TFT Set 18 The Hunters Comp Guide: How to Play the Fast 8 Hunter Build (Patch 18.1)

TFT Set 18 The Hunters Comp Guide: How to Play the Fast 8 Hunter Build (Patch 18.1)

The Hunters stands tall as one of the most explosive AD compositions in TFT Set 18. Rated Medium by Mobalytics and carefully fine-tuned by Challenger players on Patch 18.1, this Fast 8 build relies on the raw power of the Hunter trait, featuring Sivir, Ashe, Nidalee, and Malphite as your definitive carries. Rather than slowing down your pace to roll at lower levels, you will push aggressively while maintaining a healthy economy, completely out-tempoing the lobby when you hit your four-cost power spikes. Here is the complete breakdown, drawn straight from the latest curated guide data.

Final Board and Core Champions

Your finished level 9 board brings together Ashe, Malphite, Nidalee, Sivir, Ancient Sentinel, Kog'Maw, Krug, Cinderling, and Rek'Sai. Your primary carries are Sivir, Ashe, Nidalee, and Malphite, with Malphite stepping up to anchor the frontline. This composition revolves around the Hunter trait as its absolute core, rounded out seamlessly by Riftbeast and Juggernaut units picked up along your climb to level 8.

Leveling Plan: How the Fast 8 Route Works

The standard leveling benchmark route demands crisp execution: hit level 4 at 2-1 with 5 or more gold in the bank, push to level 5 at 2-5 with 10 or more gold, accelerate to level 6 at 3-2 with 30 or more gold, stabilize at level 7 by 4-1 with 50 or more gold, and finally surge to level 8 at 4-2 with 30 or more gold remaining to roll down for your carries. If the pace of the lobby allows you to survive comfortably, you can push for level 9 at 5-5 with 20 or more gold safely saved.

During the early game, play around a powerful AD opener utilizing Riftbeast 3 and Juggernaut 2, anchored by Scuttlecrab, Cinderling, Pebbles, and Yorick. Level to 4 on stage 2-1 and aggressively push for a win streak. Riftbeast is comfortably the best early trait to lean on because it guarantees you natural upgrades heading into the mid game. Once you reach the mid game, level to 6 on 3-2, slot in Riftbeast 5 as quickly as possible to secure those vital upgrades, and begin hoarding copies of your final board champions.

Best Items for Every Carry

When it comes to itemization, Ashe relies on Giant Slayer, Spear of Shojin, and Red Buff to melt enemy health bars. Nidalee prefers Sterak's Gage, Hunter Emblem, and Infinity Edge for maximum devastation. Malphite acts as your unbreakable frontline anchor equipped with Crownguard, Gargoyle Stoneplate, and Warmog's Armor. Sivir rounds out the damage output utilizing Spear of Shojin, Striker's Flail, and Infinity Edge.

Recommended Augments

The definitive guidelines for when to commit to this line require meeting three core criteria: securing an economy augment early, collecting flexible AD components, and holding a Hunter Emblem in your inventory.

Key Tips to Pilot the Comp

Six crucial details make this composition truly shine in actual matches. First, Sivir is a phenomenal Red Buff holder, so use her to apply the burn until you find Ashe. Second, you can easily pivot to make Ancient Sentinel your main tank if Malphite happens to be heavily contested in your lobby. Third, if you are actively snowballing the game, take Item Primal; if you are fighting from behind, look for Execute instead. Fourth, Kog'Maw naturally applies both Shred and Sunder, meaning his utility remains incredible even without any item investment. Fifth, make sure to position Krug directly inside the Blackthorn hex. Sixth, if Sivir, Nidalee, or Malphite are being heavily contested by other players, pivot to hold copies of Aphelios and Brambleback on your rolldown instead. Hit level 8 at 4-2, stabilize your two-star carries, and let the devastating focus fire of the Hunter trait carry you straight to a top finish.