The Carousel (Shared Draft) in TFT

The carousel, also known as the shared draft, is a recurring event where all surviving players are placed in a circle around a ring of rotating champions. Each champion carries a single item, and players take turns selecting one. The carousel is a unique mechanic that combines item acquisition, champion collection, and strategic positioning into a brief but impactful moment each stage.

How the Carousel Works

During a carousel round, champions equipped with items rotate in a circle at the center of the arena. Players are placed around the outside of the ring and, when their turn comes, walk into the ring to grab a champion. Once you touch a champion, you claim it -- both the champion and its equipped item are added to your bench.

  • Each champion carries exactly one completed item (or occasionally a component, depending on the carousel).
  • You can only pick one champion per carousel round.
  • Once picked, a champion is removed from the ring and unavailable to other players.

Pick Order

The order in which players get to pick is determined by current HP standing:

Opening Carousel (Stage 1-1)

The very first carousel at the start of the game is unique -- all eight players enter the ring simultaneously. This creates a free-for-all where movement and positioning determine who grabs what. No player has priority; it is a scramble for the best item or champion.

Subsequent Carousels

For all carousels after the first, pick order is based on player HP from lowest to highest:

  • The player with the lowest HP picks first. They enter the ring alone and have their choice of any champion.
  • Players enter in pairs based on HP ranking. The bottom two go first, then the next two, and so on.
  • The player with the highest HP picks last and gets whatever remains.

This mechanic serves as a built-in comeback system. Players who are struggling get first pick of the most desirable items, helping them stabilize. Players who are winning are partially constrained in their item options.

Carousel Timing

Carousels occur at predictable intervals throughout the match:

  • Stage 1-1: Opening carousel (all players at once)
  • Stage 2-4: First standard carousel
  • Stage 3-4: Second standard carousel
  • Stage 4-4: Third standard carousel
  • Stage 5-4, 6-4, etc.: Continues every stage at the X-4 round

Since carousels always happen at the fourth round of each stage, you can plan ahead. If you need a specific item component to complete a key recipe, you know exactly when your next opportunity to get one will be.

Carousel Strategy

Prioritizing Items vs. Champions

The most important decision during a carousel is whether to pick based on the item or the champion carrying it:

  • Item priority (most common): In the majority of cases, the item is more valuable than the champion. A key item component can complete a recipe that defines your entire composition. Grab the item you need and sell the champion later if it does not fit your team.
  • Champion priority (situational): Occasionally, the carousel offers a champion you desperately need for a 2-star or 3-star upgrade. If the item attached to it is also useful, this is an ideal pick. If the item is bad but the champion is essential, weigh whether the upgrade is worth passing on a better item.

Planning for Item Recipes

Carousel items are a critical part of item planning. Since each champion carries either a completed item or a component:

  • Track what you need: Before the carousel round begins, review your current item components and identify which components would complete your most important recipes.
  • Have a backup plan: Your ideal item might be taken before your turn. Know your second and third choices so you do not waste time during the pick.
  • Consider the full lobby: If you have high HP, you will pick later. Anticipate which items lower-HP players are likely to grab and plan around what will remain.

Using Low HP Strategically

Some advanced players intentionally allow their HP to drop slightly to secure an earlier carousel pick. This is risky but can be worthwhile when:

  • A specific item component is essential for your composition and you need guaranteed access to it.
  • You are confident your board can stabilize after getting the item.
  • The HP cost of picking earlier is small relative to the benefit of the item.

This is a nuanced decision and should not be taken to extremes. Dropping to dangerously low HP for a carousel pick is rarely worth the risk of elimination.

What Happens to the Champion

The champion you pick from the carousel goes to your bench like any shop purchase:

  • If you already have copies of that champion, it counts toward your upgrade progress (three 1-stars make a 2-star).
  • If you do not need the champion, you can sell it immediately after the carousel round. You will keep the item -- it transfers to your item inventory when the champion is sold.
  • The champion counts as being drawn from the shared pool.

Key Takeaways

  • Carousels happen at the X-4 round of every stage, starting with the opening carousel at 1-1.
  • Lower HP means earlier pick. This is a comeback mechanic that gives struggling players better item access.
  • Prioritize items over champions in most situations. Items are permanent power; champions can be sold.
  • Plan your item needs before the carousel begins so you can pick quickly and confidently.
  • The opening carousel is a free-for-all -- position yourself toward the champion/item you want most and move decisively.