Infinity Wars - Animated Trading Card Game News

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]New PvE AI Implementation[/h2][p][/p][p]The previous iteration of IW's AI opponent Infinity Wars was quite lack-luster, and predictable, as such, this new iteration comes in just about time.[/p][p][/p][p]But this new system isn’t just an upgrade, it’s also the foundation for the future Campaigns, this update brings the AI into public testing, with a live environment with real gameplay we'll be able to evolve the AI further, fine-tuning its behavior for a more strategic, challenging, and rewarding experience.[/p][p][/p][p]Here’s what you can expect from the new AI compared to the old system:[/p]

• [p]Smarter decision-making with situational cards like Mass Death.[/p]
• [p]Aggression when ahead, defense when behind, with the new AI adapting to the battlefield.[/p]
• [p]Smarter use of activated abilities, with greater ability to assess and judge when to use them.[/p]
• [p]Strategic choice-making in the Command Zone, to assess and judge which cards are better to leave in the command zone and when.[/p]
• [p]Ability to use exile and recall cards.[/p][p][/p]

[p]With this overhaul, Infinity Wars takes its first steps into a new age of AI, with encounters only getting more responsive, unpredictable and alive the closer we get to the release of the Campaigns. [/p][p][/p][p]We're looking forward improving upon it in the subsequent updates, as of such we've added a new temporary channel to our discord, check out the AI Feedback channel on discord![/p][p][/p][p]Note that the new system allows us to easily adjust how the AI plays individual cards. So feedback on specific cards being played poorly would be most helpful.[/p][p][/p][h2]New Promotional Cards[/h2][p][/p][p]We’re thrilled to introduce two new promotional cards, featuring powerful new characters joining the ranks of Warpath and Flame Dawn. [/p][p]We hope you enjoy these additions and the fresh energy they'll bring to the battlefield![/p][p][/p][h3]Redblade, The Vanguard[/h3][p]Pay 3: Enrage 5 When Redblade, The Vanguard becomes Enraged, it gets Bloodthirst 5 and Untouchable until the end of turn. This activation is preemptive.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Simon, Tank Commander[/h3][p]When you deploy Simon, Tank Commander, deal 18 damage to target Character in the Defense Zone. At the end of turn, if Simon, Tank Commander is deployed, all Characters in play, in your Deck, and Hand gain +1/+0.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Balance Changes:[/h2][h3]
Bemmie, Paragon of Community[/h3][p]Buff changed from: +5/+5 -> +4/+4[/p][p][/p][p]Bemmie has swung back and forward in playability with the last few patches and overall we are happy with how the nontoken clause has been performing but have seen the current +5/+5 breakpoint is just a little stronger than we wanted for early tempo.[/p][p][/p][h3]Bloodcore Mecha (Redesign)[/h3][p]While Bloodcore Mecha is Deployed, decrease the cost of the second Ability or Artifact played each turn by 2.
When you play your second Ability each turn, Bloodcore Mecha gains +4/+4.
12/12 -> 16/16[/p][p][/p][p]Bloodcore mecha has been consistently underperforming as a signpost card for the faction in both constructed and Rift Run. We wanted to give some scaling from the Command Zone and widen the types of cards it can be played with especially with a bunch of new toys for the faction pair that will be coming in the next set.[/p][p][/p][h2]Fixes:[/h2]

• [p]Added Global Default option to deck builder, allowing you to use the selected default card back.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where the deck and graveyard zones would not update stat values of cards.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where Draft and Choice activations would only let you select cards you could afford.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where player health and morale would be colored incorrectly when overhealed.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where returning to the play screen would display an incorrect title.[/p]
• [p]Added an experimental fix for issue where if you killed a defiant engineer with an ability before the start of combat they would sometimes still spawn beast tokens, depending on how the fix affects other gameplay we may make it a permanent fix.[/p]
• [p]Added additional logging for issue where your selected cardback could be ignored, using the classic card back instead.[/p][p][/p]

[p]We hope you will enjoy playing with them![/p][p]Thanks to all our Patreon subscribers that received an early previous of the features in this post, if you would also like sneak previews of major updates before they come out, subscribe to our Patreon![/p][p]See you on the battlefield Rift Runner.[/p]

[h2]Ranked Season 3[/h2][p]Season 3 of ranked has already begun! It will run from September 2nd through to October 31st.[/p][p]Well done to the Season 2 top ten players![/p]

1. [p]drevoed[/p]
2. [p]toon310[/p]
3. [p]raedyn3[/p]
4. [p]duelist777[/p]
5. [p]chadvince[/p]
6. [p]azrael000[/p]
7. [p]mauritiux[/p]
8. [p]legendaryw[/p]
9. [p]profwisteria[/p]
10. [p]nickjames[/p]

[h3][/h3][h2]Fixes[/h2][p]General[/p]

• [p]Fixed draft UI failing.[/p]
• [p]Fixed decks duplicating on reload when renamed inside deck builder.[/p]
• [p]Fixed hand card costs not correctly displaying affordability when hovered over.[/p]
• [p]Fixed exhaust visuals not correctly updating for artifacts.[/p]
• [p]Fixed player health and morale value disappearing when below 0.[/p]
• [p]Inverted card stat buff coloring for cost and morale.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where the tutorial mission state could persist between mission when conceding from a match.[/p]
• [p]Fixed your card back being used when the opponent did not have an override card back assigned.[/p][p][/p]

[p]Card Fixes[/p]

• [p]Fixed Champions Companion moving targeted cards into the incorrect slot.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Irial Champion of Resolve failed to create its tokens.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Rescue Angel not triggering at 25 health.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where the artwork for Fiery Ascension was reversed.[/p]

[p][/p][p]As a reminder, our monthly tourney is on this weekend! Check out the following announcement for more details![dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Don't miss out on your chance to compete for an Infinity-Bordered card of your choice![/p]

[p][/p][h2]September tournament announced![/h2][p]Our next monthly tournament draws closer, this weekend on the 6th September at 5:00PM (PST) hosted by ProfWisteria![/p][p]Tune into the Sanctuary Social next weekend, live on [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] to see the action, it's a best-of-three Swiss tournament with Infinity-border cards on the table, and a non-tradable godpack just for participating![/p][p][/p][h3]To Play:[/h3]

1. [p]Register for the tournament in advance on Challonge.[/p]
2. [p]Join the Infinity Wars Discord.[/p]
3. [p]Direct Message your Deck and 12-card Sideboard lists to ProfWisteria on Discord before the check in period begins (5:00PM PST). Deck lists will remain hidden until after the first round has concluded, then will be posted for everyone to see. Include your Discord and Infinity Wars usernames in your message.[/p]
4. [p]During the check in period (5:00PM - 5:30PM PST), Check In on Challonge and go to the #community-tourneys channel on the Discord to receive instructions for each round.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Sideboards:[/h3]

• [p]Sideboards will remain hidden until the tournament concludes. [/p]
• [p]You will have a three minute period between games to sideboard in cards. [/p]
• [p]Sideboarded cards may be added without removing another card, as long as the deck is still legal. [/p]
• [p]You may not sideboard your commanders. [/p]
• [p]The first game of each round must be played un-sideboarded. [/p]
• [p]We suggest sideboarding by duplicating your deck first, then editing, to avoid errors in un-sideboarding.[/p]

[p][/p][p]A minimum of 4 players must be registered to award the Infinity-border card prize. Otherwise, an additional godpack will be given for first place instead. [/p][p]Additional Infinity-border prize support will be added at 10 players (2x/1x) and 16 players (3x/2x/1x). Infinity-border cards are never tradeable.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p] [/p][h3]What are Sanctuary Socials?[/h3][p]Sanctuary Socials are weekly in-game community events designed to bring players together for fun, rewards, and connection. During each Sanctuary Social, matchmaking is highly active, ensuring players can always find a game.[/p][p]The event also features a community livestream on [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink], awards participants a free stamped card, enables a Mutator Mode, and provides double experience points for playing. [/p][p]It’s a dedicated time to jump in, enjoy some chaos, and engage with the wider player base![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]August Tournament Results[/h2][p]Congratulations to the winner of the August tournament, Duelist777, who claimed an Infinity-Bordered Gao Han, The Stalwart as their prize![/p][p][/p][p]Want your own Infinity-Bordered card? Join the fight and earn one of your choice as a prize.[/p][p]See you on the battlefield Rift Runner![/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h2]Features[/h2]

• [p]Added a new trigger ‘On Start Of Game’, have a look at the balance changes below for more![/p]
• [p]New Backgrounds, they might look familiar for those who have been paying attention to our socials![/p]
• [p]Reworked In-Match pause screen, now with quests so you can track your progress![/p]
• [p]Buffs and de-buffs are now shown signified with colored text, on the relevant element. This can be disabled within the graphics settings.[/p]
• [p]You will now get emails when account transfers are completed, if you signed up with an email, you will get email when the transfer is completed, and the linked IW1 email will also receive a notification that transfer has happened.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h2]Bug Fixes[/h2]

• [p]Fixed issue with Speaks with Wind's Choice descriptions sharing the same text.[/p]
• [p]Improved Battlefield Display in profile screen[/p]
• [p]Re added EULA to on-boarding process[/p]

• [p]Fixed Unstoppable stopping when killing a character with 1 life.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with character deaths while Engine of Reincarnation was not deployed counting towards Engine of Reincarnation's effect, and would not reset when Engine of Reincarnation was deployed[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where you could drop cards into the wrong zone in the tutorial, causing a soft-lock.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where on-boarding process would always be skipped, regardless if you saw it[/p]
• [p]Added Account Transfer Info to on-boarding Process[/p]
• [p]Fixed minor issues with Login screen[/p]
• [p]Selected Default Card back now is set for new decks, and card back is copied for Saved As decks[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where the deckbuilder button in the play screen would sometimes fail[/p]
• [p]Costs are now more consistently shown in wish panel[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where when Agent Coyle Synergy killed cards he would only buff Mereors in-play[/p]
• [p]Fixed unsaved deck prompt when 'saving as' a deck[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where stored value tooltips would incorrectly be treated as secret
  [/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h2]Balance Changes[/h2][p][/p][p]Inevitable Dead changed to:[/p][p]"Bloodthirst 2[/p][p]At the start of game, all Inevitable Dead in your Deck are placed into your Hand."[/p][p][/p][p]Dugg changed to: [/p][p]“At the start of game, your Fortress permanently gains unlimited maximum health.[/p][p]The first time Dugg takes damage each turn, your Fortress heals 10 damage.[/p][p]At the end of turn, if your Fortress has 200 health or more, you win the game."[/p][p] [/p][p]Flagbearer Make an attack trigger
Flame dawn has a lot of single use exhaust effects with stumble and other various abilities, so I wanted to maintain the core use of the card in most scenarios but reward a player who can keep it alive.[/p][p][/p][p]Vesta Buffs are no longer permanent.
There isn’t a reason for this particular hand and deck buff to be permanent, so to be more consistent with other similar effects, I’m removing the permanent tag. [/p][p][/p][p]Infernal Summoner Stats 13/10 -> 13/15
The poor statline of what is already a fairly niche card even in Rift Run was dramatically impacting its pick rate and play rate. While recent adjustments to both underperforming cards and appearance rates have improved CoV’s performance in Rift Run, its still one of the lower tier factions that wants a small boost to its lower tier Characters.[/p][p][/p][p]Scepter of the Deep Removed the morale reduction ability, reduce the morale cost of the demon token to 2[/p][p]Scepter of the Deep isn’t a really big power level problem, but it can lead to games stalling out a very long time. The Scepter player should feel some small pressure to finish off the foe rather than playing as safe as possible with chump blocks. [/p][p][/p][p]Poison: 4dmg -> 5dmg
With commanders getting a bit more protected or having their health increased over the last few patches this card has been really underperforming and we want to make it not as embarrassing to play even if it shouldn’t be premium removal by any stretch.[/p][p][/p][p]Rampaging Stag: Enrage 3 -> Enrage 4 Gains Piercing until end of turn rather than Untouchable[/p][p][/p][p]Enraged Hulker: Enrage 6 -> Enrage 9[/p][p]
Skraar’s Young: 4cost: Enrage 6 -> 7Cost: Enrage 15
Enrage overall has been underperforming for a long long time even in Rift Run, so we are making some buffs and shuffling around of costs and will continue to keep an eye on how they perform.[/p][p][/p][p]Shamba, the Ferocious: 2P -> 1P 10/10 -> 14/14
As a far clunkier Pack Leader this card was consistently overshadowed in every format. Having increased starting stats and reducing the purity we hope to see open some more options especially as many factions have been getting additional Beast cards.[/p][p]
Strikes When Struck Base stats reduced from 7/14 -> 6/12 and bonus decreased from +7/+0 -> +6/+0
The recent buff to this card was leaving other Warpath 4 drops with little room to compete, especially in rift run, thus toning this down a little bit and potentially looking at buffs to other options in the future.[/p][p][/p][p]Honorable Farewell: Morale cost reduction only lasts until end of turn.
While DoD having access to a cheap “Cantrip” is something we want to keep, the impact this could have on turn 1 when used on high morale commanders in Control Mirrors was higher than we wished.[/p][p][/p][p]Undead Corruption: Added tooltip to character’s under the status effect.[/p][p][/p][p]Explore redesign - let you get more locations if you want[/p][p]Choose one:[/p]

• [p]Search your deck for a Location and put it in your Hand.[/p]
• [p]If you control a Location, draw 2 cards.[/p][p][/p]

[p]Void Split Become hybrid purity. No longer works on death-prevented characters. Clarify wording about who gets the copies.[/p][p]3 cost[/p][p]1x (CoV or Ex) purity[/p][p]Kill target Character on the Battlefield. If you do, its controller creates two Demons in the same zone with half of its attack, health, and morale, rounded down.[/p][p]This is an effect that makes sense for Exiles and would be good to give them access to - like Dehumanize, it can be used to fuel your Consumes. It’s also not too bad for morale strategies. While still broadly weaker than Death Ray, it’s probably more interesting than it was before at least.[/p][p] [/p][p]Spirit Guard 5cost -> 8cost stats increased to 15/22
Spirit Guard and Steadfast warrior both played in nearly identical spaces which was having a negative impact especially on Rift Run. Additionally DoD was lacking a high cost 1P defensive option so shifting this design solves both issues.[/p][p]
Adaptive master buffed 7/7 -> 8/8 When you Deploy Adaptive Master, you may Overcharge it once. If you do, it gains +0/+2 and it deals morale damage instead of Fortress damage.
Adaptive Master was one of the weakest and least picked overcharge character cards in Rift Run. This new statline and ability we think will add some interesting decision points about if you overcharge, attack, or defend for Rift Run.[/p][p][/p][p]Irial, Champion of Resolve Redesign:[/p][p]At the start of combat, if Champion of Resolve is deployed, Remove up to the top 2 Angels from your Graveyard and create that many 2/2 Angels. These Angels are Removed when they die.[/p][p]10/10 -> 15/15[/p][p]The Resolve mechanic isn’t really needed when the Graveyard works fine, especially if your playing her from hand. This also helps promote some undersupported strategies like Taxera or self-mill.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]
[/p][h2]Hotfix 0.92.4c[/h2]

• [p]Fixed tutorial 3 soft lock[/p]
• [p]Fixed choice activation[/p]
• [p]Fixed Strikes when Struck[/p]
• [p]Fixed Battlefield Shade not triggering[/p]

[p][/p][p]Reworded Dugg:[/p]

At the start of game if Dugg is your commander, or when you play Dugg, your Fortress gains unlimited maximum health. The first time Dugg takes damage each turn, your Fortress heals 10 damage. At the end of turn, if your Fortress has 200 health or more, you win the game.

[p]
[/p][h2]Links[/h2][p]- Discord[/p][p]- Patreon[/p][p]- Website[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h2]August tournament announced![/h2][p]Our next monthly tournament draws closer, on the 2nd August at 5:00PM (PST) hosted by ProfWisteria![/p][p]Tune into the Sanctuary Social next weekend, live on [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] to see the action, it's a best-of-three Swiss tournament with Infinity-border cards on the table, and a non-tradable godpack just for participating![/p][p][/p][h3]To Play:[/h3]

1. [p]Register for the tournament in advance on Challonge.[/p]
2. [p]Join the Infinity Wars Discord.[/p]
3. [p]Direct Message your Deck and 12-card Sideboard lists to ProfWisteria on Discord before the check in period begins (5:00PM PST). Deck lists will remain hidden until after the first round has concluded, then will be posted for everyone to see. Include your Discord and Infinity Wars usernames in your message.[/p]
4. [p]During the check in period (5:00PM - 5:30PM PST), Check In on Challonge and go to the #community-tourneys channel on the Discord to receive instructions for each round.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Sideboards:[/h3]

• [p]Sideboards will remain hidden until the tournament concludes. [/p]
• [p]You will have a three minute period between games to sideboard in cards. [/p]
• [p]Sideboarded cards may be added without removing another card, as long as the deck is still legal. [/p]
• [p]You may not sideboard your commanders. [/p]
• [p]The first game of each round must be played un-sideboarded. [/p]
• [p]We suggest sideboarding by duplicating your deck first, then editing, to avoid errors in un-sideboarding.[/p]

[p][/p][p]A minimum of 4 players must be registered to award the Infinity-border card prize. Otherwise, an additional godpack will be given for first place instead. [/p][p]Additional Infinity-border prize support will be added at 10 players (2x/1x) and 16 players (3x/2x/1x). Infinity-border cards are never tradeable.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p] [/p][h3]What are Sanctuary Socials?[/h3][p]Sanctuary Socials are weekly in-game community events designed to bring players together for fun, rewards, and connection. During each Sanctuary Social, matchmaking is highly active, ensuring players can always find a game.[/p][p]The event also features a community livestream on [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink], awards participants a free stamped card, enables a Mutator Mode, and provides double experience points for playing. [/p][p]It’s a dedicated time to jump in, enjoy some chaos, and engage with the wider player base![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]July Tournament Results[/h2][p]Congratulations to the winner of the July tournament, Duelist777, who claimed an Infinity-Bordered Duelist as their prize![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Want your own Infinity-Bordered card? Join the fight and earn one of your choice as a prize.[/p][p]See you on the battlefield Rift Runner![/p]