Riot Games has unveiled its highly anticipated next installment of Teamfight Tactics, aptly named Space Gods, and the excitement surrounding it is palpable. The design team appears to have drawn significant inspiration from the acclaimed Hades 2, as evidenced by the set’s striking art direction and innovative mechanics. For fans like myself, who have spent countless hours immersed in the world of Zag and Mel, this new direction resonates deeply. However, it is bittersweet to see the beloved Lore and Legends make its exit.
Reflections on Lore and Legends
During the TFT Paris Open back in January, I had the opportunity to discuss the then-new Set 16 with the creative minds behind it, Stephen ‘Mortdog’ Mortimer and Julian Camaraza. Mortimer confidently described it as “the deepest set we’ve ever made,” a claim that has proven to be true. Lore and Legends stands out for its well-crafted design, devoid of unnecessary gimmicks. The set’s focus on unlocking units has provided a perfect balance of strategic depth and variety, allowing players to engage in a rich gaming experience. Even after a mid-set shakeup, the quality has remained high, avoiding the pitfalls seen in previous sets, such as the infamous Set 12 Syndra imbalance.
As a result, Lore and Legends has become my favorite set to date. It’s the first in a long time that has compelled me to invest over 100 games, leading to my ascent from Emerald to Diamond. While I may not reach Master before the transition, the journey has been rewarding, especially considering my recent obsession with Slay the Spire 2. This speaks volumes about the quality of gameplay we’ve enjoyed.
Anticipating Space Gods
As we prepare to bid farewell to Lore and Legends, the excitement for Space Gods is mounting. The reveal of Dark Star Jhin at the Paris Open was a highlight, merging my favorite skin with my favorite champion. With the full details now available and content creators sharing their playtest experiences, it’s clear that Space Gods is visually stunning.
The most significant mechanical shift involves the removal of the carousel, replaced by selectable god boons. This change may take some adjustment, but it promises to enhance the experience, particularly for mobile players who have faced challenges with unit collisions during gameplay. Additionally, new mechanics are on the horizon, such as Fiora’s guaranteed victories in 1v1 encounters, which may surprise those who typically rely on their three-star five-cost units.
While I am undoubtedly excited to embrace the Fast 9 Jhin strategy, I also look forward to exploring the new verticals and their intricacies. I plan to take Just Hit whenever it appears to indulge my Dark Star aspirations, although I anticipate that one of the new Prismatic augments may soon undergo adjustments based on community feedback.
TFT Set 17 will hit the PBE tomorrow, March 31, before launching with Patch 17.1 on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. With the customary two-week PBE period ahead, I expect to spend ample time navigating the board, likely appearing a bit lost. Just a friendly warning: if you encounter me, steer clear of Jhin, as I’ll be fiercely competing for that champion, potentially leading to a rather swift eighth-place finish for me.
