Posts from The most UNPOPULAR faction in Heroes 5.

Although I'm a fan of the Dark Elves, in this case, I'll add my two cents in favor of the Light Elves. When playing as them, the hero always gets Luck and Defense skills upgraded (at least, I always upgrade them). Moreover, if you don't aim for super-powerful abilities, you can upgrade Magic Resistance and Magic Reflection (I'm not sure if that's the exact name) + unicorns create something like a magical reflection aura around themselves (again, I'm not entirely sure, I guess I'm getting old). This significantly increases the chance that an attacking spell won't work at all (personally, I always get annoyed by this "spell deflected" message – it makes me want to smash the computer!). If the spell does work, its effect will be significantly weakened. Therefore, it won't be easy to wipe out Sylvans with magic. As for the strength of the units, they are comparable between the Light and Dark Elves. Level 1: Assassins are stronger than Dryads (in my opinion). Level 2: It's more complicated here, but if the Furies don't reach and attack on the first try, the Dancers will tear them apart (again, in my opinion). Level 3: There's nothing to discuss here – Hunters are the best, Minotaurs are weak. Level 4: The situation is debatable again, but personally, I would rather fight against Riders than against Druids (with any army). Level 5: Again, Hydras are stronger than Unicorns, but Unicorns have magic resistance. Okay, let's give the victory to Hydras. Level 6: Ents are definitely stronger than Sovereigns. Level 7: Well, the Black Dragons are probably better due to their immunity to magic, but in general, they are comparable. So, that's the situation – the Light Elves aren't as weak as they seem.

Edel.....
1) It's inefficient to level up the Warlock and the Summoning and Destruction magic skills (considering that the average hero level when playing a map against a human player is 17-18), and there's not much point in using Phoenix, as it's less effective than direct damage spells, so Summoning is rarely chosen.
2) A skilled Sylvani player will try to position their troops on the battlefield in such a way that the damage from the Warlock's area-of-effect spells affects as few of their units as possible (Archers in one corner, Druids in another, Dryads with Dancers, Unicorns, and Dragons go to meet the enemy units). They are unlikely to use Chain Lightning on Emerald Dragons (unique units, Dryads, Dancers) that are standing close to their own units, and Meteor Shower should also be used in a way that doesn't harm their own troops, and so on. If the hero is a Warlock named Wingael, he might be able to cast 1-2 spells (but by the time he starts casting, there will be little left of his army). If the hero is not Wingael, but someone else, then it's a matter of luck and having artifacts that increase initiative (if the Druids and Hunters get to go before the Warlock, the chances of winning are very good; if they don't, then it's just a matter of luck).
Are Dryads weak? Well, if you try to fight with them against units of level 6-7, then yes... the damage is small... but for a level 1 unit, it's normal, plus they have initiative, speed, they fly, they attack multiple enemies at once and without retaliation, and they cast spells (they can Dispel, and having a Swarm of Os at the beginning of the game is not a bad thing). A small example: 7 Dryads against 7 Asp shooters - the Dryads will win. Divide them into 7 stacks of 1... they go first, the Swarm of Os deals 12 hit points of damage to the Asp shooters, which have 14... 3 Asp shooters will die before they can fire... 4 will fire... 1 Dryad will die... maybe 2... the remaining 5 Dryads will destroy the Asp shooters with their next spell. Of course, this is just an example... but it gives food for thought about which of the level 1 units is the strongest and most useful.
Do Dancers die from retaliation? Well, it depends on who and how you attack (as mentioned above, retaliation can be removed by a more durable unit). Against units of approximately the same level, they are very effective, and if you're lucky with morale, they will go very often due to their initiative.
Are unique units weak? Let's compare them to a Hydra... the attack and defense parameters of the unique units are 2 higher (this is +10% damage and +10% defense), the damage of the unique units is 10-20, and the Hydra's is 9-14... the initiative of the unique units is 12, and the Hydra's is 7... plus, the unique units have Blindness (which can last for a very long time), and speed... 7 for the unique unit and 5 for the Hydra. The Hydra only has more hit points and attacks all surrounding enemies without retaliation (but considering the small damage and barely noticeable initiative... in general, if you don't teleport it to the enemies... in short, those who know how to play as the Dungeon faction know this themselves). You mentioned Nightmares... they are good mounts, I agree... they are worthy opponents for the unique units. Regarding the magic resistance aura, it doesn't work against the Warlock... Irresistible Magic, even at the initial level, completely removes resistance... so the Warlock's spells are not deflected (the description of Irresistible Magic says that it removes resistances and penetrates magic defense by 20%, and up to 75% with a Master's Amulet). Don't confuse magic resistance (when a spell is deflected) and magic defense (when a spell does less damage, for example, Steel Golems have 75% magic defense, i.e., they only receive 25% of the damage from magic attacks, but if the Warlock develops Irresistible Magic, then 75% - 75% = 0%, i.e., the magic defense of the Golems will be completely penetrated).
In general, that's how it is. The strength of the Sylvani is not only in the Hunters - although at the beginning, everyone probably thinks so (I myself relied on them when I started playing).

And I used to swear by druids :) If you split them into several squads in the early stages, the same-meteor activity in the enemy ranks becomes so destructive that you'd practically need lightning rods...

Yes, it seems some attempts have been made here to compare Sylvans with demons; it turns out that if the demons don't charge immediately, they'll be shot down so badly that you might as well not charge at all, and if they do charge, they'll get such a beating (their squads will be wiped out one by one) that they'll realize charging was a mistake. Only summoning brothers from Sheol helps — especially useful against elves, since for the latter, shooters are a very significant part of the army. If the hero is Wingaal, the demons will be dealt with quickly, and on their own turf. The problem with demons is that they have nothing besides attack and knowledge, while sylvans also have defense.

To be honest, we've already started talking about something that's not really relevant to the topic here. The topic is about the LEAST favorite faction, so if the moderators move a couple of posts, I won't be offended.

The advantage of demons is that they have dark magic... for example, mass dispel to prevent different units from casting spells... mind control, berserk, what else do you need to be happy? Oh yes, -40% to the initiative of enemy units with mass slow and so on... It helps a lot, you know... Honestly, I think races that don't have a predisposition to dark magic are flawed... except for elves, they are strong anyway... That's how it is...
So demons are not a gift either...

Yes, demons are good too. As far as I understand, they are ranked last primarily because of their not-so-demonic image. They look more like very aggressive and vicious beasts. In contrast, in *Disciples*, the demons were truly demonic... Wow!
Besides, in *Heroes 5*, their combat tactics are very specific – the lack of defense necessitates very careful gameplay, while their troops are overwhelmingly (compared to other races) melee-focused, and no one has retaliation.
Personally, I definitely prefer demons to mages – not because of ideological or aesthetic reasons; mages are better in that regard, but because of their gameplay possibilities.

Yes, demons are good too. As far as I understand, they are ranked last primarily because of their not-so-demonic image. They look more like very aggressive and vicious beasts, but still beasts. In *Disciples*, the demons were truly demonic... Wow!
Besides, in *Heroes 5*, their combat tactics are very specific – the lack of defense requires very careful play, while their troops are overwhelmingly (compared to other races) melee-focused and no one has retaliation.
Personally, I definitely prefer demons to mages – not because of ideological or aesthetic reasons, mages are better in that regard, but because of their gameplay capabilities.

Regarding retaliation, horses have intimidation. As for melee combat, there are succubi, which are among the best at their level, and they also attack from a distance and have a good attack, and then they run through everyone in a chain. Yes, in *Disciples*, the demons were simply amazing! They had quite the appearance. As for mages, they are not only better than demons, but better than all races in *Heroes* (except for Necropolis, of course), because the fast development tactic works best with them.

Of course, demons are fast, but I would give the "Duel" ability to the "Dweller" – otherwise, it doesn't match its cost.

Of course, demons are fast, but I would give the Devil a retaliatory strike – otherwise, it doesn't match its cost.

Regarding the price – yes! The Archdevil is definitely not better than the Champion, but it costs more...:confused: But the other units are cheap, and you usually have enough money. I would add a retaliatory strike... and speed, so it's like in the third game...

Regarding the lack of counter-units, Cerberuses do have that advantage, and I generally consider them to be one of the best units at their level (only Elven Archers are better). Cerberuses and Nightmares also have sufficient speed. I only build/buy Devils if I really have nowhere else to put my resources/money or for a decisive battle. Demons can easily defeat any neutral creatures (except perhaps Phoenixes and Black Dragons) without much trouble. And in general, I really like Demons lately. I'm even thinking of changing my faction preference:D ...

Inferno – there’s so much pain in that word – they always cause problems, just like mages – and what a hassle it is to capture a Castle! The ballista is also a beast, it deals massive damage.

Don't like Inferno:smile18:. They all seem too weak.

I don't like Inferno:smile18:. They all seem too weak.

On the contrary, they are one of the strongest. Demonesses and Archdevils are not like Death Knights or Liches. Although, I personally don't like Inferno...)

On the contrary. They are among the strongest. Demonesses and archdevils are not like Death Knights or liches. Although, I personally don't like Inferno...)

Liches and Death Knights are very strong units, so you're wrong to say that. In an open battle, 1 Death Knight can defeat 1 archdevil, and an archlich will definitely defeat a demoness... I think that all factions are good in their own way, and the strength of each depends only on the player who controls it.

Liches and Death Messengers are very strong units, so you're wrong to underestimate them. In an open battle, 1 Death Messenger can defeat 1 Archdevil, and an Archlich will definitely defeat a Demoness... I think that all factions are good in their own way, and the strength of each depends only on the player who controls it.

I completely agree with you! Each faction has its own advantages.