TFT Set 18 Elderwood Guide: Plants, Emblem and the Best Elderwood Comps

Elderwood is the trait that gives you plants. Turn it on and you get a Stonebark Tree and a Lifebloom, which you place on your board like units. More Elderwood adds more plants, and at 7 you get the Deepwood Protector.

Five Elderwood comps rank S or A this patch. Most of them only run 3 for the first two plants, and one goes all the way to 7. This guide covers how the trait and its plants work, which breakpoint to aim for, and how to play each of the five Elderwood comps.

Quick answer. 3 Elderwood gives you a Stonebark Tree and a Lifebloom to place on your board, and 7 adds the Deepwood Protector. Put the Stonebark Tree in your front row, the Lifebloom in your back row and the Deepwood Protector behind your tanks. Play 3 as a splash, or go to 7 with Elderwood Ezreal, and skip 5, which is the weakest breakpoint. The splash comps are Elderwood Draven, the Executioner reroll with 3-star Kha'Zix, Diana and Hecarim, Executioner Blossom Sett and the Spellweaver Veigar reroll. @tft=set18:augment:DA_18_ElderwoodTraitAugment@ gives you Alistar, Ornn and Xayah, which turns the trait on by itself.

How does Elderwood work in TFT?

@tft=set18:trait:DA_18_Elderwood@ gives you placeable plants. You put them on your board like champions, so you decide where they stand in the fight. Each breakpoint adds plants or makes them stronger:

The Deepwood Protector starts with 20 Mana, casts at 60 and has 70 Armor and Magic Resist. Its Ability knocks enemies up, and Unstoppable enemies ignore the knockup.

Patch 18.4 made the Deepwood Protector cast sooner, since its Mana cost went from 70 to 60, and raised its resists from 65 to 70. The same patch cut the Health bonus plants get from starring up at 9, from 155% to 140%. It also fixed a bug where Elderwood champions placed on your board automatically didn't summon their plants.

What do the Elderwood plants do and where should they go?

Each plant pays off at a different moment in the fight, and that moment tells you where to place it:

The Stonebark Tree pays off when it dies, so a tree that survives the fight did nothing. Put it in the front row, on the side where most of the enemy board stands, so it takes the first hits. The stun then lands on the enemies already pressed into your frontline.

The Lifebloom pays off every second it stays alive, so protect it like a carry. A back-row hex next to your carry works best. With @tft=set18:augment:DA_18_ElderwoodTraitAugment@, that spot also gives your carry 15% Attack Speed and healing, because it starts combat next to a plant.

The Deepwood Protector pays off late. Every champion you lose makes it bigger, so it should be the last tank standing. Put @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Hecarim@ and your trees in front of it and let them soak the opening damage.

Which Elderwood breakpoint should you play?

Play 3 or 7. Our Elderwood stats show it plainly. 3 is by far the most played breakpoint and places well, and 7 places best of the ones you'll realistically reach. 5 is the weakest. You pay two more slots for a second Stonebark Tree and 200 Health, and you still don't have the Deepwood Protector.

9 and 11 are rare. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 boards reach 9, because it takes nearly every Elderwood champion, Lux included.

Elderwood champions

There are eight Elderwood champions:

Ezreal is the carry of the trait. He shows up in four of the five Elderwood comps, always with the same Deathblade and Shojin core. Patch 18.4 raised his small cast damage from 250/375% AD to 270/405% AD.

Lux counts twice. Her Avatar trait doubles the trait she carries, so the Elderwood version is 2 Elderwood in one slot. Every time she casts, all your champions gain 2.5% max Health for the rest of combat.

Ornn, Alistar and Hecarim are the usual tanks. Ornn and Alistar are cheap, which is why so many comps reach 3 Elderwood with them.

Best Elderwood comps in TFT Set 18

Five Elderwood comps rank S or A on our comps tier list. Only one of them plays 7 Elderwood. The other four take 3 for the plants and build around another trait.

Pick the comp from your opener and items. A Tear of the Goddess and a B.F. Sword point to Ezreal or Ahri. A Recurve Bow points to Draven, and a Needlessly Large Rod points to the reroll comps. The sections below cover each one.

Elderwood Ezreal

This is the full Elderwood comp, also called vertical Elderwood. It reaches 7 Elderwood for the Deepwood Protector, and @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Ezreal@ carries.

The final board at level 9 runs seven Elderwood champions: Ornn, Alistar, LeBlanc, Hecarim, Ezreal, Xayah and Gnar. @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Soraka@ holds an @tft=set18:item:DA_18_EmblemElderwood@, which brings the count to 8. That's one spare, so you can lose a unit and keep 7. @tft=set18:unit:DA_Fiddlesticks18@ fills the last slot and pairs with Soraka for 2 @tft=set18:trait:DA_FloraFatalis18@.

• Ezreal: @tft=set18:item:DA_Deathblade@, @tft=set18:item:DA_LastWhisper@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpearOfShojin@. LeBlanc holds them early.

• Soraka: @tft=set18:item:DA_18_EmblemElderwood@, @tft=set18:item:DA_RabadonsDeathcap@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpearOfShojin@.

• Hecarim: @tft=set18:item:DA_GargoyleStoneplate@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpiritVisage@, @tft=set18:item:DA_WarmogsArmor@.

• Gnar: @tft=set18:item:DA_Bloodthirster@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SteraksGage@, @tft=set18:item:DA_TitansResolve@.

Go to level 7 at 3-7 and to 8 at 4-2, then push for 9 to fit the full board. A Spatula matters more here than in any other Elderwood comp, because the emblem is your eighth Elderwood. That's also why @tft=set18:augment:DA_URF@ and @tft=set18:augment:DA_UrfsGrabBag@ do well with it. On the carousel, take a B.F. Sword, Sparring Gloves or Tear of the Goddess.

Elderwood Draven

This comp runs 3 Elderwood with Alistar, Ezreal and Gnar, and spends the rest of its slots on a level 9 or 10 board around @tft=set18:unit:DA_Draven18@.

• Draven: @tft=set18:item:DA_Deathblade@, @tft=set18:item:DA_GuinsoosRageblade@, @tft=set18:item:DA_KrakensFury@.

• Kennen: @tft=set18:item:DA_EdgeOfNight@, @tft=set18:item:DA_HandOfJustice@, @tft=set18:item:DA_RabadonsDeathcap@.

• Maokai: @tft=set18:item:DA_GargoyleStoneplate@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpiritVisage@, @tft=set18:item:DA_WarmogsArmor@.

• Ezreal: @tft=set18:item:DA_Deathblade@, @tft=set18:item:DA_LastWhisper@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpearOfShojin@.

The rest of the board is @tft=set18:unit:DA_Amumu18@, @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Ivern@ and @tft=set18:unit:DA_Taric18@, all 2-star. Amumu and Kennen add 2 @tft=set18:trait:DA_18_Inferno@, and Amumu and Maokai add 2 @tft=set18:trait:DA_Juggernaut18@.

Go to level 7 at 3-5, 8 at 4-2 and 9 at 5-1. This is a greedy comp, so it wants a strong economy and augments that speed up leveling, like @tft=set18:augment:DA_LateGameScaling@ and @tft=set18:augment:DA_LevelUp@. @tft=set18:augment:DA_18_DuoQueue@ helps too, because it gives you two 5-costs.

Elderwood Executioner reroll

This comp rolls at level 7 for 3-star @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_KhaZix@, @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Diana@ and @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Hecarim@. Ornn, Hecarim and Ezreal give you the 3 Elderwood.

• Kha'Zix: two @tft=set18:item:DA_HandOfJustice@ and a @tft=set18:item:DA_RabadonsDeathcap@.

• Diana: @tft=set18:item:DA_HandOfJustice@, @tft=set18:item:DA_IonicSpark@, @tft=set18:item:DA_JeweledGauntlet@.

• Hecarim: @tft=set18:item:DA_GargoyleStoneplate@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpiritVisage@, @tft=set18:item:DA_WarmogsArmor@.

• Ezreal: @tft=set18:item:DA_Deathblade@, @tft=set18:item:DA_RedBuff@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpearOfShojin@.

Soraka and Fiddlesticks round out the board, and @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Aphelios@ is the flex pick for 2 @tft=set18:trait:DA_18_Lunar@ with Diana. Ezreal and Soraka give 2 Executioner, and Diana and Hecarim give 2 Vanguard. Go to level 7 at 3-7 and roll there until your three carries are 3-star. Patch 18.4 helps Hecarim here, because he now starts combat with 50 Mana instead of 30.

Executioner Blossom Sett

This comp plays 4 @tft=set18:trait:DA_18_Executioner@ and 3 @tft=set18:trait:DA_18_Blossom@, with @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Ahri@ as the main carry and @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Sett@ as the tank. Ornn, Ezreal and @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Alistar@ are your 3 Elderwood. If you can't find Alistar, @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_GnarSmall@ is Elderwood too and takes his slot.

• Ahri: @tft=set18:item:DA_18_EmblemExecutioner@, @tft=set18:item:DA_Morellonomicon@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpearOfShojin@.

• Sett: @tft=set18:item:DA_GargoyleStoneplate@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpiritVisage@, @tft=set18:item:DA_WarmogsArmor@.

• Soraka: @tft=set18:item:DA_ArchangelsStaff@, @tft=set18:item:DA_RabadonsDeathcap@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpearOfShojin@.

• Ezreal: @tft=set18:item:DA_Deathblade@, @tft=set18:item:DA_LastWhisper@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpearOfShojin@.

Go to level 8 at 4-2 and roll for 2-star Ahri, Ezreal and Sett. The Executioner Emblem on Ahri is what makes 4 Executioner, so an early @tft=set18:item:DA_Component_FryingPan@ is a good sign. The emblem builds from a Frying Pan and a @tft=set18:item:DA_Component_SparringGloves@. @tft=set18:augment:DA_18_ElderwoodTraitAugment@ fits well, because its Alistar is your third Elderwood.

Spellweaver Elderwood reroll

This is the cheapest Elderwood comp. It rolls at level 5 for 3-star @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Veigar@, @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_LeBlanc@, @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Ornn@, @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Alistar@ and @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_RekSai@. Ornn, Alistar and LeBlanc are the 3 Elderwood.

• Veigar: @tft=set18:item:DA_BlueBuff@, @tft=set18:item:DA_HextechGunblade@, @tft=set18:item:DA_JeweledGauntlet@.

• LeBlanc: @tft=set18:item:DA_Morellonomicon@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpearOfShojin@, @tft=set18:item:DA_VoidStaff@.

• Ornn: @tft=set18:item:DA_Crownguard@, @tft=set18:item:DA_GargoyleStoneplate@, @tft=set18:item:DA_WarmogsArmor@.

• Alistar: @tft=set18:item:DA_GargoyleStoneplate@, @tft=set18:item:DA_SpiritVisage@, @tft=set18:item:DA_WarmogsArmor@.

Add @tft=set18:unit:DA_18_Cassiopeia@ and @tft=set18:unit:DA_Fiddlesticks18@ for 4 @tft=set18:trait:DA_18_Spellweaver@. Go to level 4 at 2-3 and 5 at 3-2, then roll. Every 3-star target costs 1 or 2 gold, so watch the other boards in your lobby. If someone else is taking LeBlanc and Alistar, this comp falls apart fast.

How to make the Elderwood Emblem

The @tft=set18:item:DA_18_EmblemElderwood@ is built from a @tft=set18:item:DA_Component_ChainVest@ and a @tft=set18:item:DA_Component_Spatula@. The holder gains Elderwood.

It's the easiest way to reach 7, and Elderwood Ezreal plays it on Soraka for exactly that reason. Patch 18.4 cut the emblem's Armor and Magic Resist from 35 to 25.

Nature's Shelter

@tft=set18:augment:DA_18_ElderwoodTraitAugment@ gives you an Alistar, an Ornn and a Xayah. All three are Elderwood, so the augment turns the trait on by itself.

It also rewards where you put your plants. Champions that start combat next to an Elderwood plant gain 15% Attack Speed and heal 2% of their max Health every 2 seconds. Place your plants next to your frontline, or next to the carry who needs the Attack Speed most.

Elderwood Wisps

Two Wisps give you extra plants:

• @tft=set18:wisp:TFT18_Wisp_PottedStonebark@ gives you a temporary Stonebark Tree.

• @tft=set18:wisp:TFT18_Wisp_PottedLifebloom@ gives you a temporary Lifebloom.

Both cost 1 gold since patch 18.2 cut them from 2. They're a cheap way to add a plant, and with Nature's Shelter every extra plant is one more spot that buffs the champions next to it. Every Wisp and its cost is on our Set 18 Wisps list.

Common Elderwood mistakes

• Stopping at 5 Elderwood. It's the weakest breakpoint. Stay at 3, or keep going to 7.

• Keeping the Stonebark Tree safe. It stuns and shields only when it dies, so it belongs out front, not in the back.

• Leaving the Lifebloom exposed. Its bonus stops when it dies, so keep it in your back row.

• Putting the Deepwood Protector in front. It grows as your champions die, so it should be the last tank standing.

• Forcing 7 without an emblem. Elderwood Ezreal plays seven Elderwood champions and an emblem, so a Spatula is a big part of the comp.

• Forgetting that Lux counts twice. The Elderwood Lux is 2 Elderwood in one slot, which frees a slot on a 7 board.

• Rolling for Veigar reroll while it's contested. Every unit in it is cheap, so one other player on LeBlanc or Alistar can take the copies you need.

Frequently asked questions

What does Elderwood do in TFT?

Elderwood gives you plants you place on your board. 3 Elderwood gives a Stonebark Tree and a Lifebloom, 5 adds a second Stonebark Tree, and 7 adds the Deepwood Protector.

How many Elderwood champions are there?

Eight: Ornn, Xayah, Alistar, LeBlanc, Hecarim, Ezreal, Gnar and the Elderwood Lux. Lux counts as 2 Elderwood.

Where should you place Elderwood plants?

Put the Stonebark Tree in your front row, because its stun and shield only trigger when it dies. Keep the Lifebloom in your back row next to your carry, and the Deepwood Protector behind your tanks so it outlasts them.

Is 3 or 7 Elderwood better?

7 places better, but 3 is easier to fit into a comp and shows up in four of the five top Elderwood comps. 5 is the weakest breakpoint, so skip it.

How do you make an Elderwood Emblem?

Combine a Chain Vest with a Spatula. The holder gains the Elderwood trait.

Is Elderwood Aphelios a comp in Set 18?

Not on its own in patch 18.4. Aphelios shows up as a flex carry on Elderwood Ezreal boards, holding an Elderwood Emblem, Guinsoo's Rageblade and Kraken's Fury. He also fits the Elderwood Executioner reroll as the flex pick.

Is Solar Elderwood Kayle a good comp?

Not in patch 18.4. It's one of the most played Elderwood comps, but it sits in the lowest tier on our comps list and averages close to 5th place. It rolls at level 6 for the same 3-star Kayle, Leona and Sejuani as our Solar Rapidfire reroll, which plays Shen, Diana and Aphelios instead of Ornn, Rakan and Xayah and places more than a full spot higher. If you're rolling for Kayle, play the Rapidfire version.

What is the best Elderwood comp?

Elderwood Ezreal if you want to play 7 Elderwood, and Elderwood Draven if you want 3 as a splash. Both full boards, items and stats are on our Elderwood Ezreal and Elderwood Draven comp pages.