Posts from Discussion: Balance template, features, and tactics.

I've only played with the Swamp faction so far.
1) Hydras were constantly used and performed well.
2) The main strength of this faction is the Wyverns; they fit perfectly into the Swamp army and can be easily upgraded in their native castle.

Brokhild in The Eastern Expedition is a true powerhouse on Balanced difficulty.
In some foreign rule sets, Conflux and Necropolis are banned due to their secondary units. Or, they made Conflux and Necropolis secondary factions because they were banned. I'm not sure.

Good afternoon. I have a question: how does the hero's leveling speed in the balanced game mode compare to the leveling speed in the skirmish mode?

to Kluka
I didn't understand your question, please clarify.

I think I only played on balance once. I noticed that there are fewer places to level up, and the guards are stronger, meaning you need to level up your hero better. So, is it possible to maintain a normal leveling pace for the hero on a balanced difficulty (roughly, level 6 by day 117 and level 12 around day 127), or does the average level of the main hero differ significantly in either direction? (I'm talking about fighters).
P.S. Maybe level 6 is considered noob-level :), but I think the question is clear.

The AI is very unstable; the generator on the map can produce different results. For example: walking undead and golems are walking experience points, while ranged units give fewer points, and it's harder to defeat them. Sometimes, a player might choose not to take Necropolises, leaving them for the AI, and sometimes the AI itself "cleans up," just to level up. I think Balance suffers from the same issue, only it's even more pronounced. That is, the speed at which heroes level up varies between different factions. You can use level 6 by day 117 as a benchmark, but if you fall behind, it's not a big deal; you can open a couple of Gnome Tents and a Bank on day 121 and catch up with your opponent. In general, it doesn't matter what level you are at the end of the week; what matters is being stronger when you meet your opponent. For Balance, this means passing and clearing the Treasury through the Grand Order (which is also a way to level up).

A question for those of you who are more experienced with the Balance map.
Maybe I haven't tested it enough, but the infamous treasure #10 usually generates very meager resources, averaging 4 Hives and 3 Gold Mines. In Pandora's boxes, it usually offers 5000 experience points (not just in zone #10, but generally on the map). So, an early push there (in the second week) will, firstly, result in losses, and secondly, these losses are difficult to compensate for. Sometimes, a small sand treasure (№5) is richer than zone #10.
Is there another strategy needed? What else could be a key point on the Balance map?

I'm not an expert, but I'll say this too. 4 Hives are more likely a coincidence. I also tested the balance, generated maps, and checked in the editor; there were 22 Hives on the grass in one instance, and I was honestly shocked!

Yes. I generated a map without a Dungeon.

Well, Lider1, with your luck, it's about time you allowed poker ;)
I've created around 50 generations, and #10 turns out small and often ends up on lava for some reason. But I'll definitely test it further.
Or maybe you created it with the Dungeon faction? I tested L-U.

Another option is a necromancer strategy. Take a promising necromancer and accumulate skeletons. Considering that there will likely be a Necropolis, having a good number of skeletons is beneficial. However, treasure is still the most important thing.

Another option is to develop a promising mage – Solmyr, Dimera, Aislinn in particular, Andru, and so on.

4 hives are actually a pretty good bonus).

can I revive this thread...?

Guys, can you suggest a tactic/build order for balance M?
Thanks in advance.

Can I revive this thread...?

Guys, can you suggest a tactic or build order for Balance M?
Thanks in advance.

Read the entire thread carefully; it also mentions that the most reliable way to play is:
- Castle (starting hero Valeska, or alternatively, Edrick or Turis, and also Caitlin, but these options are worse)
- Swamp (start with Wistan, or Tazar or Broghild)
- Necropolis (start with Galtaran, or Tant/Aislin - this will be slightly more reliable)
- Conflux (Grindan/Ciel/Kalt)
- Rampart (start with Ivor, or Mephala, Kirq)
- Stronghold (start with Kragg or Tiraxor)

Tactic: Take archers, upgrade them, then capture mines, collect all chests and everything that lies and is within the respawn zone, destroy crypts, then break through the guard in the Treasury, collect all the goodies - gnome dens, etc., hives...
Then, after leveling up the hero and accumulating sufficient strength, break through to the enemy...
Plan to break through the guard and enter the Treasury on day 121-131, quickly loot everything and get out to face the enemy...
There is nothing definitive or universal here, and in general, before writing anything, you should carefully read everything that already exists on the forum, as well as in the existing thread