TFT Set 13 Guide: How to Play Automata

Teamfight Tactics (TFT) Set 13 introduces a fascinating new trait: Automata. This trait brings a dynamic twist to gameplay by rewarding units for sustained combat. Automata champions build power as they deal damage, unlocking devastating blasts and enhanced defenses mid-battle. This scaling mechanic creates a compelling balance between endurance and burst potential, making Automata a versatile choice for both damage dealers and tanks.

If you’re looking to dominate TFT Set 13, mastering the Automata trait will be a key strategy. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using Automata effectively, from team compositions to synergies and more. Let’s dive in!

How TFT Automata Works

The Automata trait in TFT Set 13 introduces a thrilling mechanic centered around stacking power during combat. Automata champions generate crystals each time they deal damage. Upon reaching 20 crystals, they unleash a powerful blast at their target, dealing magic damage plus 20% of all damage inflicted since the last blast. Afterward, their crystal count resets, allowing the cycle to continue. Additionally, Automata champions gain bonus Armor and Magic Resist, enhancing their durability as they scale.

Automata Trait Bonuses

• Champions: Amumu (1g), Nocturne (2g), Blitzcrank (3g), Kog’Maw (3g), Malzahar (5g)
• (2): 125 Magic Damage, 20 Armor & Magic Resist
• (4): 300 Magic Damage, 40 Armor & Magic Resist
• (6): 625 Magic Damage, 70 Armor & Magic Resist

Automata Synergy

Each Automata champion belongs to additional traits, providing opportunities for synergy:
• Amumu (1G): Watcher
• Nocturne (2G): Quickstriker
• Blitzcrank (3G): Dominator
• Kog’Maw (3G): Sniper
• Malzahar (5G): Visionary

While Automata itself focuses on scaling and sustained damage, the supporting traits open doors for flexible team-building. For instance, Kog’Maw stands out as a strong 3-cost Sniper carry, while Malzahar, a 5-cost champion, delivers devastating AP damage. Additionally, Nocturne could shine as part of a reroll strategy due to his Quickstriker synergy, which scales effectively in various vertical builds.

Since there are only five Automata champions, achieving the full 6 Automata bonus will require a Spatula. This makes the trait adaptable to your team’s needs, with plenty of space to incorporate other synergies. Combining Automata with complementary traits like Sniper or Quickstriker can help cover gaps and maximize your team’s effectiveness.

TFT Automata Champions

The Automata trait in TFT Set 13 features a lineup of champions designed for sustained damage and resilience. Each champion brings unique abilities and secondary traits, providing versatility and synergy options for team compositions. Here’s a breakdown of the champions and their roles:

Amumu (1G) – Automata + Watcher

Amumu’s passive reduces all incoming damage, making him a reliable early-game tank. Additionally, he emits sparks every second, dealing magic damage to adjacent enemies. His Watcher trait adds extra durability, enhancing his survivability and doubling down on his tanking potential. As a low-cost unit, Amumu is an excellent frontline option for Automata builds, offering consistent damage reduction and magic damage output.

Nocturne (2G) – Automata + Quickstriker

Nocturne’s ability causes his attacks to damage adjacent enemies for a short duration, inflicting bleed damage over time. This makes him an excellent early-game carry and a potential reroll candidate, especially when paired with the Quickstriker trait, which scales well in aggressive team setups. Nocturne excels in taking down clustered enemy units, making him a versatile addition to Automata compositions.

Blitzcrank (3G) – Automata + Dominator

Blitzcrank’s passive reflects a percentage of damage received as magic damage, while his active grants him a shield and shocks nearby enemies, reducing their damage. This loaded kit makes him a standout tank, capable of absorbing damage, returning it, and disrupting enemy carries. The Dominator trait enhances his ability, providing additional shields and Ability Power scaling. Blitzcrank’s synergy with other Dominator units, like Silco and Mordekaiser, adds depth to team-building strategies while making him a cornerstone of Automata teams.

Kog’Maw (3G) – Automata + Sniper

Kog’Maw’s passive grants bonus magic damage on his basic attacks, while his active increases his attack speed for the rest of combat. With every two casts, he gains additional attack range, solving a common problem for backline carries by keeping him safe in the corner. This makes Guinsoo’s Rageblade an ideal item for him, scaling both attack speed and Ability Power. Kog’Maw is a premium mid-game carry in Automata compositions, with excellent scaling potential for late-game dominance.

Malzahar (5G) – Automata + Visionary

Malzahar summons a gate in a wide area, dealing magic damage and applying a shredding debuff. His infection mechanic deals magic damage over time and spreads to nearby enemies upon death, stacking infinitely. As a 5-cost unit, Malzahar stands out as one of the most potent AP carries in Set 13. His Visionary trait ensures frequent ability casts, maximizing his infection stacks. With a sturdy frontline provided by units like Blitzcrank, Malzahar has ample time to unleash his devastating potential.

Best TFT Automata Augments

In TFT Set 13, Augments play a pivotal role in maximizing the potential of the Automata trait. While staples like Crest and Crown are always reliable options for enhancing your composition, there are a number of standout Augments that synergize particularly well with Automata champions. Here’s an overview:
1. Automata Crest and Crown
These Augments are excellent for boosting your Automata lineup. Crest grants a bonus Automata Emblem, allowing you to easily activate higher tiers of the trait by converting a non-Automata unit into one. Crown goes a step further, granting an Automata Emblem alongside an additional unit and other bonuses. These Augments are key for reaching the coveted (6) Automata breakpoint without sacrificing flexibility in your team composition.
2. Combat-Enhancing Augments
Augments that provide Attack Damage (AD), Ability Power (AP), or attack speed are highly effective for Automata builds, given the trait’s emphasis on sustained damage. For instance:
• Thrill of the Hunt: Provides healing on takedowns, keeping your key units like Kog’Maw or Malzahar alive longer in drawn-out battles.
• Celestial Blessing: Grants omnivamp, synergizing well with Automata champions’ prolonged damage output.
• Jeweled Lotus: Enables critical hits on abilities, amplifying damage for champions like Kog’Maw and Malzahar.
3. Frontline Augments
Since Automata relies on its tanks to buy time for backline carries, Augments that boost frontline survivability are invaluable. Examples include:
• Second Wind: Heals your frontliners after they drop low, giving Blitzcrank and Amumu more staying power.
• Stand United: Increases stats based on active traits, perfect for the diverse secondary traits Automata champions bring to the table.
4. Specialized Augments for Carry Champions
Certain Augments specifically enhance Automata carry units:
• Calculated Loss: For players utilizing loss streaks to activate Chem-Barons, this Augment ensures additional gold while stacking power for your Automata champions.
• Sharpshooter: Boosts damage and allows abilities like Kog’Maw’s to ricochet for even more devastation.

Strategy Tip: The key to Automata success is adaptability. Look for Augments that align with your chosen carry and trait synergies while ensuring your frontline remains durable. With the right Augments, Automata can dominate in both sustained and burst damage situations.

Conclusion

The Automata trait in TFT Set 13 offers a unique combination of sustained damage and defensive scaling, making it a versatile and exciting option for players. With their ability to generate crystals, unleash powerful AoE blasts, and gain Armor and Magic Resist, Automata champions provide a dynamic mix of offensive power and survivability. The trait’s emphasis on adaptability allows players to tailor their team compositions based on their preferred carry, whether it’s Malzahar with his stacking infections or Kog’Maw with his long-range magic damage.

Building around Automata involves balancing frontline resilience with backline damage output, and leveraging synergies from secondary traits like Sniper, Quickstriker, and Visionary to round out your team. Optimal use of items and Augments can further elevate your strategy, ensuring your Automata champions thrive in both early skirmishes and late-game clashes.

Whether you’re aiming to dominate with Malzahar’s infinite stacks or utilizing Blitzcrank’s durable utility, the Automata trait provides an engaging gameplay experience that rewards strategic planning and adaptability. By understanding the strengths of each champion and crafting a well-rounded team, you can turn Automata into a formidable force on the battlefield.