Hello Westeros!
The developpers of the game went on live-session to give us some teasers about the new balance patch, with some updated cards to show!
Pictures credit: Teemu Eetu Kujala
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Night’s Watch – Ranger Trackers
Let’s start with the most simple one, the NW. The only change to this unit is its cost, going from 7pts to 6. Having very limited experience with Night’s Watch, I will reserve judgement, but it is definitely a weird choice to show a decrease in points to the teased unit of the faction that is currently the strongest one…
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Free Folks – Thenn Warriors
The Thenns are losing their “Unyielding” ability, but get a nice build-in synergy. Their first order “Hold the line” works perfectly with “Taunt”. Bring a unit to attack your Thenns, hopefully keep at least 2 ranks, and deal free hits when you activate them. For extra effectiveness, I could see a Walrus Clan Chieftain in them, which would turn them in a costly unit, but would definitely guarantee at least 4 free hits on the riposte.
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Stark – Crannogmen
A quite significant change to their “Hidden Traps” order: you now have to choose between hits or movement decrease, but it comes with the addition of 1 more hit. I like it this way, but mainly because I like having flexibility of choice. The -1 to movement could be extremely important in some games, so we could see their role change a bit, as objective deniers or first line of defense, making 4 hits on full units.
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Lannister – Mountain’s Men
My favorite new change, as I love these models and all things Clegane… A very subtle change: their “Marauder’s Blade” ability now works on fewer or SAME ranks! They can now have Critical Blow, Vicious and 3+ to hit against most units they will end up fighting, due to their “Prey on Fear” ability, which will give them some necessary healing to come out on top. Like before, Mandon Moore attachment will bring them all the keywords in the game, but now it will probably even more deadly!
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Baratheon – Champions of the Stag
These guys suffered from one big issue for their point cost: not much striking power once engaged. Now, with the additionof a free Vulnerable token, it can make an attack much more devastating for their opponent. Plus, they finally synergize much better with Stannis, at least the Rightful Heir version and his tokens shenaningans…
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Neutrals – Bloody Mummers
I love the Bloody Mummers, but their stats made them too fragile for a lacking offense. By giving them a 3+ attack, they are now turning into a much more potent unit. They may still fall like flies to a violent attack, but if you manage to get them to hit first, they will definitely hurt whoever opposes them.
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Targaryen – Drogon
Last but not least, one of the main bullies on the battlefield, Drogon! Well once again, a small change, but one which could help opponents a lot: instead of D3+3 wounds on a successful attack, he will “only” make D3+1 wound per defender’s rank. This should allow units to survive a bit longer against a dragon, while making cavalry that much more potent against them. I think it’s a good change, the dragons will still have high destruction potential, but this allows for some retaliation and will make them that much more delicate to play.
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There you go, all the teasers for today! Overall good changes in my book, and looking forward to the complete balanced patch (which should come in 1 to 2 weeks apparently)!
Stay tuned and don’t hesitate to comment!
Grob’
Chez Grob 