Teamfight Tactics Introduces Ao Shin’s Ascent, a Roguelite PvE Mode

Riot Games is preparing to launch a brand-new experiment in Teamfight Tactics (TFT), and it might be the most daring twist the autobattler has ever seen.

Scheduled for release on September 24, right after patch 15.5, the upcoming temporary mode called Ao Shin’s Ascent introduces a single-player PvE challenge that reshapes how fans think about TFT’s strategy-driven gameplay.

Since its debut in 2019 as a League of Legends spinoff inspired by Dota Auto Chess, TFT has defined itself as one of the world’s biggest PC strategy games. The formula has always been clear: eight players face off in a tactical survival competition, carefully positioning champions on the board, combining items, and outlasting rivals. Matches have traditionally been competitive and PvP-focused, with victory hinging on skill, game knowledge, and adaptation. But Ao Shin’s Ascent breaks from tradition, introducing TFT’s first-ever progression-based PvE experience – a roguelite-inspired mode that’s less about outlasting human opponents and more about enduring a relentless climb filled with bosses and escalating challenges.

Riot has outlined how the mode works. At its core, players embark on a climb up a mystical mountain, with each stage presenting tougher encounters. Augments, unit synergies, and powerful items become your weapons, while boss fights stand as milestone tests. The roguelite element is key: every run, win or lose, pushes players further along the Journey Track, a persistent progression system that unlocks permanent upgrades, Guides, and rewards. This means failure isn’t a dead end – it’s part of the climb.

Guides are one of the standout mechanics. These unlockable companions influence each run by providing unique strategies and access to rare items. Riot highlighted examples like Zoe, who can grant random loot, and exclusive Guides such as Battle Queen Gwen, available only through bundles, who taps into items from multiple TFT sets. Collecting Guides not only diversifies gameplay but also opens doors to unexpected tactics. For many players, this system echoes the excitement of card-drafting or roguelike character builds, ensuring every attempt feels fresh.

Progression is not locked behind spending. The Journey Track is free to all players, and completing the climb with at least 12 unlocked Guides grants a special Ao Shin’s Ascent Portal reward. However, Riot is also offering premium bundles for those who want cosmetic flair and exclusive Guides. The Guide Pack (575 RP) includes an emote plus Truth Dragon Yasuo and Battle Queen Gwen, while the Mega Bundle (2780 RP) expands further with legendary Little Legends like Awakened Ao Shin and Sol Harbinger Ao Shin, along with a K.O. Coliseum Pass Plus.

According to Christina Jiang, Events Product Lead for TFT, Ao Shin’s Ascent “represents everything we love about TFT – experimentation, strategy, and a dash of chaos – while introducing a roguelite twist that challenges players to adapt and persevere.” She emphasized that the mode is Riot’s most ambitious PvE experiment to date, a reflection of the global enthusiasm around Set 15’s K.O. Coliseum. The team hopes this mode will provide more reasons for players to return and keep climbing, even when PvP fatigue sets in.

Michael “Skip” Scipione, Senior Game Designer for TFT, added that the evolving bosses and shifting modifiers were designed to test player adaptability. “With Ao Shin’s Ascent, we wanted to push TFT forward with bold new mechanics that expand on its core gameplay,” he explained. The roguelite loop, where each run builds toward the next, is meant to give fans an ongoing narrative of experimentation – one where victory is sweet but the journey itself is rewarding.

In broader context, Ao Shin’s Ascent reflects Riot’s willingness to innovate within its existing franchises. Other strategy games have flirted with roguelite progression systems, but TFT’s integration of these ideas into its auto-battler core feels particularly novel. It speaks to the studio’s recognition that not every player seeks pure PvP intensity. Some prefer measured progression, personal growth, and experimentation without the stress of human competition. This PvE trial could set the stage for future permanent features, depending on player reception.

Ao Shin’s Ascent officially launches on September 24 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time and will run until October 8, coinciding with the end of patch 15.6. Whether you’re a die-hard tactician eager for a fresh puzzle or a casual player who finds PvP intimidating, this limited-time climb up the mountain might be the most welcoming – and most exciting – way to experience TFT yet.