Forest is OP in Merge Tactics: Full Guide to the Overpowered Trait

Credit: ReTaik

Forest Trait Dominance

The Forest trait is now the most dominant force in Merge Tactics after receiving game-changing buffs that make it a must-play comp. ReTaik reveals why Forest is overpowered and how to maximize its potential in today's meta.

This guide covers the Forest trait's updated mechanics, the best Troops to pair with it, the optimal Comp structure, and how to execute the strategy across early, mid, and late game stages. All insights are based on ReTaik's latest video analyzing the Forest meta.

How Forest Works Now

The Forest trait received a massive overhaul that fundamentally changes how it scales. ReTaik explains that all Troops now gain a 60% bonus to Hit Speed, meaning they attack significantly faster when the trait is active.

All allies gain 60% hit speed when Forest is active, creating a snowball effect of damage output
The lowest HP Troop in your army gains Invisibility, adding a defensive layer to your backline

Pro tip: Forest's hit speed bonus applies to every single ally, making it a universal damage amplifier rather than a single-unit perk

Individual Troops under Forest also received direct damage buffs, compounding the trait's effectiveness across your entire board.

Best Forest Units

ReTaik highlights several Troops that synergize exceptionally well with the Forest trait's new mechanics.

Baby Dragon becomes a nightmare under Forest's hit speed boost, melting through enemy frontlines with rapid fireballs
Boss Bandit and Bandit provide essential carry potential, with Bandit's stealth and burst damage amplified by faster attacks
Magic Archer benefits from the hit speed increase, allowing her to shred through grouped enemies before they reach your backline

The Goblin Demolisher and Golden Knight also fit well, though ReTaik notes they are situational depending on your Ruler choice.

Building the Forest Comp

ReTaik demonstrates a 5-6 Forest Comp that leverages the trait's scaling and invisibility mechanics.

Prioritize Baby Dragon and Boss Bandit as your primary carries due to their synergy with hit speed bonuses
Use Bandit and Magic Archer as secondary DPS to maximize the invisibility and damage amplification

The Goblin Demolisher serves as a tanky frontline option, while Golden Knight can act as a flexible carry if needed

ReTaik emphasizes that Forest is more consistent than Undead because it scales immediately upon activation rather than waiting for late-game upgrades.

Game Plan by Stage

Early Game

Focus on acquiring Baby Dragon and Bandit early to establish your Forest core
Use Ghost or Goblin cage as filler frontline until you secure key Troops

Mid Game

Transition to Boss Bandit and Magic Archer as your main carries
Maintain 4-5 Forest Troops to maximize hit speed bonuses

Late Game

Lock in Baby Dragon and Boss Bandit as three-star carries
Use Invisibility from the lowest HP Troop to protect your backline from burst damage

Strengths and Matchups

Strengths

✓ Universal hit speed boost makes every Troop more effective

✓ Invisibility mechanic adds defensive utility to the comp

✓ Scales immediately, unlike Undead which requires late-game upgrades

✓ More consistent than Undead due to instant scaling upon activation

Considerations

✗ Echo Sage players can lock down your carries with crowd control

✗ Requires specific Troops like Baby Dragon to maximize effectiveness

✗ Less popular currently, so fewer players may be prepared for it

Forest vs Other Traits

ReTaik discusses the broader meta context and how Forest compares to other traits in the current season.

Clan and Noble are mentioned as older comps that are now outclassed by Forest's power
Undead is acknowledged as a strong trait but noted as less consistent due to scaling delays
The one-trait system allows each player to focus on a single comp without direct competition

ReTaik notes that Full Force also received buffs but Forest's universal scaling makes it more reliable across different game states.

Key Units & Traits

Forest: Primary trait providing 60% hit speed to all allies and invisibility to the lowest HP unit
Baby Dragon: Core Forest carry with massive AoE damage amplified by hit speed
Boss Bandit: Secondary Forest carry with stealth and burst damage
Bandit: Tertiary Forest carry providing mobility and damage
Magic Archer: Ranged Forest support with high single-target damage

TL;DR

✓ Forest is now the top-tier comp with 60% hit speed for all allies
✓ Baby Dragon and Boss Bandit are the best Forest carries
✓ Invisibility on the lowest HP unit adds defensive utility
✗ Echo Sage can lock down your carries with crowd control
✗ Requires specific Troops to maximize effectiveness
✓ More consistent than Undead due to immediate scaling
✓ Currently underplayed, giving you a strategic advantage

Forest is undeniably the strongest comp in Merge Tactics after its recent buffs. The universal hit speed bonus creates a snowball effect that outpaces most other traits, while the invisibility mechanic provides much-needed defense. Players should prioritize Baby Dragon and Boss Bandit as their core carries and build around the 5-6 Forest Comp structure. While vulnerable to Echo Sage players who can lock down your carries, Forest's consistency and immediate scaling make it the go-to choice for climbing the League ladder.