TFT Set 14 Syndicate Guide: Kingpin Hats, Reroll, and Items

Editor’s note: Syndicate belongs to Teamfight Tactics Set 14: Cyber City and is no longer part of the current standard set. This archived guide explains how the composition worked during Set 14; exact balance values changed between patches.

Syndicate was a five-champion trait built around the Kingpin hat. At three Syndicates, one unit could become a Kingpin and receive a champion-specific ability upgrade. Five Syndicates provided a second hat, while the seven-Syndicate breakpoint—possible only with additional trait sources—upgraded the Kingpin effects.

Syndicate champions and Kingpin effects

The official Cyber City overview describes each Kingpin effect. Because the hat could be moved between rounds, the best wearer depended on items, star levels, and the opponent.

When to play the composition

The most common line was a level-six reroll composition centered on three-star Twisted Fate and Darius. It was strongest when you had several early copies, useful attack-speed components for Twisted Fate, and defensive components for Darius. A strong Syndicate augment or emblem improved the ceiling, but it was not a reason to force the comp from a poor position.

Consider another line if several opponents are holding the same two-cost units, you reach level six with few core copies, or your items fit a different carry much better. Preserve enough gold to roll efficiently instead of spending everything to activate a weak three-Syndicate board.

Early game

Collect Shaco, Darius, and Twisted Fate, but play the strongest board available. Darius can pair with another Bruiser, while Twisted Fate benefits from a second Rapidfire unit. An upgraded non-Syndicate unit is usually better than forcing a one-star synergy piece.

Build usable items rather than losing excessive health while waiting for perfect components. Twisted Fate can hold attack-speed and magic-damage items. Darius is the preferred early defensive holder because a three-star Darius remains on the final board.

Level-six reroll plan

Reach level six with a healthy economy, then roll gradually for Twisted Fate and Darius. Keep Shaco copies when bench space allows, but do not delay the two main upgrades merely to chase every one-cost unit.

A practical temporary board is the three Syndicates—Shaco, Darius, and Twisted Fate—plus units that activate Bruiser, Rapidfire, Slayer, or another strong frontline trait. The exact supporting champions depend on the shop and the patch. Dr. Mundo, Kog’Maw, and Skarner were common Set 14 options because they helped connect those class traits.

Stay above the normal economy threshold while slow rolling unless your health is low enough to require a larger roll-down. Once Twisted Fate and Darius are three-starred—or close enough that delaying levels is clearly worthwhile—resume leveling.

Completing five Syndicates

Add Braum and Miss Fortune as they appear to reach five Syndicates and gain the second Kingpin hat. A typical allocation is:

• Twisted Fate Kingpin: the default when he is the primary, well-itemized carry.
• Darius or Braum Kingpin: useful when the board needs more frontline value.
• Miss Fortune Kingpin: strong after she has appropriate damage and mana items.
• Shaco Kingpin: situational when Shaco is upgraded and can reach vulnerable backline targets.

After the core is complete, use additional slots for a second Bruiser, Vanguard, Rapidfire, or a high-value utility unit. Seven Syndicates required two extra trait counts, so it was a high-roll goal rather than the standard plan.

Positioning

• Place Darius and Braum in the front line, but avoid putting both into the same concentrated damage area.
• Keep Twisted Fate in a protected back-row hex. Move him away from enemy divers and long-range area damage.
• Place Miss Fortune where her cast can cross the largest group without exposing her early.
• Scout between rounds. Swap sides against isolated carries, hook effects, and backline access.
• If Shaco is a secondary carry, position him so his first target and Kingpin jump lead toward a vulnerable unit.

Item priorities

Twisted Fate

Prioritize attack speed, sustained damage, and one survivability or healing option when available. Guinsoo’s Rageblade was a natural fit for long fights. Additional choices depended on the patch and lobby: another attack-speed item, magic damage, or a defensive item against burst.

Darius and Braum

Use health, Armor, Magic Resist, and general durability items. Build anti-heal or resistance reduction on a frontliner when the lobby calls for it, but do not sacrifice the main tank’s basic survivability for a weak utility combination.

Miss Fortune

Give her leftover mana-generation and damage items after Twisted Fate is complete. She becomes a meaningful secondary carry at two stars, especially when the Kingpin hat adds more waves.

Shaco

Shaco wants physical damage and enough durability to survive after entering the backline. He is a secondary item holder unless early copies, augments, and components support a dedicated Shaco reroll line.

Common mistakes

• Forcing five Syndicates too early: Braum and Miss Fortune may not appear in time, leaving a weak board while you wait.
• Rolling without enough copies: reroll only when the shop, contest level, and economy make the three-star plan realistic.
• Leaving the hats on fixed units: change the Kingpins when a matchup demands more frontline, backline access, or area damage.
• Ignoring lobby position: a protected Twisted Fate in one round may be exposed to a diver in the next.
• Chasing seven Syndicates without trait sources: the natural roster contained only five champions.

The composition’s strength came from its flexible Kingpin upgrades and a reliable two-cost reroll core. A good game plan balanced the chase for three-star Twisted Fate and Darius with the need to preserve health, level on time, and adapt the hats and positioning to each opponent.