Fast 9 is a high-risk plan in Teamfight Tactics. You stabilize, build economy, and level aggressively so you can roll for a full board of 4-cost and 5-cost units. The right augment can make that plan consistent, and the wrong one leaves you with a weak board at level 8.

This list covers the augments that fit a Fast 9 plan in Set 18, based on an AP Fast 9 guide for Patch 18.4b and an augment page for Patch 18.4 updated on October 13, 2026. Both patch labels appear in the sources, so check the in-game tooltip for the exact current numbers of any augment.

Best Augments for Fast 9 in Set 18

1. Level Up!

This is the most direct Fast 9 augment on the list. It is a Prismatic, Economic augment currently rated Tier A, offered at stage 2-1.

Its effect: when you buy XP, gain an additional 2. You also gain 6 XP immediately.

The upfront XP pushes you toward level 9 sooner. The bonus on every purchase adds up over a long game. Because it appears at 2-1, you can plan the whole game around it.

  • Best for: committing to Fast 9 from the start.
  • Watch out for: a weak board while you spend gold on XP instead of rolling.

2. Upward Mobility

The Fast 9 guide lists Upward Mobility among its augments. The name points to a leveling or progression plan, which matches the comp's goal.

Treat it as a way to reach your target level earlier. Read the tooltip before committing, since the exact numbers may differ between patches.

3. Birthday Reunion

Birthday Reunion is the first augment in the guide's list. The guide does not explain it in detail, but its position suggests it fits the comp well.

Read the tooltip at the augment screen. Take it if it improves your economy or your power at higher levels.

4. Birthday Present

Birthday Present is also listed in the guide. It makes sense to compare it with Birthday Reunion when both appear, since they are named alike and the guide recommends both.

When choosing between the two, ask which one helps you more right now, and which one carries you past the stage where you plan to hit level 9.

5. Luxury Subscription

The guide lists Luxury Subscription as part of the Fast 9 package. As an economy-minded option, it suits a plan that asks you to hold gold for a long time before spending it.

The guide also gives a tip for econ augments: with one in hand, you can go Fast 7 before 3-3 to keep a win streak if you need to. That is useful flexibility. You are not locked into holding everything until level 9.

6. Late Game Specialist

Fast 9 is about what your board looks like late, and Late Game Specialist fits that goal. If your board is strong in the final stages, an augment aimed at the late game pays off.

It carries risk because it does little early. Pair it with a plan to survive the mid-game, which the guide covers below.

7. Late Game Scaling

Late Game Scaling is another late-focused pick from the guide. It is similar in spirit to Late Game Specialist.

If both are offered, favor whichever one rewards your plan's timing. If you expect to be at level 9 for many rounds, an augment that grows in power over time is the better fit.

8. Explosive Growth+

Explosive Growth+ rounds out the guide's list. The name signals a payoff that grows as the game goes on.

It suits the AP Fast 9 comp when you already have a stable economy and want extra power at the end.

Other Strong Augments to Consider: Baron's Lair, Booster Pack, Branching Out, Calculated Loss

These four are Tier S on the Patch 18.4 tier list, updated October 13, 2026. The tier list does not specifically call them Fast 9 augments, so they are not Fast 9 picks by default.

If you are offered one of these and none of the Fast 9 augments, taking the higher-tier augment is usually the safer choice. Then decide whether the rest of your game still supports a Fast 9.

How to Play Fast 9 With These Augments

  • Carry with 4-cost units. The guide recommends carrying or tanking with 4-cost units until you reach the end game.
  • Use the Fast 7 option. With an econ augment, you can level to 7 before 3-3 to maintain a win streak.
  • Know the difficulty. The guide labels the comp "B" and "Fast 9 (HARD)" on Patch 18.4b.

Fast 9 does not work if you lose too much health first. Level up early only when you have to, and keep your board strong enough to survive the middle of the game.

Conclusion

The best Fast 9 augment is Level Up!, the Tier A Prismatic that gives 6 XP up front and 2 extra XP on every purchase. The other picks from the Patch 18.4b guide, from Upward Mobility to Explosive Growth+, all support the same plan of building economy and a strong late game.

Fast 9 is rated hard for a reason. If your augments do not fit it, or you are losing too much health, switch to a more stable plan. Since patches change numbers quickly, always read the in-game tooltip before you commit.