FoG2 Multiplayer Tier list (Patch 1.39)

[bbogensc]

Mike_C 81 - Rome launched a major invasion of Parthia and was stopped by horse archers. I would need to look up the dates and counsel names.

[MikeC_81]

With the next DLC (Age of Belisarius) about to drop in a weeks time as of the writing of this post, and with it a new patch, it seems like a good time to take another snapshot. This time we will be focusing in on the results of the first two rounds of Stockwellpete's KO tournament. After several withdrawals and the necessary army reallocations, here is the breakdown of armies entering each successive round.

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The most immediate result is the failure of a single Warbands army to make it out of the first round. This is despite the fact that several players playing either the Gallic or Ancient British list were known quantities and had posted results in previous tournaments. It is worth noting that two Warband armies were knocked out via adjudication but even with that in mind, going 0 for 6 is still a demoralizing result fans of Warband armies. Losses by the Warbands came at the hands of an assortment of enemies from Pikes, to Late Roman lists, the horde-ish Scots Irish, and Jewish Rebels. Warbands are likely to receive a balance adjustment in the Age of Belisarius patch and all signs point to it being sorely necessary given their dismal record in season 1 of the FoG2DL and now, their clean sweep off of the tables in the Knockout tournament.

The second trend of interest is that continued success of Light Spear/Swordsman horde armies. A group of 3 players headed by Nyczar played with either the 50BC Scots Irish list or the 407 Romano British and two of them have penetrated into the round of 16 and with Nyczar falling in a close game with a score of 61-53. They all played against either Pike armies or Lancer/Infantry armies. It will be very interesting to see how they fare in the 3rd round as both survivors have been matched up against top-notch Carthaginian lists being piloted by known players who have put up good results. If one or both of the players advance into the elite eight, it seems a promotion into the A tier worthy of discussion.

Speaking of which, the Carthaginian style swiss army knife lists continue to post excellent results with 4 Carthaginians along with a pair of Pergamene armies representing the archetype at the opening of the tournament. Five armies passed into the second round and 3 are currently battling it out in the 3rd round.

4 players chose the only allowable mass bow list in the form of Palmyrans and only one is alive. Perhaps the lack of elephants and light artillery are limiting the potential of the bows represented in the tournament though it must be said 1 army was lost due to a no-show and another loss on adjudication. Finally, Pikes, Impact Foot Romans, and Horse Archer armies continue to pass the expected number of armies through to each stage.

[MikeC_81]

Patch 1.39 has been released and with it, the demotion of the Indian Archery based lists from Tier A. I felt strongly that too much was taken away from the Indian lists and in its current iteration, really only poses a serious risk to players inexperienced with combating this archetype.

In terms of personal thoughts on various lists, I have warmed up considerably to the middle Roman Imperial armies like 197AD. While not nearly as strong against other Infantry armies compared to the Late Republican lists, it does deal with opposing cavalry much better thanks to Light Artillery, Massed Bowmen, and a decent cavalry wing of its own. Having to rely on Roman Auxilia, however, is a miserable experience especially after being used to playing with Thuerophoroi and Spanish Scutarii.

I am currently seeking input from players who have made it deep into the KO tournament using the Late Roman lists like 379AD. Two of the final 8 players in Quarterfinals will be playing that list so, despite the fact it was a widely popular army at the start of the tournament, it is at least holding its own and passing on its fair share of players. The other archetype to receive major changes are Warband armies and if anyone is brave enough to take them into competitive play again, I would like to hear about your experiences.