Zigzagzigal’s Guides – Great Commanders/Rulers of China

This guide series explores some of the most influential leaders in world history and how their unique abilities translate to Civilization VI gameplay. We’ll delve into their optimal victory paths, strategic nuances, and discuss their overall balance within the game.

This time, we’re venturing into the heart of East Asia to analyze the various leaders representing the Chinese civilization. From early unifiers to masterful strategists, China’s leaders offer diverse playstyles that can lead you to victory.

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China

Unifier Qin

Focus: Domination, Science

Unifier Qin excels at leveraging early aggression and converting it into a springboard for either Domination or Science victories. His unique ability allows for the creation of a formidable early army by converting Barbarian units.

Early Game Dominance:

1. Train Warriors: Begin by training a couple of Warriors early in the game.
2. Locate Barbarian Outposts: Scout the map to find Barbarian Outposts.
3. Intercept Barbarian Scouts: Wait for Barbarian Scouts to complete their journey from an Outpost to a city’s border. As the Scout returns to the Outpost, it will trigger the spawning of additional Barbarian units.
4. Convert Barbarian Units: Position your Warriors near the Outpost to intercept and convert the newly spawned Barbarians. This tactic provides a significant early-game military advantage.

Strategic Considerations:

• Barbarian Outpost Spawning: Remember that Barbarian Outposts cannot spawn in territory within a civilization’s line of sight. Maximize your early exploration to limit Barbarian presence and increase your chances of converting their units.
• The Great Wall: Unifier Qin synergizes well with China’s unique infrastructure, The Great Wall. Its defensive bonuses and gold output help maintain and upgrade your formidable Barbarian army.

Overall: Unifier Qin’s straightforward yet powerful ability allows for creative strategies and rewarding gameplay. His capacity to amass an early army makes him a formidable opponent and a strong contender for Domination victories. Additionally, the economic advantage gained from converted units can be effectively channeled towards scientific development, making him a versatile leader capable of achieving different victory conditions.

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Wu Zetian

Focus: Science, Culture

Wu Zetian, China’s first and only female emperor, brings a more subtle yet potent playstyle to the game. Her strength lies in maximizing China’s civilization ability through a clever combination of espionage and technological advancement.

Espionage and Eureka Boosts:

1. Strategic Espionage: Wu Zetian’s unique ability grants a significant advantage in Spy missions. Instead of immediately using your free Spy for stealing technologies, focus on easier missions like "Fabricate Scandal" or "Foment Unrest."
2. Boost Success Rate: Successfully completing these missions will quickly level up your Spy, increasing their effectiveness and the success rate of future missions, including stealing Eureka boosts.
3. Maximize Eureka Benefits: By stealing Eureka boosts from other civilizations, you accelerate your own technological advancement, amplifying the bonuses provided by China’s civilization ability.

Cultural Prowess:

While Wu Zetian’s focus leans towards Science victories, her ability indirectly benefits Culture victories as well. The increased pace of technological advancement allows for quicker access to cultural wonders and civics, providing a significant edge in the race for cultural dominance.

Overall: Wu Zetian’s strength lies in her ability to leverage espionage to fuel China’s already potent scientific capabilities. Her playstyle rewards a more strategic and calculated approach, making her a compelling choice for players who enjoy a balance of espionage, technological superiority, and cultural progression.

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Yongle

Focus: Science

Yongle, the third emperor of the Ming dynasty, is renowned for his ambitious maritime expeditions and cultural achievements. In Civilization VI, he translates this legacy into a powerful ability that focuses on rapid city growth and maximizing yields.

Early Expansion and Growth:

1. Prioritize Religious Settlements: Aim for the "Religious Settlements" Pantheon early in the game. This Pantheon grants a free Settler with every Holy Site you found, accelerating your early expansion.
2. Balance Expansion and Growth: While expanding your empire, focus on developing your cities’ infrastructure and housing to support rapid population growth.
3. Governor Magnus: Utilize Governor Magnus’ "Provision" and "Surplus Logistics" promotions to further enhance your city growth. "Provision" prevents population loss when training Settlers, while "Surplus Logistics" speeds up city growth.

Maximizing Yields:

1. Delayed "Lijia (Food)" Project: While tempting, avoid using the "Lijia (Food)" city project immediately. Wait until your cities have at least 11 housing to maximize its effectiveness.
2. Housing Threshold: City growth slows down by 50% if the population is one less than the housing capacity. Aim for 11 housing to maintain a steady population growth to 10, the threshold for Yongle’s ability to take effect.
3. Alternative Strategy – River Goddess: Consider the "River Goddess" Pantheon for additional housing and amenities in cities with Holy Sites. This strategy synergizes well with the "Monasticism" wildcard during Dark Ages, further boosting your science output.

Overall: Yongle’s ability to significantly boost yields based on population makes him incredibly powerful. His playstyle encourages a balance between expansion, city development, and strategic use of city projects. While his focus lies in Science victories, the sheer economic power he generates can be channeled to pursue other victory conditions as well.

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Other Notable Chinese Leaders

While this guide focuses on the Chinese leaders introduced in the Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm expansions, it’s worth mentioning the other leader representing China in Civilization VI:

Qin Shi Huang

Focus: Domination, Wonders

As the founder of the Qin dynasty and China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang’s legacy is built on military might and monumental construction projects. His unique ability reflects this by granting additional Builder charges and enhancing their construction speed, allowing for rapid development and the construction of Ancient and Classical wonders.

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Conclusion

China, with its rich history and diverse leaders, offers a wide range of playstyles in Civilization VI. From Unifier Qin’s early aggression to Yongle’s focus on city growth, each leader presents unique challenges and rewards. Whether you prefer conquering your opponents with overwhelming force, outpacing them in technological advancements, or achieving cultural dominance, China has a leader that suits your strategic preferences.

The Definitive Guide to Acquiring the Sleeper Simulant in Destiny 2

The Sleeper Simulant is more than just a weapon; it’s a statement. This exotic linear fusion rifle, nestled within your heavy slot, is a symbol of dedication and a testament to your ability to overcome any challenge Destiny 2 throws your way. While the path to acquiring it is lengthy, the reward is well worth the effort. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to claim the Sleeper Simulant as your own.

Why Choose Sleeper Simulant?

Before embarking on this quest, it’s important to understand why the Sleeper Simulant stands out amongst other heavy hitters like Whisper of the Worm and 1000 Voices.

• Solo-Friendly: Unlike Whisper, which often demands a coordinated fireteam for its challenging hidden mission, or 1000 Voices, a random drop from the Last Wish raid, the Sleeper Simulant quest can be completed entirely solo.
• Forgiving Gameplay: While Whisper reigns supreme in DPS with its White Nail perk, it requires pinpoint accuracy and ideal conditions. Sleeper Simulant offers a more forgiving experience, allowing for consistent damage output even with less-than-perfect aim.

Embarking on the Quest: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

While a power level of 380 is recommended, reaching 400+ will ensure a smoother experience.

Step 1: Complete the Warmind Campaign

Your journey begins on Mars. Dive into the Warmind DLC and complete all five story missions. This unlocks the "Data Recovery" milestone, your gateway to the Sleeper Simulant.

Note: Players who used a character boost or started playing after Forsaken launched will already have this step completed.

Step 2: Speak with Ana Bray

Head to Ana Bray on Mars and accept the "Data Recovery" quest. This grants you the "Legacy Code" quest item.

Step 3: Complete "Legacy Code" and "A Piece of the Past"

These missions, marked on your map, are your next objective. "Legacy Code" is recommended at 340 light and takes approximately 15 minutes. Completing it rewards you with "A Piece of the Past," another mission that culminates in "giving Rasputin the Engram." This grants you the powerful Ikelos Handcannon (IKELOS_HC_V1.0.1).

Step 4: Complete "Violent Intel" (Hive & Cabal Kills)

Return to Ana Bray and accept "Violent Intel," which also grants you "Nascent Dawn 1/5" (crucial for a later step). This step requires 300 Hive kills and 300 Cabal precision kills on Mars, with the Ikelos Handcannon equipped.

Tips:

• Only Cabal kills require headshots.
• The Ikelos Handcannon only needs to be equipped, not used for the kills.
• Hive Farm: Escalation Protocol Level 1 offers a high concentration of Thrall and Acolytes.
• Cabal Farm: The "Incursion" Adventure near Glacial Drift features a section ("Ambush the Red Legion") ideal for racking up precision kills. Use the explosives, eliminate the Cabal, and die to reset the encounter.

Step 5: Complete "Rasputin’s Culling" (Powerful Enemy Kills)

This step requires defeating 50 powerful enemies (yellow health bars, mini-bosses, or bosses) on Mars with the Ikelos Handcannon equipped.

Tip:

• The entrance to the Leviathan raid on Nessus is teeming with yellow-bar Cabal. Use snipers and rocket launchers for efficient clears.

Step 6: Complete "Warmind’s Glory" (5 Strikes)

Simplicity itself. Complete any five strikes with the Ikelos Handcannon equipped. No need for Nightfalls.

Tip:

• "Lake of Shadows" is generally considered the fastest strike.

Step 7: Complete "Nodes and Protocols" (Escalation Protocol & Sleeper Nodes)

This step has two parts:

• Escalation Protocol: Complete three Escalation Protocol levels. Level 1 can be easily soloed.
• Sleeper Nodes: This is where "Nascent Dawn 1/5" comes into play. You’ll need to activate 15 Sleeper Nodes scattered across Mars.

Understanding Sleeper Nodes:

• Resonate Stems: These are required to craft Override Frequencies, which unlock Sleeper Nodes. You need 4 Resonate Stems per Override Frequency.
• Farming Resonate Stems: Focus on activities like Lost Sectors, Public Events, and Patrols on Mars.
• Recommended Farm: The "Core Terminus" Lost Sector offers a good balance of speed and efficiency.
• Override Frequency Locations: Once you have enough Resonate Stems, consult a resource like this website to pinpoint the location of each Sleeper Node.

Step 8: Complete "Protocol "Perfected Form"" (Will of the Thousands)

This step requires completing a special mission version of the "Will of the Thousands" strike with the Ikelos Handcannon equipped. At a power level of 400+, this should be manageable solo.

Step 9: Claim Your Reward

Return to Ana Bray, and the Sleeper Simulant is yours!

Conclusion

The path to the Sleeper Simulant is a grind, but the feeling of unleashing its raw power makes it all worthwhile. This guide has provided you with the knowledge and strategies needed to conquer this quest. Now, go forth and claim your prize, Guardian!

Guide: Achieving a Malenyevist Sordland in Suzerain

The Struggle for a Socialist Sordland

This guide outlines the path to achieving a truly socialist Sordland in the wake of the Rizia DLC. We aim to implement sweeping social reforms, dismantle the capitalist oligarchy, and secure a brighter future for all Sordish citizens.

Objectives:

• Liberate the Working Class: Champion the rights of workers and establish economic justice.
• Universal Welfare: Implement comprehensive social programs, including universal healthcare, inspired by the ideals of social democracy.
• Purge Reactionary Elements: Eradicate the influence of the Old Guard, Sollism, and nationalist factions.
• Break the Oligarchy: Dismantle the power of the capitalist elite and redistribute wealth.
• Champion Civil Rights: Guarantee equal rights and protections for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.
• The Bludish Dream: Establish the Bergia Semi-Autonomous Zone and fulfill the aspirations of the Bludish people.
• National Recovery: Achieve the Great Sordish Recovery and restore the nation’s economic prosperity.
• Valgslandian Socialism: Secure the "Valgslandian Socialist" title in the ending sequence, signifying your commitment to socialist ideals.
• Universal Housing: Impress Symon with your economic management and unlock the universal housing program.
• Disappoint Alphonso: Witness the disappointment of Alphonso, the staunch capitalist, as your socialist policies take hold.
• Victory Against Rizia: Secure a triumphant victory against Rizia in "the Big Game," symbolizing a victory for the people.
• A Socialist Future: Set the stage for a glorious socialist future in the CSP.
• Optional: Rumburgian Revolution: Extend the socialist revolution to Rumburg (details below).

Important Note: While pursuing socialist policies, maintain a respectful facade towards your generals. They despise communism and budget cuts, so tread carefully to avoid a military coup.

Walkthrough:

Prologue:

• Choose a humble background, study economics, and join the student council.
• Align with the Red Youth and demonstrate unwavering resolve against oppression.
• Support Soll initially, then transition your support to Alphonso.
• Advise Alphonso to resign and promise democratic reforms.

Turn 1:

• Invest in the Armadine shipyards.
• Veto the Campaign Finance Bill.
• Reject Koronti’s bribe; maintain a semblance of integrity.
• Promote a planned economy.
• Invest in the L-1 high-speed rail project.
• Collaborate with reformist political forces.

Alternative: For the "Man of the People" achievement, prioritize stimulus checks over the L-1, appease the people, and anger the oligarchs.

Turn 2:

• Pay respects at Bernard’s funeral.
• Negotiate a larger bribe from Tusk.
• Demonstrate empathy by visiting towns affected by violence.
• Award the L-1 contract to the SSC, snubbing Tusk.
• Maintain diplomatic relations with Rumburg.
• Refrain from enacting a relief plan (a necessary sacrifice).
• Veto the Tourism Bill (prioritize socialist ideals over economic gains).

Turn 3:

• Utilize Tusk’s "donation" to fund the education of Serge’s children.
• Constitutional Reforms:
  • Set the impeachment threshold at 8%.
  • Grant impeachment power to the Assembly and Court.
  • Require a 3/5 Assembly vote to overturn presidential vetoes.
  • Implement confidence votes for cabinet members.
  • Establish term limits for elected officials.
  • Remove the Court’s voting power.
  • Retain presidential decree powers.
  • Remove immunity for the Ministers of Health and Justice.
• Increase budgets for all sectors except the military (implement cuts).
• Ban the Young Sords (optional, but recommended for ideological consistency).
• Invest in Gasom and advocate for improved working conditions in Narbel.
• Appease Gasom protesters by invoking your Red Youth credentials.
• Repeal the EPA (pursue the "Kiss My Gas" achievement).
• Sign the GREEN Act (a necessary compromise for socialist gains).

Turn 4:

• Allow Monica to speak at the Benfi festival (prepare for potential consequences).
• Form the ACP (Anti-Corruption Police).
• Raise taxes on corporations while maintaining them for SMEs.
• Refrain from privatizing state assets.
• Implement education reforms.
• Secure Albin’s support for constitutional changes by offering him the VP position.
• Negotiate with Gloria regarding constitutional reforms:
  • Emphasize the importance of reforms for Sordland’s future.
  • Highlight popular support for the proposed changes.
  • Frame the impeachment threshold change as a democratic measure.
  • Concede on removing the Minister of Health’s immunity.
• Invest in Lorren.
• Replace incompetent SSC managers.
• Sign the Worker’s Rights Act.
• Invest in Gruni crop research.
• Outwit Lucian in a game of chess.

Turn 5:

• Veto the Religious Harmony bill.
• Accept aid from the United Cortana.
• Task the ACP with investigating the Old Guard.
• Maintain relaxed immigration policies.
• Invest in FC Anrica (made possible by Tusk’s "donation").
• Cultivate a positive relationship with the Agnolian PM to secure a favorable trade deal.
• Negotiate the Whelen trade deal with "funny guy" in exchange for border security against the BFF.

Turn 6:

• Abolish mandatory military conscription.
• Establish the Sarna Agricultural Zone.
• Maintain state control over healthcare and improve rural access.
• Maintain state control over education and improve rural quality.
• Ban the teaching of creationism in schools.
• Sell 2/3 of Gasom shares (+6 budget).
• Sign the Central Bank Reinforcement Act.
• Direct Nia to create the Bergia Semi-Autonomous Zone.
• Issue a joint statement with the PFJP supporting Ishval Ersen.
• Allocate funds to lobby MPs.

Turn 7:

• Collaborate with Bludish leaders to amend constitutional articles 6 & 7.
• Reassure Koronti that you won’t interfere in Oligarch affairs.
• Nationalize Bergia Steel.
• Veto the Unified Education Language Act.
• Form an alliance with Ricter and the PFJP.
• Grant asylum to the whistleblower.
• Initiate trade negotiations with Valgsland.
• Send your son to study in United Cortana.
• Follow the guide for amending articles 6 & 7:
  • Secure USP support by conceding on the EPA and arresting a Bludish leader.
  • Reject Ricter’s demands for credit; stand firm on your principles.
• Arrange a meeting with Heron through Lucian.
• Agree to Hawker’s impeachment to appease Heron (with no intention of following through).
• Formalize the PFJP alliance, remove Hawker, and amend the party manifesto.
• Prevent Lileas from taking drastic action against the BFF.
• Revise the party manifesto to reflect socialist values.
• Appoint the most experienced candidate to the Supreme Court vacancy.
• Enact the Free Trade & Commerce Commission, Rural Education Institutes, and De-Sollanization decrees.
• Sign the Bergia Semi-Autonomous Governance Act.
• Strengthen ties with Valgsland and support Comrade Hegel.
• During the Petr scandal, blame Rumburg and manage the press conference to maintain stability.
• Establish the Women’s Rights Commission and donate remaining funds to the Sordish League of Women.
• Support Iosef against Graf in the Gendarmerie conflict.
• Implement a nationwide polio vaccination program.
• Sign the Less Smoke Tax and provide free dental care.
• Attend the Aschraf ceremony.
• Accept agricultural aid from the United Cortana.
• Invest in the electronics sector.

Turn 9:

• Sign the Women’s Liberation Act.
• Sign the Children for Future Act.
• Veto the Human Dignity Act.
• Utilize decree powers to enact the Minority Rights Act.
• Implement taxes on alcohol and luxury goods.
• Maintain diplomatic relations with Rumburg despite the plane incident.
• Proceed with the military parade.
• Meet with Malenyev and join the CSP.
• Purge the Old Guard from the government.
• Deliver an inspiring speech to FC Anrica before "the Big Game."
• Achieve a balanced budget to unlock the free housing program.

Turn 10:

• Advocate for a universal basic income during the final debates.
• Secure victory in the presidential election.

Conclusion:

Congratulations, comrade! You have successfully guided Sordland towards a brighter, more equitable future. The seeds of socialism have been sown, and the struggle for a truly just society continues!

Rumburgian Invasion Contingency:

Should your support for Valgsland provoke Rumburgian aggression, follow these steps:

Preparation:

• Maintain military spending.
• Forgo the Tusk bribe and the FC Anrica investment.
• Prioritize stimulus checks over the L-1.
• Veto the GREEN bill.
• Implement tax cuts for SMEs.
• Respond in kind to Rumburg’s consulate closure.
• During the Petr scandal, accept his resignation and appoint Lucian as VP.
• Expel Rumburg from OMEC but prevent AN sanctions.

Operation Fallen Crown:

• Execute Iosef’s pincer strategy with Hegel’s support.
• Target Dome with Hegel’s assistance.

Victory: By following these steps, you will emerge victorious against Rumburg.

Bonus:

• Maintain a 10% impeachment threshold to ensure the formation of the People’s Front.
• After passing the constitution, direct Karl to investigate the opposition instead of the Old Guard.
• Expose and arrest the NFP leadership for Bernard’s assassination.
• This will result in a more favorable Assembly composition for passing leftist legislation in the future.

Feast on Them: A Master-Tier Guide to Briar Top (Plus AMA)

Hello everyone, I’m Nathan, better known as CrimsonL7 in the League of Legends community. As a newly minted Masters-tier Briar/Vlad Top player, and the recent rank one Briar in North America, I’m excited to share the knowledge I’ve gained about this ferocious champion in a top lane setting.

While I enjoy playing Briar, my disdain for the jungle role prevents me from one-tricking her. This leaves me with top and mid, but the short lane in mid hinders Briar’s potential. Therefore, top lane it is! At the time of writing this guide, I hold a 65% win rate over 60 games as Briar top this season. While I may not be the highest elo player, the lack of high-elo Briar Top representation motivated me to create this guide. Consider this your source for mastering the untamed power of Briar top.

This guide aims to answer your questions about why Briar Top is a viable pick, how to leverage her strengths, and ultimately, how to dominate your lane opponents.

Table of Contents

• Runes and Summoner Spells
• Understanding Briar’s Identity
• Early Game Domination: Laning Phase and Matchup Guide
• Mid and Late Game Mastery: Scaling into a Nightmare
• Advanced Tips and Tricks
• Ask Me Anything (AMA)

Runes and Summoner Spells

Let’s dissect the optimal rune setup for Briar Top. Since her release, there’s been debate surrounding the ideal keystone: Press the Attack (PTA), Conqueror, or Hail of Blades. While PTA and Conqueror suit a bruiser playstyle, Hail of Blades synergizes with a lethality build. We’ll explore both.

The Outdated Path: Lethality Briar (Don’t Do It)

Upon release, Briar’s lethality build overshadowed her bruiser potential, turning her into a living weapon of destruction, sacrificing her own life to obliterate anyone in her path. However, Riot nerfed this playstyle in patch 14.2, shifting some of her abilities to magic damage and scaling her bonus healing with health, incentivizing bruiser itemization. While I strongly advise against lethality Briar top, I’ll briefly explain its mechanics for context.

Major Keystone:

Hail of Blades reigns supreme for lethality Briar, enabling her signature one-shot potential. The core combo involves casting W, then Q onto an enemy, unleashing the empowered auto-attacks before canceling the fourth auto with W’s recast. This devastating sequence can eliminate most squishy targets.

Minor Keystones:

• Sudden Impact: Briar’s ability to proc this rune with three of her abilities, coupled with the low cooldown, makes it ideal for amplifying her early game burst damage.
• Eyeball Collection: This rune provides a steady stream of bonus AD, rewarding Briar’s aggressive playstyle and snowball potential.
• Treasure Hunter: Accelerating your access to crucial lethality items is paramount, making Treasure Hunter the optimal choice in this row.

Secondary Runes:

Precision tree complements lethality Briar’s need for raw damage.

• Legend: Alacrity: Increased attack speed translates to more damage, amplifying Briar’s killing power.
• Coup de Grace: Since lethality Briar thrives on bursting enemies from full health, Coup de Grace’s execute synergy with her bite makes it a superior choice over Cut Down.

Mini Runes:

Always opt for double adaptive force and early health for a balanced stat boost.

Build:

While any item with lethality might seem tempting, this build severely underperforms in the top lane. I recommend researching popular assassin builds for a general idea, but don’t expect miracles.

The Superior Choice: CHAD Bruiser Briar Top

Eclipsed by lethality in the past, bruiser Briar now takes center stage. This build transforms her into an unstoppable force, capable of taking over games with a few early kills. Her strengths include exceptional 1v1 dueling, unmatched wave clear, strong 1v2 potential, and oppressive late-game side lane control. This section will equip you with the knowledge to unleash her true potential.

Summoner Spells

Teleport + Ignite: This combination is essential for 90% of your games. Ignite amplifies Briar’s already potent dueling, allowing her to overwhelm even the most formidable top lane champions. While some might argue that her global ultimate negates the need for Teleport, Briar’s R is notoriously unreliable.

Think of it this way: You’re in a crucial Baron fight, and you see an opportunity to unleash your ultimate from bot lane. You confidently cast it, only to watch in horror as it sails past your intended target, leading to your team’s demise.

Instead, utilize Teleport’s strategic advantage. Teleport to a flank ward behind the enemy team, putting your R in a near-guaranteed position to connect. This not only secures the engage but also pincers the enemy team, setting up your team for a decisive victory.

Flash:

Flash holds limited value on Briar, as attempting to escape while berserked often leads to running back towards danger. Consider it only for additional safety in extremely unfavorable matchups where early aggression from champions like Olaf, Tryndamere, or Darius could spell disaster.

Main Keystone

Since the PTA rework in patch 14.10 and the changes to Briar’s Q in 14.2, PTA has become the undisputed king for bruiser Briar. The ability for Briar’s A to proc on-hit effects, including PTA, allows her to fully stack it in under a second.

But it gets even better! PTA’s duration persists as long as the user remains in combat. While most champions lose PTA after a trade, Briar’s bleed continuously refreshes its duration, granting her additional time to re-engage if desired. This synergy makes PTA the undisputed champion for bruiser Briar, outperforming even Conqueror in every scenario.

Minor Keystones:

• Triumph: This rune is simply broken on bruiser Briar. The healing it provides, amplified by her passive, makes it comparable to a Death’s Dance. Trust me, you won’t regret taking it.
• Legend: Alacrity/Legend: Bloodline: This is where personal preference comes into play. I favor Legend: Alacrity, as Briar struggles to build attack speed, making the rune’s bonus valuable. Additionally, its early game focus synergizes well with Briar’s snowball potential. While Legend: Bloodline offers more healing, it can be rendered useless by a single piece of anti-heal.
• Last Stand: This clutch rune can single-handedly turn the tide of a fight. It’s incredibly powerful on any champion that can utilize it, and Briar is no exception.
• Bone Plating: This rune is my go-to in the secondary tree, even in poke matchups. As a dive champion, Briar benefits immensely from the added tankiness it provides, allowing for aggressive plays when it’s available. Even against poke, simply wait for Bone Plating to recharge before engaging, effectively gaining extra health for the trade.
• Overgrowth: Free health is always welcome. This rune provides additional survivability and synergizes with Briar’s passive healing. It’s essentially 300-400 gold worth of health, making it a no-brainer.

Understanding Briar’s Identity

Riot categorizes Briar as a dive champion, blending assassin and bruiser elements. This assessment rings true! Her primary objective is to appear out of nowhere in a teamfight, wreaking havoc and obliterating anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in her path. This unique and enjoyable playstyle sets her apart from the rest of the roster.

Briar: A Scaling Champion?

Contrary to popular belief, I consider Briar a scaling pick. While she might have resembled champions like Lee Sin or Pantheon on release, capable of deleting targets at level 2 or 3, the current iteration of Briar requires a different approach.

Don’t misunderstand, I’m not implying that Briar is weak early. However, even without snowballing, she can still become a late-game monster. In fact, Briar possesses one of the weakest level 1-3s among top laners. Think of her like Aatrox, whose early game strength is gated behind his Q’s second rank. Similarly, Briar’s true potential unfolds as she levels her W, gaining valuable stats with each point. Once her W is maxed, each point in Q further amplifies her power with bonus armor and magic resistance shred.

Early Game Domination: Laning Phase and Matchup Guide

As mentioned earlier, Briar’s level 1 and 2 are among the weakest in the top lane. Your primary goal is to survive. This might seem daunting, as opponents will undoubtedly exploit your lack of Flash and pressure aggressively. Focus on farming what you can, conceding when necessary, and allowing the wave to push towards your tower. This mitigates your early game vulnerability and sets up future kills, as Briar excels at running down opponents, which proves difficult under their own turret.

The Secret Sauce: Abusing PTA for Easy Kills

With the advent of the new PTA, a potent combo has emerged for Briar top (credit to Drututt for popularizing it). The combo is simple: cast W, then Q onto your opponent, securing the first PTA proc. Allow Briar to auto-attack once for the second PTA proc, then immediately recast W for an auto-attack reset, fully stacking PTA. Finally, use E to disengage.

This trade is incredibly powerful and leaves little room for counterplay. However, it’s crucial to avoid using it while overextended, as it leaves you vulnerable without cooldowns. The optimal time to strike is when the wave is crashing under your tower, guaranteeing your safety after the trade. Rinse and repeat this combo until you can confidently all-in and secure the kill. It’s that simple.

Mid and Late Game Mastery: Scaling into a Nightmare

Congratulations on winning your lane! Now what? You have two primary options:

1. Become a Bush Assassin: Position yourself off vision and patiently wait for unsuspecting prey to wander into your R range. This almost always guarantees a free kill in a 1v1 scenario.
2. Side Lane Pressure and Ganks: Push your lane and rotate to gank mid lane or join jungle skirmishes with a numbers advantage. With a few kills under your belt, extending your lead becomes effortless. Even getting ganked can work in your favor, as you can often trade 1 for 1. Embrace a fearless mindset, as high deaths are often a byproduct of Briar’s aggressive playstyle.

Briar’s mid-game macro mirrors that of most top laners. If you’re comfortable with the role, you’ll thrive here.

Late Game Dominance: The Unkillable Vampire Queen

With 4-5 items, you become a force of nature. Only the most skilled duelists with significant gold and anti-heal can withstand your 1v1 prowess. Landing your R spells doom for the enemy team, as they’ll need their full might to overcome your healing, health, and bonus resistances.

Prioritize playing around your R in the late game. Use it only when you’re confident of a hit, and remember the Teleport trick to guarantee a backline engage.

Item Build for Bruiser Briar

While item guides tend to become outdated quickly, I’ll outline the core stats Briar prioritizes, allowing you to adapt your build based on the game state.

Core Stats (in order of priority):

1. Cooldown Reduction: Lower cooldowns significantly amplify Briar’s strength, enabling more frequent berserks, shreds, and stuns.
2. Attack Damage: This one’s a no-brainer.
3. Health: Briar’s low base health and passive scaling make stacking health incredibly valuable.
4. Attack Speed/Lifesteal: Blade of the Ruined King (Bork) is the only item that provides both, making it a core component of any bruiser Briar build.

My Go-To Core Build:

• Black Cleaver: Provides a good mix of AD, HP, and CDR, with the added bonus of armor shredding.
• Blade of the Ruined King: Offers attack speed, lifesteal, and on-hit damage, synergizing perfectly with Briar’s kit.
• Randuin’s Omen: Grants armor, health, and a powerful active that reduces the attack speed of nearby enemies, making it ideal for teamfights.

After completing your core, adapt your build based on the game state and the stats outlined above. Remember, prioritize CDR over raw AD or health on your first back.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

• Master the Wall Stun: Briar’s E deals significant damage and inflicts a lengthy stun when used against a wall. Guarantee the stun by casting Q, then immediately channeling E towards the wall. This combo is perfect for poking without committing to a full engage.
• Maximize E Healing: Hitting the entire minion wave with your E significantly increases your regeneration due to your bleed passive.
• Doran’s Blade over Doran’s Shield: In most cases, Doran’s Blade outperforms Doran’s Shield on Briar. The additional AD and lifesteal provide more lane sustain and kill pressure.

Ask Me Anything (AMA)

That concludes my guide to Briar Top. I hope you found it informative and insightful. Now, it’s your turn! Feel free to ask any questions you might have about Briar, this guide, or even Vlad Top (another champion I enjoy playing). Let’s discuss and refine our understanding of these powerful champions together!

Navigating the Void: A Balloon Enthusiast’s Guide to the Current Meta

For eight years, I’ve been a devoted Clash Royale player, witnessing countless meta shifts and experimenting with various decks and archetypes. Yet, the Balloon has always held a special place in my heart. A year ago, my anti-meta Balloon deck propelled me to the top 7000 players worldwide. While I considered that the pinnacle of my Clash Royale journey, the game’s evolution, particularly with the introduction of the Void, has reignited my passion.

This guide is dedicated to sharing my insights as a seasoned Balloon aficionado, focusing on the card’s interaction with the Void and the formidable Dagger Duchess. While not exhaustive (we won’t delve into Hound-Balloon variations), I encourage you to share your own experiences and strategies in the comments below.

The Balloon, The Void, and The Duchess: A Tricky Triangle

Let’s address the elephant, or rather, the void in the room: a triple-voided Balloon is left with a measly 48 HP (1680 – 544 x 3 = 48). This vulnerability to any air-targeting troop or tower spells doom for popular archetypes like Miner-Loon and Loon-Freeze. Lumberloon, too, faces a swift demise against a well-placed Void.

So, how do we navigate this volatile landscape? Let’s explore some potential solutions:

1. The Skeleton King: A Potential Void-Buster?

Remember the niche Skeleton King-Balloon deck? While expensive at 11 elixir, the King’s ability to divert Void strikes, coupled with his impressive 16-dagger absorption capacity against the Duchess (compared to Lumberjack’s 9, Miner’s 8, Ice Golem’s 8, and Barbarian Barrel’s 5), might just be the answer we’re looking for.

2. Evo Knight: Shielding the Balloon from Dagger Doom

The Evo Knight emerges as a strong contender against the Dagger Duchess, effectively shielding the Balloon from her lethal daggers. However, opponents will likely try to separate the two. Preemptively blocking the Void with a Miner or using Tornado to group distracting units towards the Knight can counter this strategy.

3. Ice Golem: A Budget-Friendly, Yet Fragile, Shield

While less robust than the Evo Knight, the Ice Golem offers a cheaper alternative, preventing the opponent from isolating your Balloon. Be wary of the Duchess’s burst damage, which can quickly eliminate this mini-tank, leaving your Balloon exposed. Pairing the Ice Golem with a Miner is recommended.

💡 Pro Tip: As user u/JamlessSandwich astutely pointed out, you can use Zap on an Ice Golem after it absorbs four daggers to redirect the remaining daggers to the Balloon, potentially turning the tables on your opponent.

4. Swarm Troops: Distracting the Void, With Caveats

Theoretically, swarm troops like Bats, Skeleton Dragons, and Minions can distract the Void and absorb some damage. However, their vulnerability to spells and splash damage makes them unreliable as a standalone solution. Combining them with a Miner or another tank is crucial for a more potent push.

5. Phoenix: A Fiery Guardian, With Counterplay Considerations

The Phoenix-Balloon combo presents an intriguing option. The Phoenix, absorbing seven of the Duchess’s eight daggers, protects the Balloon from both the tower and the Void. Upon death, the Balloon tanks for the egg, which can withstand at least two Void strikes. However, this strategy is susceptible to bridge-blocking, spells, and splash damage. Again, a well-placed Miner can mitigate these risks.

The Future of the Balloon in the Void-Filled Arena

The Balloon’s journey in this ever-evolving meta is far from over. As new cards and mechanics emerge, so too will innovative strategies and synergies. This guide merely scratches the surface of what’s possible.

Let’s continue to explore, experiment, and share our passion for this iconic card. The arena awaits, and the sky’s the limit!

Terror Zone Treasure Trove: 10,000 Runs, Optimal Farming, and Surprising Results

This is the story of the most intense, meticulously planned farming project I’ve ever undertaken in Diablo II: Resurrected: 10,000 runs across 83 hours of Terrorized Catacombs, Tal Rasha Tombs, and Chaos Sanctuary. This game may be ruining my sleep schedule, but the loot is oh-so-sweet.

Introduction: The Allure of Terror Zones

Patch 2.5 introduced Terror Zones, breathing new life into D2R’s farming scene. These zones offer a dynamic way to target specific areas and enjoy boosted drop rates from higher-level monsters. The real game-changer? The increased drop rates for ultra-rare Treasure Class 87 (TC87) items like Griffon’s Eye, Death’s Fathom, and The Grandfather.

While initial data on these drop rates surfaced from game files, the randomness of online maps made consistent testing difficult. Patch 2.6 changed that by bringing Terror Zones to Single Player. Crucially, these single-player Terror Zones follow a predictable pattern based on a fixed seed and your system time. This means everyone experiences the same Terror Zone rotation.

Cracking the Code and Planning the Grind

Thanks to the incredible efforts of the D2R community, the entire year’s Terror Zone schedule was quickly deciphered. Armed with this knowledge and a fantastic map seed, I embarked on my journey. My goal: 10,000 runs targeting the most lucrative Terror Zones.

The Build: A Meteoric Sorceress

To maximize efficiency, I opted for a Level 98 Fireball/Meteor Sorceress.

Gear Highlights:

• Weapons: Oculus (Ist), Death Fathom
• Armor: Shako (Ist), Skullder’s Ire (Ist)
• Accessories: 40% MF Chance Guards, Goldwrap, War Traveler (46-50% MF), 2/20/20/20/20 MF Amulet, FCR/Resistance/MF Rings
• Inventory: Cube, Torch, Annihilus, Gheed’s Fortune (39-40% MF), Resistance/MF Small Charms

This setup provided a balance of survivability, damage output, and a healthy 709% Magic Find.

Terror Zone Targets: A Calculated Approach

While many zones offer potential rewards, I focused on three primary targets:

Duriel: The Overlooked Treasure (2,668 Runs)

Often dismissed due to his infamous teleport charges, Terrorized Duriel boasts a unique double-drop mechanic that significantly boosts his rare item potential. While his overall TC87 drop rate is lower than other bosses, his speed makes him a surprisingly viable option. My average run clocked in at a brisk 30-32 seconds on Players 3 difficulty.

Watch a sample Duriel run

Duriel Drop Log: https://pastebin.com/Ua7fr7Gr

Diablo: The Challenging Guardian (861 Runs)

Terrorized Diablo is a whole new beast. He can now drop every item in the game, including those previously exclusive to other bosses. With seven potential drops per kill, including drops from the Seal Bosses, his TC87 potential is immense. However, the increased monster density and Diablo’s own power made these runs far more challenging.

Watch a sample Diablo run

Diablo Drop Log: https://pastebin.com/SAwcZx7P

Andariel: The Queen of Uniques (6,483 Runs)

Terrorized Andariel is the undisputed champion of TC87 farming. Her "Quest Loot Table" eliminates gold and junk drops, significantly increasing the chances of valuable items. Coupled with an increased "Unique Factor," she drops uniques at an astonishing rate. My optimized runs averaged a mere 17-19 seconds on Players 5 difficulty.

Watch a sample Andariel run

Andariel Drop Log (Prepare Yourself): https://pastebin.com/v477tj16

The Spoils: A Treasure Trove of TC87 Loot

After 10,012 grueling runs, the results speak for themselves:

TC87 Drop Rates:

• Andariel: 136 TC87 items (1 drop every 48 runs / 17 minutes)
• Duriel: 24 TC87 items (1 drop every 111 runs / 60 minutes)
• Diablo: 23 TC87 items (1 drop every 36 runs / 52 minutes)

Notable Drops:

Image of Rare TC87 Items

Image of Rare and Valuable Drops

Andariel’s Bounty:

• Jah Rune
• 2x Sur Rune
• 3x Ohm Rune
• 2x Vex Rune

My overflowing stash:

• The Rarest Finds
• Sacred Armors and Thunders
• Windforces and More

Conclusion: The Grind Was Real, and Worth It

This project pushed me to my limits, but the sheer volume of rare and valuable loot was exhilarating. Terror Zones have redefined farming in D2R, and with careful planning and a touch of luck, you too can amass a treasure trove of legendary gear.

Lost Ark New Player Guide: From Zero to Hero

So you’ve just started your adventure in the world of Lost Ark and you’re feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. This guide will provide a roadmap to help you navigate the early stages of the game and set you on the path to becoming a seasoned hero.

Choosing Your Region and Server

Before diving in, it’s crucial to select the right region and server. For the optimal experience with a large active player base, EU Central is highly recommended. US East and US West are also good choices.

While server choice is less critical for raiding (which is cross-server), opting for a high-population server like Kadan, Thirain, Zinnervale, Neria, Asta, or Trixion (EU Central) can be beneficial for guild activities and finding consistent party members.

Finding Your Class and Starting Your Journey

Lost Ark offers a diverse roster of classes, each with unique playstyles and strengths. Don’t feel pressured to follow the current "meta" – choose a class that resonates with you, as every class is capable of conquering the game’s most challenging content.

Resist the urge to use your Powerpass immediately. While tempting, delaying its use will allow you to learn the game’s mechanics organically. Progressing through the main story from levels 302 to 1302 at your own pace will familiarize you with your chosen class, keybinds, combat, and essential game systems like Stagger, Destruction, and Counter. You can always use the Powerpass on an alternate character later.

Embracing the Story and Honing Your Gear

As you embark on your journey with Armen, prioritize completing all available quests, especially those marked with a purple "!". These quests not only provide valuable rewards but also unlock additional content later on.

Honing is the process of upgrading your gear to higher item levels, and it’s essential for progressing through the game. You’ll be introduced to this system in Shushire after reaching item level 302. Utilize Chaos Dungeons and event Guardian Raids to acquire honing materials.

Here’s a quick rundown of the item level progression:

• 460 ilvl: Required to reach Rohendel
• 600 ilvl: Required to reach Yorn
• 802 ilvl: Required to reach Feiton
• 960 ilvl: Unlocks important content (details in-game)
• 1100 ilvl: Required to reach Punika
• 1340 ilvl: Required to reach South Vern
• 1445 ilvl: Required to reach Rowen

Gathering Honing Materials

Upgrading your gear requires a steady supply of materials. Here are the primary ways to obtain them:

• Daily Login Rewards and Events: Take advantage of these freebies!
• Islands: Explore the numerous islands scattered across the world. The Lost Ark Maxroll Island Guide provides a comprehensive resource for maximizing your island rewards, including Island Tokens.
• Chaos Dungeons and Guardian Raids: These are your primary sources of honing materials. Prioritize completing Chaos Dungeons daily and Guardian Raids every three days to benefit from double loot rewards.
• Towers: Shadespire and Fatespire offer valuable materials and skill points.
• Auction House: While generally not recommended for gear before reaching 1415 ilvl due to Pheon costs, the Auction House can be useful for other items like Accessories, Jewelry, Ability Stones, and some skins.

Side Content That Matters

While the allure of reaching the endgame is strong, don’t neglect these crucial side activities:

• Skill Points: Essential for upgrading your abilities. Refer to the Lost Ark Maxroll Skill Point Guide for a comprehensive overview.
• Runes: Enhance your abilities further. The Skill Rune System Guide and Skill Rune Collection Guide on Maxroll provide valuable insights.
• Giant Hearts: Collected for Runes, Skill Points, and Masterpieces. See the Giant Heart Collectibles Guide for more information.
• Masterpieces: Provide gold, Card XP, and Runes. Check out the Masterpiece Collectibles Guide for details.
• Omnium Stars: Rewards from field bosses, with six required for a Skill Point Potion. Consult the Omnium Star Collectibles Guide for tips on obtaining them.
• Ignea Tokens: Long-term rewards with valuable prizes like a Purify Rune, Delain Armen card, Bifrost slot, and Skill Point Potion. Completing 100% of the Adventure Tome (N key) is required. The Ignea Token Collectibles Guide offers a comprehensive overview.
• Sea Bounties: Challenging to obtain but reward Silver Runes and Masterpieces. Refer to the Sea Bounties Collectibles Guide for more information.
• Mokoko Seeds: Collectible seeds scattered throughout the world, offering various rewards. While some are easily found, others require specific Emotes, songs, or dungeon completion. The Lost Ark Maxroll Mokoko Seed Guide can help you track them down.
• Una’s Tasks: Daily quests that reward valuable resources. Consult the Lost Ark Maxroll Una’s Tasks Guide for a complete list and tips.

Mastering Gold and Silver

Lost Ark’s economy relies on both gold and silver. Here’s how to keep your coffers full:

• Una’s Tasks: Completing 70 Una’s Tasks weekly grants Una’s Tokens, which can be exchanged for gold from the Gold Shop NPC (marked with a gold icon on the map).
• Gathering Skills: Utilize your gathering skills (Mining, Fishing, Hunting, etc.) to collect resources that can be sold on the Auction House for a profit.
• Legion Raids: Participating in Legion Raids (starting at 1415 ilvl with Valtan) rewards gold for defeating bosses.
• Lopand Island: This island offers three quests that involve delivering supplies to major ports (Shushire, Arthetine, and Vern), rewarding a significant amount of silver. Utilizing Bifrosts (Alt + W) can greatly expedite these quests.

Navigating the Endgame

Once you reach the endgame, several new systems and activities become available:

• Engravings: Powerful buffs that enhance your character’s abilities. The Engraving System Guide and Endgame Engravings Guide on Maxroll provide detailed information. The Loa-Todo Engrave Planner is an excellent tool for planning your engravings.
• Card Sets: Collections of cards that provide powerful set bonuses. Research thoroughly before investing Card XP or using Legendary Selection Card Packs, as some card sets are significantly more valuable than others. The Best-in-Slot Card Sets for Endgame Guide on Maxroll is a great resource.
• Gear Honing: Continues to be crucial for progression. Refer to the Gear Honing System Guide, Gear Progression Guide, and Gear Honing Sources Guide on Maxroll for detailed information.
• Ability Stone Cutting: Allows you to customize your Ability Stones with specific engravings. While not a priority until reaching 1415 ilvl and obtaining Relic Ability Stones, the Ability Stone System Guide on Maxroll provides a comprehensive overview.
• Gems: Enhance your skills with additional damage and cooldown reduction. Consult the Gem System Guide on Maxroll for more information.

Mastering Mechanics

Understanding and mastering key combat mechanics like Stagger, Destruction/Weak Point, and Counter is crucial for success in Legion Raids and other challenging content. The in-game Training Area (accessible through the Guide button in the bottom right corner of the screen) provides a safe environment to practice these mechanics. You can also find helpful video guides on YouTube, such as this one on Stagger, Weak Point, & Counter Mechanics.

Useful Keybinds

Familiarize yourself with these keybinds to navigate Lost Ark’s interface efficiently:

• Alt + Q: World Content
• Alt + D: Codex
• Alt + C: Cards
• Alt + W: Bifrosts
• Alt + U: Guild
• Alt + J: Una’s Tasks
• Alt + E: Presets (for switching between builds)

Embrace the Journey

This guide provides a solid foundation for your Lost Ark adventure, but the best way to learn is to dive in and experience the game firsthand. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. And remember, the most important tip is to have fun!