M3E Errata- What to Expect

[Hobby Wyrd]

In July we will be releasing our latest Errata, and we wanted to give our community a little bit of insight into our thought process. The community has voiced their concerns about balance issues since Madness of Malifaux, and we wanted to let you know how we are addressing them.

Let’s start with the list of models that will be getting an Errata. These models fall into two camps: models that are too powerful and are getting toned down (they’re being cuddled nerfed, there, we said it), and models that are not powerful enough and are getting a bit of a boost.

The cards getting toned down are as follows:

• Damian Ravencroft, Unbound

• The Configuration (Upgrade)

• Lohith

• Soulstone Gamin

• Harrison Frodsham

• Harris J-5

• Gearling

• Sabertooth Cerberus

• Harold Tull, Artillerist

• King’s Wall

• Louisa Fusi

• John Watson

• Guild Mage

• Perdita Ortega, Neverborn Hunter

• Nephilim Hunter (Upgrade)

• Hag Hunter (Upgrade)

• Bestial Hunter (Upgrade)

• Ghost Hunter (Upgrade)

• The Iron Matron

• Koji

• Yannic Waller

• Wandering River Style (Upgrade)

The cards getting a boost are as follows:

• Slate Ridge Mauler

• Sergeant

• Sanctioned Spellcaster

• Razorspine Rattler

• Angel Eyes

• Tuco Ortega

• Maurice

• Bloodwretch

• Corrupted Hound

It would be surprising if there is a single person in the community who 100% agrees with the above list; however, we think it will address many concerns. There are a lot of factors that go into deciding whether to Errata a model. Every meta is different; it is possible there are models some players consider problematic, which other playgroups have found ways to deal with, and potentially even consider underpowered (or vice versa). 

While we strive to create as balanced a game as we can, perfect balance is unfortunately impossible. But, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Asymmetry adds a lot to a game. Building lists and finding ways to counter the top of the meta can be fun, but only to a certain degree. When the top of the meta is too high, it becomes oppressive. When it came to some of the Madness Keywords, they have been found to be in that oppressive category. Hopefully, the steps we have taken here will make those Crews not as over-powering, shake up the meta, and create a healthier game overall.

Of course, we also want to mention the models we are giving a boost. In a game with so many models, there will always be some that are not taken as often as others. You may be asking yourself how we chose which of these models to address. There are many factors that go into these decisions: some models are good tech picks, others exist in crews with lots of options, etc. We used those factors and more as a part of an experiment to see how this can work. There are significantly more models getting a boost in this Errata than in previous ones and, if it goes well, we will strongly consider doing more in the future. 

It could be argued that these are not the “worst” models in the game, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if it’s the worst or the second worst if it doesn’t see the table. When selecting these models, we weighed out-of-game factors, such as unsold stock we had on hand, as well as on the shelves of game stores, to a higher degree than when we tone down models. Since these models aren’t running around breaking the game, leaving some models be was an option. 

The meta of any game is a living thing that changes and grows with time, experience, and, on occasion, Errata. This was not the first Errata and will not be the last. There are almost certainly models that exist that will see an Errata later, but that is the natural ebb and flow of a game’s meta. In other words: if we missed something, we’ll get it next time!

This Errata will be released in late July, just in time for Gen Con. So if you want to see how these changes play out and you’ll be there, sign up for some Wyrd events!

With all of that said, we also wanted to give you a sneak peek at a portion of the upcoming Errata. The most exciting ones are the ones happening to the Witness Keyword, so let’s go over them. The Configuration Upgrade affects the whole Keyword, so let’s start there:

The Conduit Ability is now only Once per Activation. This allows the Configuration to work how it did before while preventing the Witness models from always getting the Triggers they need.

Next up is Lohith:

We made one simple change to Lohith: his Soulstone Geode Action no longer affects damage flips. We feel that this will stop the model from increasing damage outputs, reducing the oppressiveness and damage output of the entire Keyword, while retaining the core of what Lohith is all about.

Next, let’s look at the Soulstone Gamin:

We replaced the Prioritize Trigger with Drain Magic. This is to prevent an unintended exploit where Drain with Prioritize built-in could be used on relenting friendly models as a form of free card draw. This was too powerful, un-interactive, and not very fun. Swapping this Trigger out for something else allows the model to function similarly to how it did before without being open to that particular abuse.

Finally, there is Damian Ravencroft, Unbound himself:

Damian Ravencroft, Unbound has received the most changes in this entire Errata cycle, arguably the most changes of any Errata cycle. All the other models and Upgrades on the list above have received changes more in line with those to Lohith or the Soulstone Gamin. A Trigger here or a word there has been altered, but the identity of the model stayed the same. Damian Ravencroft, Unbound did not stay the same, so let’s talk about it.

This model was way above the curve, and he was above the curve in a way that changing a word or swapping out a Trigger would not solve. Part of the issue was that he just did everything a little too well. He drew cards, dealt damage, he Healed, he turned off enemy Soulstones, enemy Triggers, and enemy card draw. He repositioned models, handed out the Focused Condition, and cleansed Conditions. He was good at everything and lacked focus. So we decided to give him exactly that.

Damian Ravencroft, Unbound now prefers to stand in the center of the battle, allowing his models to draw LoS and range through him while he supports them and directs what they do. He is the eye of the hurricane, heralding the onslaught his crew will throw out while controlling the action. Let’s go through his card and talk about how his Abilities and Actions facilitate that playstyle.

Refraction is now his signature Ability. This is what allows friendly models to draw range and LoS through Damian, and defines where he is supposed to be on the board. His 14 wounds, Superiority Complex, and Beacon of Order help to keep him alive while he is in the thick of it. Witness’s Influence supports his Crew by manipulating the Configuration.

On the back of his card, Absolute Control and Chains of the Tyrant are the two most important Actions for his new playstyle. Absolute Control allows him to make friendly models take Actions, and, since they can draw range and LoS through him, it enhances his ability to act as the eye of the storm with Attacks striking out from him. Chains of the Tyrant allows him to reposition models and Pulse out some damage, further controlling the area around him. He can even Summon Soulstone Gamin with it, positioning them to use their new Drain Magic Trigger.

Waves of Power and Die Though, Unsung are not part of the heart of his new playstyle, but they are important Actions. Waves of Power is a powerful Bonus Action. Its unique format encourages really thinking hard about the value of cards in your Configuration. The lower the value of the card you draw into your Control Hand, the more powerful the effect. This forces an interesting choice between receiving either a stronger effect or a higher card.

Finally, Die Though, Unsung is his new melee Action. Damian, Unbound has awakened the powers of the Tyrant Witness, and what better way to represent that than turning an enemy’s own attacks against them? Die Though, Unsung is stronger against the mighty, while, ironically, being weaker against weaker models. After all, it is a very different story for a Mature Nephilim to get hit with its own Attack than a Mindless Zombie. So think about where you use this Action!

It is our hope that this Errata does not simply downgrade the power of a problematic model, but also creates a new and interesting playstyle that did not exist before which even Damian enthusiasts will enjoy.

With all of that said, some people will want to know why Damian Ravencroft, Aspirant is not on the list. The changes to his crew, and the Configuration Upgrade, in particular, are a hit to his power. The meta will need time to adjust to the changes we have here, then we will see what the future holds.

That’s all for today! If you liked this Errata deep-dive, let us know. Maybe next time we can share our thoughts about the value of a good hat...

Also, note that all of the featured cards are still being tested so are subject to change. Have a great day, and stay Wyrd! We’ll see you at Gen Con!

[Math Mathonwy]

First of all, absolutely fantastic that you're doing an extensive errata to the new stuff ahead of the usual schedule and it looks like this addresses most of the high power outliers. Absolutely brilliant! Love how many profiles got looked at!

I also really appreciate this post and letting us know the reasoning behind all this stuff. Very good communication!

I am a bit saddened to see that Bayou wasn't touched at all so Somer and Wrastlers and such still won't see the table at all and I had hears some grumblings about the Madness Bayou stuff being OP as well. But all that said, I think that it's best to consider this one a bonus errata and hope that Bayou will get looked into in the winter errata.

So yeah, great stuff - thank you for this!

[Chou]

Glad to see some problems (looking at you, Damian) fixed, and thanks for letting us know the reasoning behind. And glad to see some models being boosted, hopefully this will continue and some unused models will be back to the tables!

[zeno]

This is great!
Really like that you're boosting older models as well, would really like to see more of that.
And I absolutely love the deep dive into the reasoning that goes behind some of the errata stuff. 

Great job Wyrd!

[theamazingmrg]

2 hours ago, Math Mathonwy said:

First of all, absolutely fantastic that you're doing an extensive errata to the new stuff ahead of the usual schedule and it looks like this addresses most of the high power outliers. Absolutely brilliant! Love how many profiles got looked at!

I also really appreciate this post and letting us know the reasoning behind all this stuff. Very good communication!

I am a bit saddened to see that Bayou wasn't touched at all so Somer and Wrastlers and such still won't see the table at all and I had hears some grumblings about the Madness Bayou stuff being OP as well. But all that said, I think that it's best to consider this one a bonus errata and hope that Bayou will get looked into in the winter errata.

So yeah, great stuff - thank you for this!

Looking at the last sentence of the article there is every possibility that there's a surprise Big Hat errata that they're saving...

[zeno]

2 hours ago, theamazingmrg said:

Looking at the last sentence of the article there is every possibility that there's a surprise Big Hat errata that they're saving...

That would be amaaazing!
I really miss good ol' Som'er.

 

[DamnDaemon]

I know it sounds dramatic, but this rekindled my passion for Malifaux. The insight you provided into the reasoning behind the errata and the list of models that get changed is absolutely fantastic. I was also hoping for Som'er, but this is far more than I expected. Really cool! Thank you, Wyrd. 

[GrumpyGrandpa]

On 6/29/2023 at 5:59 PM, Hobby Wyrd said:

That’s all for today! If you liked this Errata deep-dive, let us know. Maybe next time we can share our thoughts about the value of a good hat...