Update 125283 - Ballistics for Scorpions
A significant balance update introducing Ballistics for Scorpions, adjusting Market food prices to curb heavy abuse, and providing new bonuses for Poles and Koreans.
General Changes
Scorpions: (Heavy) Scorpions are now affected by Ballistics. This is a massive accuracy buff against moving targets.
Market: Base exchange rates for food increased 100 -> 115. Initial buy cost 130g -> 150g. Initial sell reward 70g -> 81g. (Buying food is more expensive, selling is more profitable initially). Trade Cart collision size reduced.
Battle Elephants: Conversion resistance increased 0 -> 2 (+2.5s min/max time).
Siege: Rams and Armored Elephants deal more bonus damage vs buildings.
Crossbowman upgrade cost reduced 175f 125g -> 175f 100g. Arbalester cost reduced 450f 400g -> 450f 350g.
Fortifications: Palisade Gate armor increased 2/2 -> 2/4.
Civilization Changes
Aztecs: Military units create faster bonus increased 11% -> 15%.
Bohemians: Hussite Wagon train time 26s -> 30s.
Byzantines: Fire Ship/Dromon attack speed bonus reduced 25% -> 20%.
Dravidians: Thirisadai range 6 -> 7.
Georgians: (Elite) Monaspa HP reduced 75(90) -> 70(80).
Huns: Nomad horse speed reduced.
Khmer: Ballista Elephants now affected by Ballistics.
Koreans: Turtle Ship speed increased 0.9 -> 1.05. Elite upgrade cost reduced significantly.
Persians: War Elephant conversion resistance increased.
Poles: NEW BONUS: Bloodlines and Scout-line upgrades cost -50% food.
Portuguese: Caravel train time 36s -> 25s. Organ Gun train time 21s -> 25s.
? Frequently Asked Questions
How good are Scorpions with Ballistics?
This is a game-changer. Scorpions can now reliably hit moving units (like Crossbows or Cavalry) at max range. They become a much more viable counter to Archer masses in the mid-game.
How does the Market change affect the game?
Buying food to go up to Castle Age is now much more expensive (150 gold for 100 food). However, selling your initial stone or wood gives more gold. This nerfs 'Market Abuse' fast-up strategies but buffs defensive selling.
Is the new Poles bonus strong?
Yes. Getting Bloodlines and Light Cavalry upgrades for half the food cost allows Poles to transition into their unique Winged Hussar spam much smoother and earlier in the game.
Why were Aztecs buffed?
Aztecs have fallen behind slightly on open maps. The increase from 11% to 15% production speed allows their military buildings to pump out Eagles and Skirmishers even faster, reinforcing their aggressive identity.
Are Monaspas still good?
They are weaker. The HP reduction (75->70 base) makes them easier to snipe with Arbalesters. They remain strong in mass, but they are no longer as durable when diving under Castles.