VERTICAL SOUL FIGHTER Patch 25.15

Catalysts:
(Catalysts are an in-game event that should signal you that it may be a good idea to play this comp. Typically, one catalyst is enough but the more the better).
- Sniper's Focus on 2-1
- Strong Soul Fighter start (Kalista 2*, Naafiri 2*, etc.)
- Early Soul Fighter emblem

Pyrrhic Openers:
(Pyrrhic Openers (or "pyrrhics" for short) are openers that comes at such a great cost that it's essentially as bad as a defeat. Despite having some catalysts that enable the comp, you are better off playing something else).
- If you're not confident that you can hit 8 Soul Fighter on Stage 4 this game, consider alternative lines (6 Soul Fighter is VERY weak).
- Lots of Sorcerer players (they will hold Gwens who is your win condition)

Power-Up Strategy:
- Midas Touch on Kalista if you can primary her early
- Naafiri isn't very picky on her power-up if you end up playing around her early game
- Shadow Clone on Samira, Hemorrhage on Gwen

General Tips
- Always play 8 Soul Fighter
- Emblem +1 makes the game a lot easier to play
- Sniper's Emblem makes this comp SIGNIFICANTLY better, but you will need a Gwen
- Gwen with Sniper's emblem goes into the 4th row instead of what's depicted
- Generally, I don't even consider this composition in my personal repertoire without a Sniper's Focus available
- This isn't a comp you should find yourself playing often due to its inconsistency and level 8 five-cost lottery
- Viego 3* is a nice bonus if you happen to find him fast. He is also a great way to cap out your board late game if you find multiple copies.

Gameplan (Level 8 Standard):
Do you best to make econ thresholds while building a strong board, but make sure to level to maintain tempo with the rest of the lobby. (Tempo = The average strength of a board in the lobby).

Try to follow standard interval timings when possible. Standard intervals are the 1st, 2nd, and 5th round of every stage.
Generally, you want to be:
- Level 4 on 2-1
- Making 10+ gold by 2-2
- Level 5 on 2-5
- Making 20+ gold by the end of 2-6
- Level 6 on 3-2 with 40+ gold
- Level 7 on 3-5 with 30+ gold
- Level 8 on 4-2

These numbers will change often based on how many or how few resources are in your specific game, and how the lobby tempo plays out. But generally, this is what you can expect in an average game of TFT. When economically ahead, you can consider "skipping" intervals, and when you're economically behind, you may need to wait for the next standard interval before spending money.