TFT Set 13 Guide: How to Play Watcher

How to Play Watcher — TFT Set 13: Into the Arcane

Welcome to our trait guide, where we’ll be covering the Watcher trait in the new TFT Set 13: Into the Arcane. In this guide, we’ll explain how Watcher works, cover the different champions, provide notable Augment choices, and cover some potential team comps.

Explore all of the new Set 13 traits here!

How TFT Watcher Works

Watcher is our third trait that focuses on simple frontline stats. Durability is a new stat introduced in Set 12, and it simply reduces damage by a percentage. Every set has a trait that buffs Armor/MR and max Health. With Watcher, we now have a trio of frontline traits, each using a different tank stat.

For the most part, each frontline trait reduces damage effectively, but combining these stats together give you more effective HP. In general, sources of Durability are harder to find than Armor/MR/Health.

Even still, this doesn’t mean Watcher is the defacto best frontline trait. The trait will be best utilized in team comps where you utilize the other traits of the Watcher units.

Watcher Trait Bonus

Champions: Amumu 1g / Darius 1g / Vander 2g / Vladimir 2g / Scar 3g / Garen 4g 

Watchers gain Durability, increased while above 50% Health.

• (2) 10% or 25% DR
• (4) 20% or 40% DR
• (6) 30% or 60% DR

Watcher Synergy

Here’s a list of the traits you can find on the Watcher champions:

• Automata
• Conqueror
• Family
• Black Rose
• Sorcerer
• Firelight
• Emissary

There is no trait that overlaps within the Watcher units, but you still have a lot of flexibility. Garen is the highest-cost Watcher, and his Emissary trait buffs himself up even if he’s the only Emissary. As such, you can branch into a variety of other traits by simply splashing Watcher 2.

This is an effective use of board space that lets you use other units you may want.

If you’re looking to try to build toward Watcher (6), you’ll definitely want to pick a carry that shares a trait with the Watchers. You won’t have much space after the 6 Watchers, so your options are limited.

TFT Watcher Champions

Amumu Automata Watcher 1g

[Link to Champion Page]

Amumu’s ability reduces the damage he takes by a flat amount. This will occur after he mitigates damage with defense stats, so it can be very effective early on. As the late game comes and hits become bigger, Amumu won’t be able to tank as well.

Darius Conqueror Watcher 1g

[Link to Champion Page]

Darius’ ability spins his axe in a circle, dealing damage, applying a bleed on enemies, and healing himself. Early on, Darius can tank a lot of damage while also healing himself. Just like Amumu, as the game goes longer, Darius’ low cost will hold him back from being as effective.

Vander Family Watcher 2g

[Link to Champion Page]

Vander is a TFT exclusive champion from “Arcane,” the Netflix show. His ability and Family trait incentivizes you to play him in a reroll team comp alongside Powder and Vi. With Vander, you can potentially look to reroll for low-cost Watchers such as Amumu and Darius.

This will make them stronger for longer, but they usually will fall off in the super late game. However, depending on the patch/balance, this style of team comp can be very effective.

Vladimir Black Rose Watcher Sorcerer 2g

[Link to Champion Page]

Vladimir’s ability is very simple. He damages an enemy and heals himself. Just like Darius, having frontline stats while also healing can be very powerful early on. Vladimir also has three traits, meaning you can branch out into a variety of units to compliment him.

Vladimir can be your early to mid game tank, and you can sell him and move items to another unit. Or, if you want to invest into him, you can look to 3-star him and build items to make him one of your carrys.

Scar Firelight Watcher 3g

[Link to Champion Page]

Scar is another Arcane exclusive, and his ability stuns multiple enemies while dealing damage. This ability is very powerful for a frontline unit. If you find him, you can look to replace one of your lower cost Watchers.

Garen Emissary Watcher 4g

[Link to Champion Page]

Garen is the last Watcher and his ability makes him a potential carry. His ability slams a massive sword down, dealing big physical damage in a large AoE. He’ll also Shield and Heal himself on cast. As previously mentioned, the Emissary bonus is active at (1) and (4) with no in between. This makes Garen a very self-sufficient carry as his Emissary trait is already active.

With Garen, you can potentially have him be your carry in a (6) Watcher team comp, but you may need more damage. Your other 2 team slots can look to solve this issue, but the lack of utility/flexibility may be an issue.

Regardless, for any team comp that wants to use even 1 Watcher unit, Garen can be an easy addition to power up your board.

Best TFT Watcher Augments

In general, Augments like Crest and Crown will always be good, but there are definitely more notable ones to explore and discover. As we make our way to the PBE, we’ll be sure to test a variety of combinations and update this article with what we find.

TFT Watcher Team Comps

The set has yet to even come out on PBE yet, and unfortunately, our team was unable to playtest the Set this time around. While we can’t recommend team comps at the moment, we’ll be sure to come back and update this article once we have a good feel for things.

Thanks for Reading! If you want to try and come up with your own team comps for Set 13, check out our Team Builder. For a full overview on the new set, check out our TFT Set 13 Reveal Page.