Forest Trait Guide: Why Forest Is Actually Strong in Merge Tactics

Credit: ReTaik

Forest Trait Deep Dive

The Forest trait in Merge Tactics has flown under the radar for most players, but ReTaik's latest video puts the full Forest comp to the test and the results are eye-opening. While many players only slot in two Forest troops as a supplement to another trait, going all-in on Forest can be surprisingly powerful when uncontested.

This guide breaks down what ReTaik discovered about the Forest trait, including the best Forest troops to prioritize, how to build around Boss Bandit as your carry, the trait's biggest weakness, and when it makes sense to force Forest over other options.

How Forest Works

The Forest trait activates at breakpoints of 2/4/6 troops on your board. Like all traits in Merge Tactics, the more Forest units you field, the stronger the trait bonus becomes. ReTaik notes that Forest is one of the more niche traits because it is not widely contested in most lobbies, which is actually one of its biggest advantages.

Pro tip: Because few players run Forest, you have a much better chance of finding and three-starring your key Forest troops from the shop.

The core Forest troops featured in ReTaik's video include Boss Bandit, Executioner, Firecracker, Magic Archer, Witch, and Baby Dragon. These units form the backbone of the full Forest comp.

Best Forest Troops and Synergies

Boss Bandit is the star of the Forest comp and serves as the primary carry. ReTaik emphasizes that Boss Bandit deals enormous damage but has very low HP, making it essential to pair with a strong tank on the frontline.

Executioner is another top-tier Forest pick that ReTaik grabs early. It provides solid DPS and benefits from the Forest trait bonus.

Firecracker and Magic Archer fill out the backline as ranged DPS units. ReTaik mentions swapping Firecracker for Magic Archer as the game progresses for stronger late-game output.

Witch adds summon pressure and additional damage, while Baby Dragon provides area damage and a flying unit that can help with board control.

For tank support, ReTaik uses non-Forest units like Skeleton King and Giant Skeleton to protect Boss Bandit in the frontline, since Forest units themselves tend to be fragile.

Game Plan by Stage

Early Game

Focus on grabbing Forest troops from the shop as quickly as possible. ReTaik prioritizes Boss Bandit and Executioner as the two most important early picks. Getting early merges to two-star your key units is critical because Forest troops are fragile and need the stat boost.

Do not be afraid to take an early loss or fall behind on Elixir if it means securing a key merge. ReTaik shows that even dropping to low HP early can be worth it if you lock in your Forest core.

Mid Game

Aim to three-star Boss Bandit as your top priority. ReTaik demonstrates that a three-star Boss Bandit with a proper tank in front can carry rounds hard. Start adding Witch and Magic Archer to round out your Forest count toward the 4 and 6-troop breakpoints.

Use your bench to cycle and hold duplicate copies for merges. ReTaik stresses the importance of upgrading cards as fast as possible.

Late Game

Push for a four-star unit if the shop gives you the opportunity. ReTaik hits a four-star Monk in one game and describes it as "completely busted." A four-star Forest troop can single-handedly win rounds.

Position your Boss Bandit behind a tank like Skeleton King so it can dash up and deal damage without getting instantly deleted. Protect your backline carries from enemy charges and assassins.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

High damage output: ReTaik states that Forest troops have some of the highest damage in the game. Boss Bandit in particular "does crazy damage."
Uncontested in most lobbies: Because few players run Forest, you are far more likely to find the copies you need to three-star your units.
Strong breakpoints: The Forest trait bonus at 4 and 6 troops amplifies an already high-damage kit.

Weaknesses

Extremely low HP: This is the trait's biggest flaw. ReTaik repeatedly notes that Forest troops "just get fried instantly" and "need an HP buff." Without a solid frontline, your Forest units will die before they can deal damage.
Reliant on tanks: You must pair Forest with durable frontline units from other traits, which means your comp is only as strong as your tank lineup.
Fragile to burst damage: Enemy comps with high burst or charge units can shred a Forest team before Boss Bandit gets a chance to dash and attack.

When to Force Forest

ReTaik's key insight is that Forest is best forced when you are the only player in the lobby pursuing it. Because it is a niche trait, you will rarely compete for copies, making it easier to three-star and even four-star your units.

However, ReTaik also shows that if a stronger uncontested trait like Noble is available (especially with a Royal Ghost draw), it may be better to pivot. The decision comes down to what the shop gives you and what your opponents are building.

Pro tip: If you see multiple players running Noble or Clan, Forest becomes a more attractive uncontested path. Always read the lobby before committing.

Key Units & Traits

Boss Bandit: Primary carry; deals massive damage but needs a tank to survive
Executioner: Top-tier Forest DPS; grab early and prioritize merges
Firecracker: Early backline ranged DPS; swap for Magic Archer later
Magic Archer: Stronger late-game ranged option to replace Firecracker
Witch: Adds summon pressure and helps reach Forest breakpoints
Baby Dragon: Flying AoE unit for board control and backline safety
Skeleton King: Non-Forest tank used to protect Boss Bandit on the frontline

TL;DR

✅ Forest has some of the highest damage output in Merge Tactics, led by Boss Bandit.
✅ Forest is rarely contested, making it easy to three-star and even four-star your units.
✅ The 2/4/6 troop breakpoints give strong trait bonuses that amplify an already powerful kit.
⚠️ Forest troops have extremely low HP and will die instantly without a proper frontline.
⚠️ You must pair Forest with durable tanks like Skeleton King or Giant Skeleton to succeed.
⚠️ Burst-heavy and charge comps can shred Forest teams before they deal damage.
💡 Force Forest when the lobby is uncontested; pivot to Noble or other traits if the shop favors it.

The Forest trait in Merge Tactics is genuinely strong when played correctly, but it demands a solid frontline to function. ReTaik's video proves that an uncontested Forest comp built around a three-star Boss Bandit can dominate lobbies, but the trait's crippling low HP means it will struggle against burst-heavy teams without proper tank support. If you are willing to build around its fragility and read the lobby for uncontested paths, Forest is a high-reward comp that most players are sleeping on.