Conqueror's Blade News

Please be aware that from 08:00 CEST on June 23 (23:00 PDT on June 22), the Conqueror’s Blade servers will be inaccessible. The downtime is expected to last for 5 hours.

Please refer to the Patch Notes for documented changes. Meanwhile, stay tuned to our Discord channel in case of any immediate server updates.

Cohorts are NPC-controlled Houses designed for players who want to enjoy Territory Wars and all the fun that comes with them at their own pace, without having to worry about organising with other players. 

To get a closer look at all things Cohorts (past, present, and future) we spoke to Yifei Li, the Virtual World Creative Designer at Booming Tech.

What was the inspiration behind Cohorts?

We want to provide a free, low-pressure environment to help players participate in Territory Wars and give everyone the opportunity to experience the gameplay. This is why Cohorts are more unrestricted than the more organised [Player-Controlled] Free Houses or Alliances, and this results in a different way of playing Territory Wars for players from different camps—-the Houses will have more freedom to command and launch attacks, while the Cohorts will have clearer NPC leadership and a lower threshold for participation.



What challenges did you face when designing an AI-based House System that players could join?

The biggest challenge was how to attract players to it, and how it could co-exist with the traditional House system. The counter we found to this was to enhance the sense of immersion while differentiating the gameplay. The core of the special gameplay design focuses on 'convenience', making it easier to declare war and easier to join, thus offsetting some of the natural lack of organisation.

How would you say the Cohort experience differs from joining a House?

Beyond the gameplay, it's more about the sense of immersion. When you take part in a battle and fight for a long time for a particular place, you develop a special sense of belonging; the sense of honour that comes with victory also makes a difference.



Did you encounter any obstacles when Cohorts interacted with the Open-World?

The biggest problem arose with the War Declaration mechanism, which we initially tried in a direction similar to that of the Houses, except that the targets were randomly selected by the system. Such a mechanism showed obvious problems after running for a while, with the uncertain outcome both infuriating the Houses and adding to the already difficult organisation of the Cohorts. So, to coincide with the storyline of Season IX: Tyranny, we introduced a system of assembling NPC armies at the same time, in keeping with the identity of the Cohorts and to give a more visible reminder of the two types of experiences. We are still working on optimising the gameplay details and interactive experience of the rally system, and players in the already live Conqueror’s Blade: Helheim season will also be hit by [NPC] Viking warriors in battles.

With how the Cohort system works (AI Targeting of Houses and allowing Cohort members to quickly rally to ongoing battles), what advice would you give to Houses that are under attack from Imperial Restorationists?

With the help of the new reinforcements mechanism, Cohorts players will keep pouring into the battle line, but they are more likely to fight separately and sporadically in the battle, which gives the House players the opportunity to combine their forces and attack each other in one place. So, once you observe the Cohorts players extending their battle line, make sure you take advantage of the opportunity.

What do you envision for future iterations of the Cohorts system?

We hope that in the future, Cohorts will help more players to experience the fun of Territory Wars. We are committed to enhancing the participation of Cohorts players and optimising the interactive experience so that all players who put in the effort will be rewarded accordingly and enjoy the exclusive glory.
Check out more behind-the-scenes peeks at all things Conqueror’s Blade, with our glimpse at Territory Wars and making a Sequel Season. Stay tuned for more!

Huskarls are the loyal and formidable personal guard of Harald the Slaughterer, outfitted with the finest armour and engraved weapons to show off their prowess to all. Unlock this new band of warriors in Conqueror’s Blade: Helheim via new Unit Challenges!

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[h2]Unlocking[/h2]
Huskarls can be unlocked by completing Seasonal Unit Challenges and come with a Seasonal Bonus in the form of Leadership requirements decreased by 10 points for the duration of Helheim.
[h2]Background[/h2]
Huskarls are considered to be some of the most fearsome fighters in the entire Northlands. Dedicated to their leader, Harald the Slaughterer, they follow him through all his battles, battling steadfastly by his side to expand their resurgent kingdom.

Able to use their shields in many tactical ways on the battlefield, this unit swings their axes with a fierce vengeance. Their crowning glory however is not their weapons, but their voices—their battle songs are inspiring, bolstering their allies’ speed and power.


[h2]Strengths[/h2]
The Huskarls’ reputation precedes them, and their loyalty is unwavering to their leader, and they prove their devotion with many skills dedicated to protection.

Add to that high slashing damage and slashing armour penetration, and these Northern bodyguards are among the best allies you could ask for.
[h2]Weaknesses[/h2]
With every strength comes a weakness. The Huskarls deliver little to no piercing or blunt damage.

While Skald’s Song is played and does its inspirational job of bolstering allies, the unit takes an excruciating 50% increased damage.


[h2]Just the facts: Huskarls (4-Star)[/h2]
Formations

• Dispersed: The unit forms a scattered square formation to reduce damage taken from ranged attacks.
• Huskarl Shield: Soldiers stand in a layered defensive formation to counter attacks from the front and shield the player.

Unit Traits

• Northlander Legend: Leadership cost reduced by 10 points during Helheim.
• Heim's Warsong: Singing their battle song (Skald’s Song) bolsters the unit's combat ability, and the longer they sing, the more powerful they become. However, while chanting, they take 50% increased damage.
• Northlander Blood: Skald’s Song also inspires other Northmen units, increasing their movement speed and armour penetration, and reducing damage taken.

Unit Orders

• Huskarl Charge: The Huskarls rush at their foes and launch a flurry of attacks.
• Boar Snout: The unit forms up around their commander, pushing away any approaching foes and moving forward with their leader.
• Sea Surge: The unit charges at enemies in front of them, and launches an all-out attack.
• Gathering Storm: The warriors sprint forward, knocking back any enemies they collide with.
• Skald’s Song: The Huskarls raise their weapons belt out their battle song, inspiring movement and attack speed, and power for themselves and any Northmen allies.

Huskarls are available to unlock via Unit Challenges now.

NOTE: The above information is correct as of the time of publication. Please check in-game for the most up-to-date Unit information.

Conqueror’s Blade: Helheim brings two new Viking-inspired Units into the fray, and now word of their exploits has reached their distant kin... Bolster your forces by recruiting powerful Units from Season VII: Wolves of Ragnarok, including the returning Shieldmaidens, Berserkers, and Sons of Fenrir.



Until June 30 (10:00 server time) you can enjoy 50% off Wolves of Ragnarok Bundles and Unit Challenges in-game! Challenge Tokens allow you to complete one stage of Challenges.

• Wolf & Axe Bundle: Let the spirit of the wolf imbue you with fighting spirit with 2x Sons of Fenrir Challenge Tokens, 3x Berserkers Challenge Tokens, 50x Unit Medals, and 2x Marshal’s Handbooks.
• Aesir, Vanir, Fenrir Bundle: Take on the power of the Norse gods with 4x Sons of Fenrir Challenge Tokens, 5x Berserkers Challenge Tokens, 7x Shieldmaidens Challenge Tokens, and 50x Unit Medals.
• Wolves of Ragnarok Unit Challenges: Save 50% when you activate the Season VII: Wolves of Ragnarok Unit Challenges in the F5 menu.

IMPORTANT: You can only purchase EITHER the Wolf & Axe Bundle OR the Aesir, Vanir, Fenrir Bundle. By purchasing one, you will be unable to purchase the other.



The brutal Northmen are returning to pillage and raid the land once again, and here’s how each set of Viking-inspired fighters can help you to master your fate in Conqueror’s Blade: Helheim.

• Sons of Fenrir (3-Star): These forest-dwelling fighters offered their souls to Fenrir in exchange for animalistic powers and speed, moving in packs and leaping into combat with the agility of their wolf-god. While their defence and damage-dealing are low, their special ability to leap over the frontline and then savagely attack unwitting enemies behind is as surprising as it is brutal.
• Berserkers (4-Star): Berserkers carry two axes, happy to give up a defensive shield for an honourable trip to Valhalla. Berserkers are almost foolishly brave, unleashing frenzied and rage-fuelled assaults on the enemy. However, their small numbers can be easily eclipsed by enemy forces.
• Shieldmaidens (5-Star): The women of the cult of Freyja are like valkyries on the battlefield, fighting by the side of their leader with spears and swords. Able to fortify their defences by raising their spears and then switching to swords to unleash the devastating Freyja’s Charge, this unit is as formidable as they are faithful.

Grab these bundles before June 30, and bring some extra Norse ferocity to the battlefield!

Get ready to battle in a brand-new limited-time mode—-Coastal Assualt! Coastal Assualt will take place in two stages. From June 16 to June 23, First Wave will be active, and you may only take infantry units into battle. From June 23 to 30, Maximum Force will come into play, and cavalry troops can join the fray.

Equipment and artillery have their own rules in this mode, along with several different unit rulesets that will be switched up for the different stages.

To attain victory in Coastal Assault, you must protect your base and seize any opportunity to conquer the enemy's base, as well as occupy as many points as possible to lower your enemy's score.

Points A, B, and C can be contended for throughout the game. Both sides will occupy the point nearest to the base when the game starts. When one side occupies two or more points, the enemy's base will be vulnerable for 60 seconds, during which they can occupy it to significantly reduce the enemy score. The enemy will continuously lose score if one side occupies A, B, and C at the same time.

Temporary Doctrine Drops are active in Coastal Assault, but will only drop if you own a unit of the type used in battle. Matchmaking Drops are also available in this mode.



Unit Reinforcements

Reinforcements will spawn throughout the game for both sides and try to claim enemy points.

Equipment

The weapon type you queue up with will decide what armour type you wear (armour will be of legendary quality without any extra attributes).

Armour Sets

The following armour sets will be available to use:

• Rogue Set: Short Bow, Bow, Dual Blades
• Carnifex Set: Pike, Spear, Musket, Nodachi
• Guardsman Set: Longsword & Shield, Shortsword & Shield, Poleaxe, Maul, Glaive

Once the match has begun, you may only switch between the weapons available for that armour set.

Artillery
You will be provided with rare-quality artillery, and each player may deploy two. These will NOT consume your own artillery.
[h2]Stage 1: First Wave (June 16-23)[/h2]
In the first stage of Coastal Assault, only the following infantry units (which will be provided) may be brought into battle (no cavalry):

Melee Infantry:

• 1 Star: Village Watchmen
• 2 Stars: Ironcap Swordsmen, Demesne Spearmen
• 3 Stars: Prefecture Guards, Condottieri Guard, Ironcap Spearmen, Sons of Fenrir, Bagpipers
• 4 Stars: Symmachean Paladins, Azaps, Berserkers, Axe Raiders, Tseregs
• 5 Stars: Shieldmaidens, Silahdars

Ranged Infantry:

• 1 Star: Levy Bowmen
• 2 Stars: Demesne Archers, Ironcap Arquebusiers
• 3 Stars: Prefecture Archers, Zykalian Militia, Namkhan Archers, Janissaries
• 4 Stars: Imperial Archers
• 5 Stars: Siphonarioi

[h2]Stage 2: Maximum Force (June 23-30)[/h2]
In the second stage of Coastal Assault, you can combine both cavalry and infantry units (which will be provided) to achieve victory.

Choose from the following units:

Melee Infantry:

• 1 Star: Village Watchmen
• 2 Stars: Pike Militia, Demesne Spearmen
• 3 Stars: Prefecture Pikemen, Ironcap Spearmen, Landsknechts, Bagpipers, Alchemists
• 4 Stars: Imperial Pike Guards, Imperial Spear Guards, Fortebraccio Pikemen, Symmachean Stalwarts, Halberdier Sergeants
• 5 Stars: Shieldmaidens, Modao Battalion

Ranged Infantry:

• 1 Star: Levy Bowmen
• 2 Stars: Demesne Archers, Ironcap Arquebusiers
• 3 Stars: Incendiary Archers, Namkhan Archers, Janissaries
• 4 Stars: Imperial Archers, Kriegsrat Fusiliers
• 5 Stars: Pavise Crossbowmen, Shenji Grenadiers

Cavalry:

• 2 Stars: Coutiliers
• 3 Stars: Selemchid Cavalry
• 4 Stars: Armiger Lancers, Sipahis
• 5 Stars: Monastic Knights

Prepare to guide your ships into battle in Coastal Assault until June 30!