ParallelTCG: Patch 0.21 First Look
Stay Ahead of the Game: Patch 0.21 Explained from a Top Player Perspective
Introduction
Hello ParallelTCG enjoyers! The much-anticipated Patch 0.21 is here, and it brings significant changes across Parallels and gameplay mechanics. Let's dive into what the developers have to say and how the landscape of the game might change.
Augencore
Developers: Powerful cards like Arak and Jury-Rigged Juggernaut are targeted for adjustments. Targeting changes are to future-proof upcoming expansions.
My Take: Universal Juggernaut Augencore decks are strong against an aggro meta, but there is much to be explored here. Enhanced Blueprints going to the bottom promotes better deck rotation and decision-making.
Earthen
Developers: Primea Conduit gains Shielded; Dauntless Axeman is less potent than perceived.
My Take: Earthen is a strong choice in an aggro meta, but inconsistent card draws can be problematic. The Shielded attribute on Primea Conduit helps against Shroud but leaves it vulnerable to Black Market Fixer.
Kathari
Developers: Reduced consistency but still strong; underused cards to receive buffs.
My Take: The nerfs were a lot. It was difficult for them to deal with a well-crafted Marcolian deck before the changes, and now they have little to no chance with the Cunning Scipian and Scipi token attacks reduced, so it is more difficult to neglect the Marcolian assault mechanic, hence enabling a more Marcolian heavy meta. However, this shift could pave the way for a Kathari control meta.
Marcolian
Developers: "Minor changes" (KEK) with an emphasis on Unseen Commando as a breakpoint to keep up offensive pressure
My Take: The changes have subtly empowered Marcolian decks. The increased health on Unseen Commando can make a massive difference because it can survive Virulent Spores now, paving the way to a perfect energy curve followed up by the Longbow Carrier and then the other super buff to Fire Support Base, giving +1/+1 to all units as a 4 cost with 2/5 health AND defender, absolutely ridiculous. Since the curve is paired with the Longbow Carrier, you can defend the Fire Support Base so it doesn't die, and then, you drop Lemieux to top it off.
💥 This is the new Appraiser/Nucleotic combo, in my opinion.💥
Shroud
Developers: Flat Circle nerfed due to high performance.
My Take: The nerf was long overdue. While Shroud's control curve is powerful, it struggles in a Marcolian-heavy meta due to its late-game focus, which Marcolian decks can easily beat even while facing a solid late-game.
Universal
Developers: Appraiser and Black Market Fixer nerfed to adjust big combos.
My Take: The Appraiser Nucleotic nerf opened up the game to explore other playstyles, and I'm glad they nerfed it. It's healthy to nerf a turn 1 combo that can define the whole match. The Black Market Fixer nerf is okay since it still can be used in a more midrange or control deck, but it doesn't give a considerable advantage to a more aggressive deck, so this change was necessary.
Matchmaking & Game Health
Developers: Matchmaking system overhaul and MMR resets planned.
My Take: This is a positive step, especially given the game's small but committed player base.
Conclusion
Patch 0.21 brings exciting twists to the game's balance, with potential shifts in meta archetypes. Marcolian and Earthen decks look promising, but only time will tell who will reign supreme. Shroud Brand decks have a chance to perform better because of their early game dealing with Marcolian, and combos like turn 5 Sacred Syphoner into Brand's Corrupted Vision is very powerful even if it can be removed by Black Market Fixer. I see Augencore Juggernaut Workshop performing well, too, with the hindrance that the meta is defender-heavy, so the OTK becomes a bit difficult to land.
What’s Next?
Watch for our ongoing analysis here at The Tome of Game Cellar as we dive deeper into the new meta and stay ahead of the game with Patch 0.21. We'll be working on deep-dive guides on the best use of each Parallel, so hit the Subscribe button to follow along for more ParallelTCG breakdowns!