This week's battle mage secrets focuses on the Briar Patch Ruleset.
Ruleset Details
The Briar Patch gives all monster units the Thorns ability which will allow monster units to retaliate against enemy units that use melee attacks by dealing damage to half of the attackers' damage (rounded up). However, it is important to note that Thorns damage does not affect units with the Reflection Shield ability. Additionally, the ruleset includes the Amplify ability, which increases damage. One of the most effective ways of dealing with the ruleset is to avoid using melee monsters. Players should instead focus on magic-based strategies as they tend to be more powerful than ranged attacks. Summoners that increase magic damage (Alric Stormbringer, Obsidian) are highly recommended for Briar Patch battles. Also consider tanks like Lord Arianthus and Prismatic Energy which have reduced damage and reflective capabilities that can counter the increased magic attacks if opponents decide to go all in on magic attacks.
Battle -- Full Battle History
Battle Details
- Mana Cap: 16
- Ruleset(s): Tis But Scratches, Briar Patch, Stampede
Line-up Details
- Alric Stormbringer (summoner): +1 magic damage to all friendly monsters.
- Lord Arianthus: Passive tank with abilities to counter and reflect magic damage.
- Furious Chicken: low-cost fodder to serve as protection to the backline.
- Ruler of the Seas + Pirate Archer: Dual Blast Damage + speed buffs + magic damage hex.
Did your strategy work? What will you try differently next time?
In the following battle, no matter how many times I replayed it, I would end up losing it. The reason? Doctor Blight -- what an overpowered card. In this low-mana battle, I opted for some of my favorite cards -- Lord Arianthus (the OG king of passive tanks), Ruler of the Seas (great magic damage, speed buffs and Blast Damage). The rest of the slots were filled with Furious Chicken as a sacrificial lamb and Pirate Archer to double up on the Blast Damage. At the onset of battle -- we had a 4 v 6 situation and I think my line-up did amazingly well, but as I lead with at the beginning of this battle history report -- there was no way I could deal with the overpowered Doctor Blight. It was not being to be attacked and then its Scavenger ability proccing every time a monster, we landed up in a situation where you have a Doctor Blight remaining with eight health and coming in the clutch at the end and sealing the victory for my opponent.
Do You Like the Briar Patch Ruleset? Why or Why Not?
Briar Patch is straightforward, where all monsters get Thorns ability, but what makes it interesting is anticipating how your opponent will play -- will they go all in on magic damage and therefore you will need to account for monsters that counter magic damage or reduce magic damage? Or will they go all in on melee damage trying to overpower you? Therefore, to succeed in Briar Patch battles governed, it is crucial to build a deck with units that are strong against magic and ranged attacks. Understanding the specifications of Thorns and considering counterattack and reflect abilities are important for securing victories and long-term success in splinterlands.
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