SECRET Balance Changes: Forest Trait and Key Cards Buffed

Credit: ReTaik

Forest Trait Overhaul and Card Buffs

Merge Tactics dropped some secret balance changes that weren't officially published, and ReTaik dives deep into what each card and the forest trait received.

In this guide based on ReTaik's video, we cover the firecracker, magic archer, skeleton dragons, GK, baby dragon, boss Bennett, and the game-changing forest trait rework that now benefits all force trait allies.

Card Buffs and Nerfs Overview

The secret balance changes hit several key cards across the board with buffs and nerfs that significantly shift the meta.

Firecracker received a 25% damage buff across all star levels, a much-needed improvement for what was considered one of the weakest cards.
Magic Archer got a 15% damage buff at every level, pushing it from weak to more viable in many comps.
Skeleton Dragons suffered a major nerf with reduced attack damage and HP, only partially offset by slightly faster attack speed.
Baby Dragon gained a 12% HP buff per level, improving its survivability despite being orb exclusive.
GK took a 15% damage nerf and his attack speed value increased from 1.0 to 1.25, resulting in slower actual attacks, making him less oppressive.
Boss Bennett became significantly tankier with HP nearly doubled at four stars and increased HP at one star.

Forest Trait Rework

The forest trait received a major rework that completely changes how it functions in combat.

Previously, only the lowest HP ally received a hit speed bonus from forest trait allies.
Now, every ally with a force trait gets the hit speed bonus, making the trait much more powerful and widespread.
This change effectively buffs nearly every card within the force trait except for the executioner and bandit.

Pro tip: With this rework, stacking multiple force trait units can dramatically increase your entire team's attack speed.

Grand Warden Adjustments

While not listed in the official document, ReTaik believes the Grand Warden received a buff to his shield pop radius.

This undocumented change makes the shield effect cover more units when activated.
ReTaik recommends clumping troops together to maximize the shield coverage and protect key units.

Impact on Gameplay

These changes fundamentally alter how certain strategies and compositions perform in the current meta.

The firecracker and magic archer buffs make them more competitive in mid to late game scenarios.

Skeleton dragons are now significantly weaker, reducing their presence in high-level play.

The forest trait rework makes force-based comps much more potent, with ReTaik noting that 'force is actually broken now' after testing.

Boss Bennett's massive HP increase makes her a formidable frontline or backline carry.

GK's nerf reduces his snowball potential, making him more balanced but still dangerous if he secures early kills.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

✓ Firecracker now deals meaningful damage at all star levels
✓ Magic Archer is more viable as a ranged damage dealer
✓ Forest trait provides team-wide attack speed bonuses to force trait allies
✓ Boss Bennett is extremely tanky and durable
✓ Grand Warden shield covers more area

Weaknesses

✗ Skeleton Dragons are now significantly nerfed
✗ GK is less oppressive but still requires careful play
✗ Over-reliance on force trait may lead to predictable comps

Key Units & Traits

Firecracker: 25% damage buff makes her a more viable damage dealer across all star levels
Magic Archer: 15% damage buff at every level improves his late-game presence
Skeleton Dragons: Major nerf to damage and HP with only partial compensation from faster attack speed
GK: 15% damage nerf and attack speed value increased from 1.0 to 1.25, resulting in slower attacks
Baby Dragon: 12% HP buff per level improves survivability despite orb exclusivity
Boss Bennett: HP nearly doubled at four stars making her extremely tanky
Forest Trait: Now grants hit speed bonus to all force trait allies, not just the lowest HP unit
Grand Warden: Shield pop radius buffed to cover more units when activated

TL;DR

Firecracker gets a 25% damage buff across all star levels
Magic Archer receives a 15% damage buff per level
Skeleton Dragons suffer major nerfs to damage and HP
Forest trait now gives hit speed bonus to ALL force trait allies
Boss Bennett becomes extremely tanky with HP nearly doubled at four stars
GK nerfed with 15% damage reduction and slower attack speed (value 1.0 to 1.25)
Grand Warden shield radius buffed for better coverage

These secret balance changes shake up the Merge Tactics meta significantly. The forest trait rework is the biggest game-changer, making force-based comps much more powerful as ReTaik confirms 'force is actually broken now.' Card-specific buffs like firecracker and magic archer improve their viability, while nerfs to skeleton dragons and GK reduce their dominance. Players should adapt their strategies to account for these changes, particularly by leveraging the new forest trait mechanics and reconsidering skeleton dragon usage in high-level play.