Primordian Briar 2.0: Three-Star Frontline and Cleanup Windows

Play when the unit hits, items, or augments line up. One strong signal is enough to commit; in faster lobbies, wait for two or three because the comp can die to tempo pressure.

The standard board is Briar, Rek'Sai, Cho'Gath, Akali, Bel'Veth, Rhaast, Kai'Sa, and Kindred, giving 3 Primordian, 2 Brawler, 2 Challenger, 2 Marauder, 2 Dark Star, 2 Rogue, 2 N.O.V.A., and 1 Redeemer.

At level 5, play Cho'Gath, Rek'Sai, Briar, Bel'Veth, and Kai'Sa. Add Akali at level 6, then Kindred and Rhaast at levels 7 and 8 to complete the board.

If 2-costs are especially strong or you hit a Bel'Veth-friendly artifact, you can level to 6 on 3-2 and roll for the old Bel'Veth carry line instead.

Main carry Briar uses Bloodthirster, Sterak's Gage, and Titan's Resolve. Adjust only when you hit a very strong artifact.

Secondary carry Bel'Veth uses Kraken's Fury, Quicksilver, and Giant Slayer. If the economy is strong, she is the next important 3-star.

Main tank Rek'Sai uses Sunfire Cape, Evenshroud, and Iceblast Armor. Cho'Gath can also hold tank items when he is higher quality.

Briar is the default item priority and the board's anchor. After that, choose between Kai'Sa and Bel'Veth based on items and natural copies.

Briar's kit wants her to take damage, drop low, then heal back with high attack speed. Bloodthirster, Sterak's Gage, and Titan's Resolve support that pattern too well to move away from in normal games.

Bel'Veth's best set is Giant Slayer, Quicksilver, and Kraken's Fury. Kai'Sa wants Infinity Edge, Deathblade, and Blue Buff.

The 2.0 version improves the N.O.V.A. splash and adds Rhaast, giving the melee carries more durability while opening several small traits.

Briar is now the main carry. With the correct positioning she gets through the frontline more reliably and can pressure backline units, while Bel'Veth and Kai'Sa add the second damage source.

Aim Briar at the enemy main carry and keep other melee units away from her. After Rogue retargeting triggers, she is more likely to move through the main tank and cut into the backline.

Against late-game AOE boards, swap sides so Briar and the backline are not covered by the same spells.

Prioritize No Scout No Pivot and artifact augments; those create the first-place ceiling. Otherwise, take reroll and normal item augments to protect the floor.

Recommended augments include On a Roll, Boxing Lessons, Lineup, Slightly Magic Roll, No Scout No Pivot, Trifecta I, Care Package, Treasure Hunt, Apotheotic Forge, Living Forge, An Exalted Adventure, and Golden Gamble.

Varus is best. Avoid Aurelion Sol and Soraka here; choose the others based on your item and economy needs in the current round.

Early game, play 3 Primordian and preserve low-cost comp copies. If Anima appears early, a 200 or 300 cashout can give extra economy and items.

Slow roll at level 5 for Briar 3 and Rek'Sai 3, then level. Depending on your hits, roll for Bel'Veth at 6, Kai'Sa at 7, and Kindred at 8. With enough gold you can chase several; otherwise, make sure at least one secondary carry is built.

Once the recommended board is complete, scout heavily in the finals. Briar's side and target selection are the difference between getting stuck on frontline and reaching the enemy carries.