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Dev Blog - Homefront Balance Patch


Hello friends!

The Homefront expansion is in the homerun for its release on Thursday, November 27th. In addition to the 87 new cards and the 24 returning cards (several of them reworked), we are also doing balance tweaks on 8 cards - 4 nerfs and 4 buffs. We want to give Homefront a fighting chance to change the meta - it is in need of some shifting and we want to help it along. Without further ado, let’s get to it, starting with the four nerfs.

[h2]Nerfs[/h2]
[h3]BUFFS[/h3]

This is a pretty significant nerf to Buffs, it retains its buff ability, but in a nerfed form so buffing Buffs is not as strong as the buffing possibilities were before Buffs was nerfed. While not as explosive without the Fury, it does now have an operation cost of 0, meaning there is one less hoop to jump through to get it going. The highroll shenanigans possible with the old version were becoming a bit too popular, creating a frustration around this fringe deck and we want it put to bed with Homefront.

[h3]KM TIRPITZ[/h3]

The KM Tirpitz was a bit too efficient at 4k, so we are moving it to 5 while retaining its effects. It is still a potent threat, but it is now harder to maintain a strong tempo with it. Whether the increased cost will lead to the card sinking remains to be seen, but don’t be surprised if it remains afloat.

[h3]108. PANZERGRENADIER[/h3]

Players frequently have a devil of a time dealing with the 108. Panzergrenadier, what with its cost of 6 and a 6/6 body. Following its hellish deployment effect it could come crashing at you like the Prince of Darkness himself was breathing down your neck. We are disrupting these infernal machinations by increasing the cost to 7 and lowering the attack to 5, providing a clean slate free of any evil taint.

[h3]175th INFANTRY REGIMENT[/h3]

The 175th Infantry Regiment has never quite managed to live up to the expectations heaped on its shoulders upon its arrival, but it has still found a decent living in the fringe space between top tier ranks and the scrub tier. Especially at lower ranks it can be a menace to deal with, so we have hit it with a defense reduction. It still serves its role as a big, early beat-stick, but can now be dealt with slightly more easily than before.

[h2]Buffs[/h2]
[h3]CREEPING BARRAGE[/h3]

We were a bit too cautious with this one last year, fearing some all-mighty pin machine might emerge. No pin in sight so far this year, so we are going to try this out as a 2k. Who knows, perhaps we are creeping closer to the elusive pin deck after all.

[h3]FRONTIER FORCE[/h3]

Frontier Force is one of these cards that was borderline playable, but never managed to force itself fully to the front. An extra defense may not seem like much, but survivability is a very important factor for fury units. At the very least it improves the Frontier’s Psyche.

[h3]KV-1 1939[/h3]

Speaking of units that have been borderline playable, then KV-1 1939 is not one of them and never has been. It can be a decent roadblock in the early stages of a Kards gamer’s career, but is quickly outmatched once players progress further up the ranks. With the KV-1 1941 leaving for the reserve pool, its older sibling feels it needs to step up its game, especially now that a combat keyword deck might be on the horizon that it might fit into.

[h3]SEABORNE INVASION[/h3]

Seaborne Invasion has been as fickle as tidal waves since its original inception, having undergone numerous adjustments. The changes it is undergoing now are soft compared to many older ones and brings it into the ‘mildly titillating’ category of cards to fool around with. Time will tell how many actual playable decks it will invade this time around.

That is all for the changes coming with Homefront. We want all expansions to shake up the meta in a meaningful way and Homefront is no different. What exactly the meta will look like remains to be seen and will be determined by the hard work and diligence of you, the community. The Worlds is coming up in December and it will be interesting to see what the contestants will bring to the table. Chaos could ensue! Make sure you get into Homefront on the front foot next Thursday and grab your 2 free Homefront packs when you login. Keep your eye out for the full patch notes as well and continue to give us your excellent feedback. See you on the battlefield, commander!

Homefront: French Resistance



Commanders,

With the Homefront Winter Expansion deploying on November 27th, one of KARDS’ most iconic mechanics makes its long-awaited return - the French Resistance, fully reworked for the evolving battlefield.

In earlier iterations of KARDS, Resistance cards added dead weight to a player’s hand, forcing a sacrifice to remove them. While the theme captured the spirit of sabotage, the resulting gameplay often proved more frustrating than tactical, and the cards eventually moved to the Reserve pool.

Now, the Resistance has been completely redesigned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcxbN2j4-js

[h2]Reworked French Resistance[/h2]

Resistance cards are now added to the enemy’s deck, and their updated effects trigger automatically when drawn. This creates a faster, more dynamic version of the mechanic, preserving the spirit of disruption while avoiding stalled turns or clogged hands.



To support this evolution, France receives three brand-new cards in Homefront: RESISTANCE COUNCIL, 1er BCP, and 27e DIA.



These new cards join returning classics, VIVE LA RÉSISTANCE!, ARMING THE RESISTANCE, EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, and LIBERATION.

The French Resistance has always symbolized courage under occupation and the power of coordinated defiance. With Homefront, that spirit returns - sharper, faster, and ready for new strategies.

The Homefront Expansion launches November 27th.

Rise to the call - Vive la Résistance!

Homefront: Bond Mechanic

Commanders,

The Homefront Winter Expansion deploys on November 27th, introducing a new gameplay mechanic that tests the unity of your forces - Bond.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SxlCATD2jU

[h2]Bond Mechanic[/h2]

Bond represents the morale and coordination between soldiers fighting under the same flag. When you play a Bond card from your hand, your HQ takes Morale Damage - unless you controlled a unit of that same nation at the start of your turn.

Bond embodies a powerful principle of warfare: unity brings strength, while division leaves your command exposed.

Across Homefront, Bond appears on units and orders from multiple nations, each expressing the idea of unity in different ways.



One example of a Bond combo is deploying the LONDON IRISH RIFLES, followed by the VALENTINE Mk II.

The LONDON IRISH RIFLES deals one damage to the enemy HQ each time you play a card with Bond. The VALENTINE Mk II not only carries Bond, triggering that effect, but also gains Blitz on deployment if you played a British infantry last turn. Combined with its Fury ability, allowing it to attack twice, this duo packs a serious punch.



Meanwhile, cards such as the KOFU REGIMENT, M3 LEE, and 74. PANZERGRENADIER, offer powerful effects if you can manage the risks that come with divided forces. These units reward disciplined deck-building and precise timing, where cohesion determines whether a play turns the tide or falters under pressure.

Bond introduces a new dimension to deck composition and tactical planning, emphasizing coordination, risk management, and the long-term consequences of every move.

The Homefront spoiler season is in full swing, with more cards yet to be revealed - including additional Bond designs that showcase the full scope of this mechanic.

Stay tuned to official KARDS channels for the latest intel. Prepare your decks, and rally your nation.

Meet the Masters of the KARDS 2025 World Championship



Commanders,

The stage is set. Sixteen Commanders, battle-tested through months of tournaments, now stand among the best.

On December 20 - 21, these Commanders will bring their sharpest decks, boldest plays, and unshakable resolve to the KARDS 2025 World Championship - the final confrontation in this year’s competitive campaign.

Ahead lies the ultimate test of command. Who are the elite sixteen that face off for the lion’s share of the $12,000 prize pool and title of KARDS 2025 World Champion?

Read on for all the details!

[h2]Spoker - KARDS 2024 World Championship[/h2]


Returning as the reigning World Champion, Spoker earned their place among the elite. With an exceptional record of 15,673 victories and a 64.9% win rate across more than 24,000 matches, Spoker remains one of the most consistent competitors in KARDS history.
  • Wins / Losses: 15,673 / 8,479
  • Win Rate: 64.9%
  • Most Played Nations: Germany & Japan
  • Least Played Nation: Soviet
  • Total Matches: 24,152
  • Started Playing: March, 2023
  • Qualified via: 2024 World Championship


[h2]Dandelion - KARDS 2024 World Championship[/h2]


After a deep run in the 2024 World Championship, dandelion882691 returns to the final stage with a wealth of competitive experience. With more than 15,000 matches played and a 63.9% win rate, this Commander has proven both endurance and precision under pressure.
  • Wins / Losses: 10,114 / 5,709
  • Win Rate: 63.9%
  • Most Played Nations: Germany
  • Least Played Nation: Britain
  • Total Matches: 15,823
  • Started Playing: June, 2023
  • Qualified via: 2024 World Championship


[h2]变成光守护阿梓公主 (Azi) - KARDS 2024 World Championship[/h2]


One of the most experienced competitors in this year’s lineup, 变成光守护阿梓公主 (Azi) has played over 33,000 matches since joining KARDS in 2019 - before the game’s full Steam release. With a 65.5% win rate, they bring both veteran experience and consistent excellence to the World Championship stage.
  • Wins / Losses: 21,789 / 11,459
  • Win Rate: 65.5%
  • Most Played Nations: USA
  • Least Played Nation: Britain
  • Total Matches: 33,248
  • Started Playing: December, 2019
  • Qualified via: 2024 World Championship


[h2]Killswitch - KARDS 2024 World Championship[/h2]


A longtime competitor with a deep history in ranked and tournament play, killswitch joins the 2025 World Championship roster after another year of steady performance. With a 68.3% win rate and more than 16,000 matches played, they stand as one of the field’s most consistent veterans.
  • Wins / Losses: 11,203 / 5,209
  • Win Rate: 68.3%
  • Most Played Nations: Germany
  • Least Played Nation: Soviet
  • Total Matches: 16,412
  • Started Playing: April, 2020
  • Qualified via: 2024 World Championship


[h2]Hqt18 - Blood & Iron Expansion Tournament[/h2]


Earning their qualification through the Blood & Iron Expansion Tournament, hqt18 has demonstrated the kind of consistent performance that defines a top-tier Commander. With over 17,000 matches played and a 63.8% win rate, they bring steady experience to the World Championship stage.
  • Wins / Losses: 10,947 / 6,207
  • Win Rate: 63.8%
  • Most Played Nations: USA
  • Least Played Nation: Soviet
  • Total Matches: 17,154
  • Started Playing: December, 2022
  • Qualified via: Blood & Iron Tournament


[h2]259 - Blood & Iron Expansion Tournament[/h2]


Another strong performer from the Blood & Iron Tournament, 259 has built an impressive record of over 10,000 victories in nearly 17,300 matches. Their sustained results and tournament success speak to a consistently high level of play.
  • Wins / Losses: 10,157 / 7,115
  • Win Rate: 58.8%
  • Most Played Nations: Soviet
  • Least Played Nation: Britain
  • Total Matches: 17,272
  • Started Playing: December, 2022
  • Qualified via: Blood & Iron Tournament


[h2]煎饼1 (Pancake) - Blood & Iron Expansion Tournament[/h2]


Qualifying through the Blood & Iron Expansion Tournament, 煎饼1 (Pancake) enters the World Championship with remarkable experience, having played more than 22,000 matches. Their consistent performance and long-term dedication mark them as one of the most battle-tested Commanders in the field.
  • Wins / Losses: 13,663 / 8,377
  • Win Rate: 62.0%
  • Most Played Nations: Japan
  • Least Played Nation: Britain
  • Total Matches: 22,040
  • Started Playing: December, 2021
  • Qualified via: Blood & Iron Tournament


[h2]作死的骡博 (Radish) - United Front Expansion Tournament[/h2]


Emerging from the United Front Expansion Tournament, 作死的骡博 (Radish) brings an exceptional 69.1% win rate across nearly 15,000 matches. Their consistency and proven tournament results make them one of the standout competitors heading into the finals.
  • Wins / Losses: 9,879 / 4,415
  • Win Rate: 69.1%
  • Most Played Nations: Soviet
  • Least Played Nation: Britain
  • Total Matches: 14,294
  • Started Playing: May, 2021
  • Qualified via: United Front Tournament


[h2]Twi Dcargo - United Front Expansion Tournament[/h2]


Joining KARDS in mid 2024, Twi Dcargo has made an impact on the competitive scene. With a 68.9% win rate across nearly 10,000 matches, their consistent results and swift climb through the ranks have secured them a well-earned spot in the World Championship.
  • Wins / Losses: 6,578 / 2,966
  • Win Rate: 68.9%
  • Most Played Nations: Germany
  • Least Played Nation: USA
  • Total Matches: 9,544
  • Started Playing: August, 2024
  • Qualified via: United Front Tournament


[h2]Eszemteszem - United Front Expansion Tournament[/h2]


Having played over 22,000 matches since 2019, eszemteszem is among the most experienced Commanders in KARDS. With a 63.4% win rate and consistent performance over years of play, they bring veteran stability and a long competitive history to the World Championship.
  • Wins / Losses: 14,484 / 8,364
  • Win Rate: 63.4%
  • Most Played Nations: Japan
  • Least Played Nation: Soviet
  • Total Matches: 22,848
  • Started Playing: January, 2019
  • Qualified via: United Front Tournament


[h2]Syswdsr - Naval Warfare Expansion Tournament[/h2]


Champion of the Naval Warfare Expansion Tournament, syswdsr earned their place through a strong and consistent showing. With nearly 12,000 matches played and a 58.6% win rate, they bring a proven track record of resilience and tactical discipline.
  • Wins / Losses: 6,775 / 4,790
  • Win Rate: 58.6%
  • Most Played Nations: Japan
  • Least Played Nation: Germany
  • Total Matches: 11,565
  • Started Playing: August, 2022
  • Qualified via: Naval Warfare Tournament


[h2]禁忌之门 (Taboo) - Naval Warfare Expansion Tournament[/h2]


Securing their place through a strong finish in the Naval Warfare Tournament, 禁忌之门 (Taboo) stands as one of the most active competitors in this year’s field. With nearly 24,000 matches played since 2020 and a 61.3% win rate, they bring unmatched experience to the final showdown.
  • Wins / Losses: 14,663 / 9,276
  • Win Rate: 61.3%
  • Most Played Nations: Japan
  • Least Played Nation: Soviet
  • Total Matches: 23,943
  • Started Playing: September, 2020
  • Qualified via: Naval Warfare Tournament


[h2]Sie_ - Naval Warfare Expansion Tournament[/h2]


Joining the KARDS battlefield in early 2024, Sie_ quickly proved their strength with a 3rd place finish in the Naval Warfare Tournament. Boasting a 69.2% win rate, one of the highest in this year’s finals, Sie_ represents the new wave of Commanders making their mark in record time.
  • Wins / Losses: 5,425 / 2,417
  • Win Rate: 69.2%
  • Most Played Nations: Japan
  • Least Played Nation: Britain
  • Total Matches: 7,842
  • Started Playing: February, 2024
  • Qualified via: Naval Warfare Tournament


[h2]失其本心八幡 (HachimanLostHeart) - Air Supremacy Expansion Tournament[/h2]



A true breakout performer, 失其本心八幡 (HachimanLostHeart) joined KARDS in May 2025 and achieved a meteoric rise to the World Championship within just months. With an exceptional 69.1% win rate over 6,000 matches, their rapid ascent marks one of the fastest progressions in KARDS competitive history.
  • Wins / Losses: 4,167 / 1,864
  • Win Rate: 69.1%
  • Most Played Nations: Japan
  • Least Played Nation: Britain
  • Total Matches: 6,031
  • Started Playing: May, 2025
  • Qualified via: Air Supremacy Tournament


[h2]Henry449856878 - Air Supremacy Expansion Tournament[/h2]


With over 27,000 matches played since 2020, henry449856878 is one of the most battle-hardened Commanders in this year’s World Championship. Their longevity, experience, and consistent results across years of play underscore a truly dedicated competitor.
  • Wins / Losses: 15,695 / 12,231
  • Win Rate: 56.2%
  • Most Played Nations: Britain, Germany & Japan
  • Least Played Nation: Soviet
  • Total Matches: 27,926
  • Started Playing: September, 2020
  • Qualified via: Air Supremacy Tournament


[h2]爱欣欣欣欣 (Lovexin) - Air Supremacy Expansion Tournament[/h2]


爱欣欣欣欣 (Lovexin) enters the finals with a solid record of 8,668 victories and a 59.2% win rate across more than 14,000 matches. Since starting their KARDS journey in September 2023, Lovexin has demonstrated consistent competitive form and steady progression through ranked and tournament play.
  • Wins / Losses: 8,668 / 5,971
  • Win Rate: 59.2%
  • Most Played Nations: Japan
  • Least Played Nation: Soviet
  • Total Matches: 14,639
  • Started Playing: September, 2023
  • Qualified via: Air Supremacy Tournament


[h2]The Stage Is Set[/h2]
The final push is here. After a year of campaigns and hard-fought victories, only sixteen Commanders remain, each ready to prove their mastery in one last stand of strategy and skill.

The KARDS 2025 World Championship takes place December 20 - 21.

Tune in live on Twitch to follow every decisive move, every clutch play, and every moment that defines a champion.

The stage is set. The decks are ready. The final clash awaits. Who will rise as KARDS 2025 World Champion?

Homefront: Combat Keywords



Commanders,

The Homefront Winter Expansion deploys on November 27, bringing with it a major new design concept: Combat Keywords.

For the first time, a defined subset of keywords shapes how your units fight, defend, and survive under fire. Cards can now directly reference and interact with these specific combat traits, unlocking powerful new synergies and creative deck-building strategies.

Homefront: Combat Keywords

[h2]The Combat Keywords[/h2]
Ambush: Strikes first when attacked, avoiding damage if the enemy is destroyed.
Blitz: Can operate immediately after deployment.
Fury: Can attack twice per turn.
Guard: Protects adjacent units from direct attack.
Heavy Armor (X): Reduces incoming unit damage by X.
Shock: Negates enemy retaliation on its first attack.
Smokescreen: Cannot be attacked until it moves or strikes.


Cards like AID TO THE FRONT, KV-1S, and 77th GUARDS showcase how these mechanics interact - boosting units with multiple combat traits or granting new ones in the heat of battle.

Whether you favor lightning offensives, fortified lines, or adaptable formations, Combat Keywords open up a new theater of tactical possibilities.

The Homefront spoiler season is in full swing, with many more cards still to be revealed - including new examples of how Combat Keywords can turn the tide.

Stay tuned to the official KARDS channels for the latest intel and prepare your decks for deployment.