the duplicator to quickly hit a 2-star carry. You can also be greedy and save it for late game to potentially upgrade a 5-cost unit or hit a 3-star 4-cost carry.

Darius

• Enemy champions have a 30% chance of dropping loot when killed.
• For 5 rounds, Darius transforms champions on highlighted bench slots into random ones of the same cost.
• Darius gives you the choice between 20XP and 10 free rerolls.

Darius’ first Encounter is the most impactful. This will benefit any player that is currently win streaking. You can also try to upgrade your board to utilize the extra gold chance as well.

The other two Encounters are mostly helpful for every comp and won’t change too much about your game plan.

Diana

• Diana offers you a Treasure Armory that can be rerolled up to 3 times.
• This round, when you sell a unit, Diana cleaves their completed items into components.
• When you sell a unit, Diana cleaves their completed items into components.

Diana’s last Encounter will be the most impactful. This will allow you to slam completed items on early game units. You can always sell these units to get your components back to build other items.

With this Encounter, build your items early to power up your board. You’ll still have the items later to build better items for your late game carrys.

Galio

• Galio adds a defensive component to every champion on Carousel.

This Encounter doesn’t change too much, everyone will get an extra component.

Garen

• For the next 3 rounds, any champions purchased gain 100 permanent Health.

This Augment is potentially impactful depending on your situation. If you’re playing a slow roll comp, you can get some bonus stats for your reroll carrys which is nice.

If it’s close to a level up spike, you can make great use of this Encounter by hitting some units/upgrades with bonus Health.

You can even consider leveling up early in order to benefit from this Encounter. However, it will be risky as you are spending gold to level up early instead of building up your economy to roll down and find more units.

Gnar

• Gnar fills the Carousel with 2-star 2-cost champions.
• Gnar lets you reroll the next Augment offering 1 additional time.

Both of Gnar’s Encounters a nice bonuses, but nothing too game changing. If you get a good unit from carousel, you can potentially pivot to a reroll comp.

Hwei

• Hwei causes your first shop slot to be tailored for the rest of the game.
• Hwei paints an entire Carousel full of 5-cost champions.
• Hwei paints a dummy for the next 5 rounds. Gain 1 gold every time it survives player combat.

Hwei has some very impactful Encounters, but they’re nothing you need to adjust dramatically to.

Illaoi

• Illaoi moves the 3-2 Augment to a random round.
• Illaoi grants you 8 free rerolls this round.

Once again, these Encounters can be quite impactful, but you won’t need to adjust too much. Simply utilize your free rerolls and hope you hit something good.

The Augment moving rounds can potentially be impactful, but for the most part, it won’t change your game plan much.

Irelia

• Irelia frees all players to move freely on this carousel.
• For the next 2 rounds, Irelia causes your shops to show one champion of each cost.

Irelia’s carousel Encounter is quite funny, but nothing major. Just be ready to sprint toward the item/champion you want.

Her second Encounter helps you potentially find a 5-cost unit you need. Because of this, it can be a good idea to use some rerolls to try and hit a 5-cost unit you need.

Janna

• Janna grants you 2 Zephyrs, which vanish after 3 rounds.
• Janna gives you the choice between different champions.
• Janna offers you a Treasure Armory that can be rerolled up to 10 times.

Janna’s first Encounter will be the most impactful in changing your gameplay. Since everyone has Zephyrs, you’ll want to put your carrys in safe positions, but also away from Zephyr. Try to place them in unorthodox spots to keep them from being Zephyr’d.

Her other two Encounters grant you some bonus loot, but won’t impact your game elsewhere.

Jax

• Jax offers you a weapon from different armories.
• Jax gives you a choice between rerolls or champions.
  • 1: Gain 3 rerolls.
  • 2: Gain 2 random 2 cost champions.

Jax’s first Encounter will be either a Support Armory or Artifact Armory, both of which are nice, simple bonuses. Some Artifacts are more impactful early game vs late, so keep that in mind as well.

For Jax’s second Encounter, you’ll want to decide based on your situation. If it’s early and you can reach the next interest threshold, picking champions can get you 4 extra gold. They can also be impactful units you might want to play.

Rerolls are also strong as well, as you can save them for when you level up to use more efficiently. Both options are good, so pick whichever best suits your situation.

Kai’Sa

• Kai’Sa offers you an Item Remover with infinite uses, or 5 gold.

Having an Item Remover with infinite uses is decently impactful. While you won’t be able to slam any item, you can still move items over to other units. This goes for your carry items, tank items, utility items, etc.

However, if it’s early enough in the game, an extra 5 gold can help you boost your economy. Pick whichever suits your current game more.

Kayn

• At stage 5-4 the game ends. Your position then is your final placement!
• Kayn grants you a Deathblade and Rhaast grants you a Deathcap. These last for 3 rounds.

The Encounter that drastically changes the game is Kayn. He will always show up at the start of the game, shortening it until 5-4. You want to strike a balance between playing to save HP while also building enough economy to win Rounds 5-1 to 5-3.

Overall, as long as you don’t go for a long lose streak or play Fortune comps, you should be fine. Reroll comps are also risky as you usually sacrifice life to hit 3-star units.

Kha’Zix

• Kha’Zix causes XP to cost 3 gold instead of 4 for the next 3 rounds. EVOLVE.
• Kha’Zix causes XP to cost 3 gold instead of 4 this game. EVOLVE!
• Kha’Zix gives you the next Augment immediately.

Depending on when Kha’Zix appears, you can take advantage of this Encounter by leveling up earlier or cheaper than usual. Since his effect lasts for three rounds, you likely will be able to level around where you normally would.

For example, you can go for fast 7 at 3-5 instead of leveling at 4-1. You can level up to 5 early in Stage 2, etc. Try to take advantage of his discount, but don’t cripple your economy either.

Kindred

• Kindred grants you 3 Training Dummies which last for 3 rounds.
• Kindred offers you a temporary item, which lasts 3 rounds.
• Kindred offers a choice. Red or Blue?
  • Red Buff or Blue Buff

Overall, Kindred’s Encounters aren’t too game changing. Everyone gets a little bonus, either temporary or permanent for the third Encounter.

Nothing special of note here.

Kobuko

• Kobuko invites you to dance with him! The more players join in, the better the reward!

Here we simply have another Encounter that grants everyone some loot. Depending on what you get, your game can change drastically, but that will be very random.

Kog’Maw

• Kog’Maw moves the 2-1 Augment to a random round.

Random Augment movement is quite hard to plan around in general. Players will hit power spikes at different times, and some Augments will be worse if taken later, like Pumping Up or Golden Egg.

Lee Sin

• Lee Sin offers you a Treasure Armory that can be rerolled up to 10 times.

Once again, we have another loot Encounter that everyone gets. You can reroll the Armory to get the loot that you want, so use that to your advantage.

Lillia

• Lillia moves all Augments to random rounds.

As previously mentioned, Augment movement can be quite random. If you get your third Augment early, you can potentially find very powerful things like One, Two, Five! Conversely, if your Augments show up late, some options will be weaker like Golden Egg.

Lissandra

• Lissandra offers to sell you as many components as you like.
  • 1: Trade gold for a random component.
  • 2: Decline the offer.
• Lissandra offers to sell you items…for an expensive price.
  • 1: Spend 12 gold for a component anvil.
  • 2: Spend 22 gold. Gain an Artifact Anvil.
  • 3: Do nothing.
  • 4: You lack the gold to offer this spirit.

Lissandra Encounters are all about trading gold for items. If it’s early in the game, trading Gold can be very risky. While you may power up your board, you’re crippling your late game economy.

However, if Lissandra shows up late, you can trade in some extra gold to power up your board even further.

Lux

• Lux grants you two random Support items. They vanish in 3 rounds.
• Lux moves the 4-2 Augment to a random round.

Lux’s first Encounter is something to be wary of as other players might pick things like Zephyr or Shroud of Stillness. For the next 3 rounds, be sure to scout enemy players to reposition around these items.

Her second Encounter is another Augment movement, which we’ve covered.

Malphite

• This round: Any time you bench a unit, Malphite knocks their items off.
• Any time you bench a unit, Malphite knocks their items off.

Malphite is great if you need to move an item you have on a weak unit to a stronger unit. If his effect is permanent, you can do this throughout the entire game.

Like other Encounters with similar effects, use this to your advantage to power up weaker units. You can easily bounce items off to place them on stronger units later.

Morgana

• Morgana fills the Carousel with 4-cost champions.
• Morgana offers you a choice. Upgrade your next 2-cost champion or gain 10 gold.

Morgana’s first Encounter isn’t too noteworthy. Hopefully you’re lucky and get the champion you want from carousel.

Her second Encounter is interesting. Upgrading a 2-cost champion from shop is essentially a bonus of 4 gold. If you’re not planning to reroll for a 2-cost carry, the 10 gold is almost always better.

However, if you’re win streaking in the early game and see Morgana, it can be right to pick the free upgrade to power up your board. This way you can continue your win streak, build up even more gold, and pressure your opponent’s life.

Neeko

• Neeko adds a Lesser Champion Duplicator to every champion on Carousel!
• Neeko adds a Champion Duplicator to every champion on Carousel!
• Neeko summons a random 5 cost spirit to help for 3 player combats. The spirit doesn’t contribute traits.
• Neeko summons a random 3-star 1-cost spirit to help for 3 player combats. The spirit doesn’t contribute to traits.

Neeko’s Encounters are quite impactful, but not game changing. You’ll get a free duplicator from carousel, which you can then use at your own discretion.

Her other Encounters summon spirits to aid your team, so use them wisely. While they won’t contribute to your traits, you can get some extra frontline tank or backline damage with this Encounter.

Ornn

• Ornn adds an Artifact for each champion on Carousel.
• Ornn offers you a choice of Artifacts.
• Ornn forges 6 artifact items, which last for 1 round.

Ornn’s Encounters are all about his Artifacts. Some Artifacts like Gold Collector/Diamond Hands are stronger in the early game, while others like Infinity Force/Sniper’s Focus are great for late game carrys.

Pick depending on your situation and what best empowers your comp.

Qiyana

• Qiyana decrees that every champion on Carousel has a Radiant item.
• Qiyana offers you a choice of Radiant items.

Radiant items are quite different from Artifacts as they are mainly juiced up versions of regular items. Simply pick the best item for your team comp.

Riven

• Riven adds a component to each champion on the Carousel.

This will be a nice bonus for every player. Try to pick the best two components that you need.

Senna

• Senna offers to set you on a Win Streak or a Loss Streak.

Senna will instantly set your streak to either 6 wins or 6 losses. Check your upcoming opponent’s to see if you’re more likely to win or lose and pick the matching streak. This can help you build up some extra gold if you aren’t already on a big streak.

Sett

• For the next 3 rounds, Sett lends you some Training Dummies.
• Working out with Sett makes you BIGGER.

Extra training dummies are nice, but won’t impact you too much. His other Encounter simply makes your little legend bigger, which shouldn’t affect your game much. However, be careful when picking items on carousel, as your hit box becomes bigger.

Shen

• Shen watches over a Carousel where every champion has a Support item.
• Shen offers you a choice of starter packs containing champions and 1 component.

Shen’s Encounters are quite simple, giving every player a little bonus. Be wary of Support items like Zephyr or Shroud.

Sivir

• Sivir’s rallying cry makes you SPEEDY!

This one will make your little legend very fast. It’s a fun Encounter that doesn’t really change much gameplay wise.

Soraka

• Soraka adds a Support item to each champion on Carousel.
• Soraka offers you a choice of Support items.

Once again, Support items are a nice bonus to every player. Track which players take Zephyr or Shroud to reposition.

Syndra

• Syndra moves the 2-1 and 4-2 Augments to random rounds.
• Syndra unleashes a Carousel of 2-star 4-cost champions.

Syndra’s carousel Encounter is actually quite impactful. If you’re still open, you can look to pivot to a carry on the carousel provided you get a good one.

If you’re left with a 4-cost that you can’t fit into your comp or pivot to, it will definitely feel bad as other players will power spike.

Tahm Kench

• Stand in puddles to catch fish for Tahm Kench. The more fish he eats, the more loot everyone gets.
• Tahm Kench offers you a Component Anvil or 10 gold.

The first Encounter simply gives everyone loot. Players will have their economy boosted, so be wary of stronger enemies than in a normal game.

The second Encounter is another choice Encounter. Components will be strong later in the game to complete strong items, while gold will be good early to jumpstart your economy.

If you rolled down and are still lacking upgrades, the extra gold can also be a hail Mary to hit an upgrade.

Teemo

• Teemo adds a Golden Spatula to every champion on Carousel!
• Teemo lets you reroll all your Augments an extra time this game!
• Guess your outcome of your next fight. Teemo grants a reward if you’re correct.

If every player gets a Spatula, be sure to scout to see what comps people are playing. Players are more likely to go for vertical comps like Umbral or Fated in these situations. Try not to play a contested comp, but if you have a strong start for Umbral, there isn’t too much reason to pivot away.

Extra Augment rerolls are nice, but not a major impact on your game plan. For the last Encounter, scout your upcoming opponents to see whether you’re likely to win or lose. If you pick win, you can level up or roll to power up your board. If you pick lose, you can optionally make your team weaker by benching strong units for loot.

Thresh

• Thresh moves the 2-1 and 3-2 Augments to random rounds.
• Thresh releases a Carousel of champions all carrying Artifacts.

Artifacts are very powerful, so hopefully you’re able to get a good one from Carousel. Pick the best one for your team or situation.

Tristana

• Tristana grants a gift of gold!

If everyone gets some gold, expect more players to be a bit greedy in the early to mid game. This will help them build up their economy. You can opt to spend your gold more aggressively to try and top 4, but that strategy can be risky. If you don’t pressure enough early, you’ll lose to late game players who were more greedy.

Udyr

• Udyr grants 4 free rerolls that last until used.
• Udyr grants you a support item which lasts for 3 rounds.
• For 5 gold, Udyr grants you 2 components based on his chosen form.

Udyr’s first two Encounters aren’t majorly game breaking. His last Encounter will depend on your situation. If it’s late in the game, 2 extra components is very powerful, and the gold is a small trade to make. Conversely, if it’s early in the game, there are more factors to consider.

If your board is weak, you can opt to take the gold to build up more econ. If you’re win streaking, the items will help you continue. Overall, two components is very impactful, so you can opt to trade even if you’re losing early.

Volibear

• Volibear fills the Carousel with 3-cost champions.

This Encounter won’t impact you too much. If it’s Stage 2, you can build toward a specific 3-cost unit. If it’s Stage 3, it won’t be too different from a normal carousel.

Wukong

• Wukong grants you 6 Radiant items, which last for 1 round!
• Wukong adds a Radiant item to each champion on this Carousel.
• Wukong activates Chosen: 2-star units that count twice for a trait. Sell your Chosen to buy a new one.

For the first Encounter, everyone will have one round to greatly power up their board. It will be awkward if you have items already on your carry, but you can try to place your items as best you can.

Radiant items on carousel are impactful, but not something to adapt to. Simply pick the best item for your comp.

Lastly, Wukong’s Chosen Encounter is game breaking. If you’ve played Set 4 or 10, you’ll have some idea of how to navigate the game. In general, look to find a strong Chosen unit every time you level up. You can also build around a reroll carry if you hit a specific chosen unit.

Xayah & Rakan

• Rakan offers to recombobulate your board, or Xayah will give you gold!
  • 1: Gain 5/10 Gold.
  • 2: Recombobulate your board. Gain 2 Magnetic Removers.

Depending on if it’s Stage 2 or 3, Rakan will offer 5 or 10 gold. Recombobulating is a very powerful effect, as you can get upgraded units of a higher cost instantly.

While you have to play around the random units you receive, the upside is very high. If you potentially have a 2-star 3-cost, getting a 2-star 4-cost instantly can be game winning.

If your board is highly synergistic but lacking upgrades, recombobulating isn’t a great idea. Regardless, it’s always fun to see what you get and adapt on the fly.

Yone

• Yone adds a bonus offensive component to every champion on Carousel.
• Yone lets you reroll the next Augment offering 2 additional times.

At this point, we’ve seen similar Encounter effects to these ones. Nothing too out of the ordinary here.

Yorick

• Yorick reduces the cost to rerolls your Shop by 1 for the next 3 rounds.
• Yorick reduces the cost to reroll your Shop by 1.
• Yorick lets you always field at least 7 champions, regardless of level. Gain 10 gold.

Yorick’s first two Encounters are both great if you’re playing a reroll comp. If you’re lose streaking, you can even consider pivoting to a reroll comp if you see Yorick.

If Yorick reduces the cost of rerolls at the start of the game permanently, get ready for many players to play reroll comps. You can also play a reroll comp, but you can find success being uncontested at a 4-cost carry as well.

Finally, Yorick’s last Encounter is very game altering. He will appear at the start of the game and allow every player to field 7 units regardless of level. This will make early game fights extremely fast. If you don’t put together a strong comp, you’ll take a ton of damage in Stage 2.

Since you don’t need to level up, you can go through most of the game rerolling for units, leveling up only to get better rates on higher costed units.

You can even opt to go for a reroll comp to try and spike during Stage 3, and take some losses in Stage 2. It’s a very impactful Encounter that will be difficult to adjust to.

Zoe

• Zoe changes reality so only odd levels exist this game.
• Zoe grants you 2 Trickster’s Glasses. They vanish in 3 rounds.

Let’s talk about Zoe’s first Encounter as that one is more game altering. With only odd levels, players will need to adapt tremendously. If you want to win streak Stage 2, you can only do so at level 3 and 5. You won’t need to level up to 6 at 3-2, and can instead level up to 7 at 4-1.

Because level 8 doesn’t exist, players will likely aggressively roll down at level 7. If you don’t hit strong 4-cost units, you will be at quite a disadvantage.

Reroll comps that use 1 or 3-cost carrys can also be great for this Encounter. Since more players will be level 3 during Stage 2, it will be less detrimental to lose streak. You can also hyper roll at 3-1 for a 1-cost carry before hitting level 5, which works out perfectly.

3-cost carrys are naturally rerolled for at level 7, so this is another direction you can go. If hitting a specific 4-cost is too difficult, 3-cost carrys can be more consistent for this Encounter.

Zyra

• Choose a component. Zyra grants you 3 copies of it.

Lastly, we have Zyra. Gaining 3 copies of the same component can be very good for some comps. If you’re playing AP, you can get multiple Tears or Rods, the same for Bows/Swords for AD comps.

Or maybe you have too many offensive items so you get some tank items. It’s not a game altering Encounter, but a nice bonus for everyone.

Wrap Up

That covers every Encounter in TFT and how to play each one. Some of them are quite low impact, while others drastically change the game.

You can’t plan around these Encounters either as they will show up randomly. Sometimes, they may benefit you more than others. Other times, they may throw a big wrench in your plans.

Try your best to adapt to the situation and come out on top.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to check out our meta team comps page, or head to our Team Builder to try and come up with your own comps.