TFT Guide: Breaking Down Set 5’s Shadow Items & How To Use Them

Ionic Dark Spark

Recipe: Shadow Needlessly Large Rod + Negatron Cloak

"Enemies and allies within 2 hex(es) are zapped when they cast an ability, taking magic damage scaling with their max Mana. Enemies take 200% of their max mana, and allies take 100% of their max mana. Whenever an ally or enemy is zapped, the wearer gains 5 Ability Power for the rest of combat."

The use cases for the Dark Spark are about the same as its vanilla variant. You’ll want to put it onto spell-using Assassins (or just units that can get onto the back line) so that your tankier units are the ones that you risk getting zapped.

Guinsoo’s Evil Rageblade

Recipe: Shadow Needlessly Large Rod + Recurve Bow

"Basic Attacks grant +9% bonus Attack Speed for the rest of combat, but the wearer is dealt 2.5% of their maximum Health each attack. The bonus Attack Speed can stack any number of times."

Just like the Shadow Infinity Edge item, you’ll put Evil Rageblade on the same users who want normal Rageblade, but make sure they have some form of sustain.

Learn how to use TFT Set 5’s new Shadow Items!

Rabadon’s Cursed Deathcap

Recipe: Shadow Needlessly Large Rod + Needlessly Large Rod

"The holder gains 125% additional Spell Power. The holder receives a penalty of -25% Max Health."

The spell power version of the Cursed Gauntlet, this Rabadon’s is great on squishy spell users who won’t suffer too much from the max health loss. Pairing this with a Guardian Angel would also be a good idea.

Cursed Deathblade

Recipe: Shadow BF Sword + BF Sword

"Contributing to a kill grants +15 Attack Damage for the remainder of combat. This effect can stack any number of times (starting at 3 stacks). The wearer receives a penalty of -25% max health."

Also on that same sort of line of thinking, Cursed Deathblade should be used on high-damage champions, preferably with some form of resurrection.

Guardian Fallen Angel

Recipe: Shadow BF Sword + Chain Vest

"Prevents the wearer’s first death, placing them in stasis instead. After 2 seconds, they return with 100% Health and shed all negative effects. After this effect triggers, the wearer’s Attack Speed is reduced by 50%."

While vanilla GA is best on melee carries, the Shadow Item variant is actually better on champions who can function well after the resurrection without the attack speed. This means Brawlers and other tanky champions who can soak damage and won’t be relied on as the primary DPS.

Zeke’s Evil Herald

Recipe: Shadow BF Sword + Giant’s Belt

"When combat begins, the wearer steals up to 40% Attack speed from nearby allies and gives it to the wearer."

Unlike the usual Zeke’s Herald, you actually want to put it on the backline DPS carry and then surround them with low-damage tanks. This makes it almost purely better than the vanilla Zeke’s because it gives more attack speed and tankiness to the user.