The shared draft mechanic in TFT is one that most people choose not to bother mastering or even really thinking about, but it is vital to how a game will play out. Knowing what to select on these rounds can be game changing and knowing how to approach these rounds is key to improving as a player. While a lot of TFT is reacting to game state, these rounds included, there are ways to prepare for what you need to improve your board state. This guide will show how I approach each round and give an outline for how each shared draft is approached.

Opening Draft

The first shared draft is solely item-based. Almost every game you will simply end up selling this unit, the only exception is when the item is useful on the unit and that unit can transition into early-mid dominance. Examples of units like this are Nidalee, Yasuo, and Diana. In most cases though, you will find yourself selling the first unit you pick up so prioritizing which item you get from the shared draft is extremely important. My current priority for components is Recurve Bow, B.F. Sword, Sparring Gloves, Chain Vest, and then Needlessly Large Rod. Personally, I try to avoid the rest of the initial components as they are not as versatile. While there’s not a ton of strategy when it comes to the shared drafts, you can increase your chances of getting that first item by knowing where units will end up. A good thing to know is that the units will end up four spots ahead of where they began. In the image below I look to position myself where the Elise is at the beginning of the draft to be in position to start the game with Recurve Bow or B.F. Sword.

2-4

The second shared draft is much like the first, items reign supreme. The difference in this case is that compositions that attempt to dominate early are trending away from items that are versatile and strong into a mindset where item selection is based on snowballing into the mid game. I advise that unless you believe you are set up to snowball into the mid game that you should still look to prioritize traditionally strong items. If you believe you can dominate the early game and win streak you should look to pick up an item that will power up your composition even further. Often times, prior to this round you will find that you only have three components and thus after this round a carry can look to have two complete items.

3-4

During the shared draft on round 3-4, you should be looking for items that allow you to further the strength of your composition. It is often too early at round 3-4 to be prioritizing items based on what is overpowering you. In the image below, I needed to find a way to stabilize so I didn’t start spiraling towards last place, thus prioritizing B.F. Sword. I needed more damage for my Warlord composition, and this was the best option available with my current items in hand. This shared draft is often about identifying what component will add enough power to create a more impactful board. The approach to this draft is often identifying whether you lack power or are dying too quickly, then you can look to create an item with this component that will allow for a more powerful board state.

4-4

The shared draft on 4-4 is one that I find rather unique. It is rather flexible as the lobby should be revealing itself as to who is going to cause you issues and what items you can prioritize to help your chances against those who are in very favorable positions. The other situation that presents itself on this shared draft is desperately needing a certain component to find a power level that can lead to success. It is vital at this draft to understand what will increase your chances of winning most. Whether the best option is items for your carry or an item to slow down the carry of the enemy is something you should identify going in. Another thing to consider that this is the first draft featuring five cost units. In the current meta game, these units can make a huge impact on the game and if you are struggling picking one up can change your fortune entirely. In the image below, I was missing a key item for my main carry and chose to prioritize the item I needed for that situation.

5-4

The shared draft at round 5-4 is one that is based entirely on your present situation. At this point the outcome of the game is likely revealing itself, but this draft can be a huge turning point. Whether you need a particular unit or item, this is the draft to find it. In this draft, I was running a Keeper composition that was lacking Azir and there was no item in the draft that was going to change the tides. The unit or item you are looking for could appear on this draft, but what if they don’t? My advice if you can’t find that final piece to is to look for items that can greatly impact the board state. Often, an item such as Zephyr or Chalice of Power can have a massive impact on the outcome of not only a fight or two, but the game entirely.

6-4

Round 6-4 is the last shared draft in 99% of games and it functions very similarly to round 5-4. The biggest difference is the draft features components. This draft is one where knowing what item will have the biggest impact on the players left in your lobby is imperative. Make sure to identify what compositions are present in the game and look for items that can counter the current lobby.

Review

The shared drafts are something that you can always use to your advantage and learning how to approach them is something that will benefit you greatly. Each one plays out differently and there are number of different variations of shared drafts that can pop up so don't count on an item or unit being in the draft. It is vital to the shared draft and TFt in general that you remain flexible and adapt to the situation handed to you. Best of luck in your future games!