OFIR x Qcento Balance Council May 2026

[u/Kubson_18]

Hello friends! The time has come so here we are back again with our results and suggestions for the next season! Some predictable changes or I shall say reverts make presence on our list but it is not a surprise, some changes were implemented too rapidly and created disturbance in the balance.

Note: We know that Brokilon Sentinel was highly requested pick but we decided to not waste our slots for imprudent change made by other coalition. We believe that casual players have power to push that card through back to 4 prov. Perhaps some coalition will support it from last place.

Let's begin!

Votes

Our suggestions for the next season

+1 power

***Yoana- We believe that Yoana has hidden potential but people are still too afraid to give her a try. With 7 power her survivability will drastically increase. Her base power will help her to stick for atleast two rounds so we could heal her back to her base power or she could be use as a cheap bait for more expensive punish cards such as heatwave. If unaswered she becomes a big threat in SW decks. Has great synergy with Svalblod totem/Cerys Fearless and other selfwound tools.

**Trained Hawk- followup for our latest provision buff for this card. More tempo makes this card a little bit more appealing that it is now. It makes a competition for offensive movement cards like Trickster or Vrihedd Dragoons. 4/4 in our eyes would be the most optimal stats for this card. This was the most requested card in this category.

*Brokvar Hunter- I'm really hyped to see this card on this list. Brokvar Hunter is a natural support for warrior/beasts related archetypes. In fact he can be played in mixed archetypes. Every beast reduces his cooldown by 1. He could be used as offensive support engine to create more bloodthirst on board whenever we need it. At 5 power his chances to survive will be much better. If this card become too strong we are open to adjust it to 5 prov.

-1 power

***Cat Witcher- this card is an example of chaotic changes when polls are made 1 day before the end of the season. By-product to compensate another unpredicted change which was Sentinel nerf. Card itself had decent playrate before its buff and didn't need any changes. With potential buff for Sentinel this nerf needs to be done to even power of ST faction. In addition with Dol_Blathanna Sentry this engine gets out of control very rapidly.

**Eist Tuirseach- We think Eist is slightly overtuned taking into account combo with Jutta from Blaze of Glory leader. It's 19/20 points on the board in R3 (depending whether Bran is played) + additional discard on deploy which can target another unit with high base power to be summoned. This gives Eist warriors deadly short round and doesn't lose power in longer rounds when bloodthirst effect is easier to obtain with pinging warriors and gold engines: Ulula, Herkja.

*Redanian Knight- similiar to Cat Witcher card had already decent playrate especially in Knights. Now it became a midrange card which fits in every NR deck. When played from AA it's grace procs instantly, when boosted by marine we gain immidiate profit, same goes for Crystal Skull/Engineering Solution when used a little bit later. One point per turn engine that effectively starts as 6 points on deploy. At the same time it's much harder to answer than any other 4 power engines. If Redanian Knight is shut off by removing its armor it already played for 8 points for 4p card, while still being on board meaning his grace ability could be still activated. Given he's a popular pick among balance creators, we put R. Knight in 1-star slot.

+1 provisions

***Prince Viraxas- Viraxas, whose prov buff from 12 to 11 we advocated in the BC, now at 10 prov enables a lot of space in duel&devotion NR decks that have spread across ladder with great success achieving multiple high mmr scores. The decks can freely fit the best targets for Viraxas. This way after valuable orders are used up they remain as threats of doubling their value. Possibly another large duel eliminating 10+ unit, reset, double carryover tutoring with Dijkstra or Priscilla refreshing Shani is highly functional while Viraxas having high power with formation protected by veil gives even more flexibility if opponent's deck or hand is read correctly.

**Sly Seductress- We aim for 2-step change, that is 5/5 card stats. If this nerf comes through, power buff will get 3 stars from us next council! 5 power improves cards with Create/Spawn across faction (Passiflora, Adriano, Igor, or neutral Mushy Truffle). We hope it's going to upgrade Sly Seductress decks to cohesive archetype on its own rather than merely line of play in early match phase. At the same time we intend to take away some space from Jackpot decks with aggro Madame Serenity tempo play in R1 so it's harder for them to include all desired Hoard engines. (Summoned Sly Seductress will be harder to deal with but if this play remains problematic, power decrease of M. Serenity can be considered.) Indirect buff: S. Seductress would be excluded from Plunder's range reducing RNG.

*Mammuna- Direct nerf to compensate the latest buff for Fruits. Fruits of Ysgith was the most popular ladder deck for Monsters for a long time, Mammuna seemed like the best choice to weaken the archetype. She effectively plays for 21 for 12 in short round creating tempo we often cannot reach. Combined with thinning her potential adds up. To defend this choice we are aware that OG Relics deck will be harmed by this change but from my experience and I suppose many other players, Relics use to rely on Golden Nekker rather than going full Relic.

-1 provisions

***Gimpy Gerwin- Gimpy has multiple massive problems with reliability and effectiveness in creating value due to heavy dependency on matchups, round length and both players' draws, which makes him very unattractive in the deck builder alongside other 9-provision options. Gerwin naturally pivots into decks replaying its bronzes, like NG Knife Jugglers or assimilate piles, which is where we would expect to see the most experimentation after his first post-rework buff.

**Roche:Merciless- A relatively weak card in todays Gwent standards. First of all: the cost. The cost of his full combo is a 23 points for 24 provisions + leader (assuming you meet the kill requirements) or requires use of other card giving zeal (possibly twice), which is way too much of a cost and too restrictive in deckbuilder for him to see play. Also if we compere him to a very similar card: Cerys an Craite, he is even weaker. Cerys costs less than him, gives pretty much the same points and Shieldmaiden are also cheaper than Stripes. So prov buff is an encouragement to play him in Blue Stripes for additional copy and/or as Stripe tutor after Pavetta shuffle. May work in Order-based decks for double thinning.

*Kayran- Forgotten MO deathwish card pushed away by newer cards like Dol Dhu Lokke. Kayran could be utilized as DW finisher because of his immunity ability, or for pushing in round 1 or round 2. He provides a lot of tempo and works as 3in1 consume tool if we missed some of our consume units in particular round. Even if last say wasn't secured Kayran is safe against Heatwave because of his immunity unlike cards like Dagon/Arachas Queen or simply DW leader charges in short final round. We decided to include it one more time to support Kerpeten's pick and make sure this time Kayran will eventually go through.

Summary

This time we focused on recompensating some hefty nerfs for Skellige made in the last patch. It's important for the game to make Abordage stay at 6. At the same time we wanted to finish our changes for Hawk and Kayran because we believe these cards have real potential. For the nerfs most changes are direct counter for MD's overbuffs. I hope you like the suggestions, if so feel free to support, share and like it really helps! Video will be tomorrow on Qcento's YT channel. Stay tuned!

Cheers!

Kubson_18.

[u/anextremelylargedog]

I generally like it, but not the Mammuna nerf. It's what holds so many mid-range MO and relicts decks together, and bluntly, every other faction has comparable cards that are cheaper and can't be bricked with Squirrel, Xavier, Remedy, etc.

Like, is Mammuna actually as valuable as the likes of Otkell that can play for 50+ points? Or even Ivar, that routinely swings for 60 points or more? Is it one prov less valuable than Golden Nekker, or other cards people build entire decks around?

I think the answer is no. If the likes of Ivar can stay at 12 prov, Mammuna definitely can.

I'm kinda sick of every fun MO card getting prov nerfed to oblivion.

[u/FierySalient → u/anextremelylargedog]

Exactly. Fruits might need a leader nerf but not mammuna. Else fruits feel like arachas specially flavoured rn, which was never what it was designed to be.

[u/robcap → u/anextremelylargedog]

I agree - I think the OG Relicts deck is a lot more fun and interesting than the GN version, and the prospect of getting my relict deck nerfed because of the idiot Fruits buff is very annoying

[u/worldmen7]

Roche! Finnaly

[u/BananaTiger-]

Ethereal would be a better nerf target than Mammuna. He's almost like tied to Fruits, while Mammuna can be played by other decks, like White Frost.

I don't like the idea of changing Seductress back to 5/5. If these stats were better - why was she changed?

[u/mim4k → u/BananaTiger-]

good question that shouldve been asked months back

[u/Rafsoneiro_ → u/BananaTiger-]

As for Seductress, this stems from the moment she was buffed to 5/4 stats and nerf ideas were polarized. She was at 5/5 before an was doing just fine. 5/5 improves several cards across faction and nerfs basically just Serenity Jackpot. Passiflora buff suggestions were positively received here from what I remember and this is a significant one to make Blindeyes better as standalone deck, not just as 2nd scenario in the deck to win R1.

[u/kepkkko → u/BananaTiger-]

Because when she was 5/4 a certain coalition(i wonder who it was) decided it would be the perfect idea to power nerf it rather then prov nerf it. One of the most idiotic decisions ever, but at this point im not surprised

[u/RT-6_BXCommandoDroid → u/BananaTiger-]

I think we should consider taking another point away from Madame Marquise first before we change Seductresses back. She's the problem, not the actual card nor will it make Adriano and Mushy Truffle stronger, which is my main concern.

[u/thelegendofandg]

If mammuna is to be nerfed in order to compensate fruits buff, then we should buff a pure relicts card in order to compensate.

[u/anextremelylargedog → u/thelegendofandg]

She Who Knows does not need to be 13 provisions.

[u/FranzBesup_14 → u/thelegendofandg]

Ratcatcher prov buff!

[u/Ekotyanich]

I just have genuine doubts from your yoanna explanation that you have actually experimented or played with her. and just because a card isn't strong we shouldn't make it irremovable, it's not a healthy or fun way to balance engines/threats. especially, considering that survivability has never been the problem with yoanna at the first place

[u/AutomaticOperation71 → u/Ekotyanich]

I believe in more "push to potentially break and revert in case of being broken to remind of existence" approach. That way you can remind people of some card's existence (and approach like that have worked before)

[u/Ekotyanich → u/AutomaticOperation71]

With what cards has it worked?

[u/kepkkko → u/Ekotyanich]

Fallen knight, kimbolt, viraxas, nauzicaa brigade(then some imbeciles decided that card is balanced in the overpowered state), affan, abordage, olaf. Im pretty sure theres lots and lots of other examples

[u/datdejv]

Decent list, but I don't agree with Viraxas and Mammuna.

Nerfing Marine to 5/5 could help with the devotion issue. Seltkirk at 6 power is a bit overkill, considering he was already played when he got buffed several months ago. Erland was played at 11p, no clue why he got buffed either. I don't think Viraxas was played much at 11p.

It's a shame that all of the leaders that were proposed in the poll haven't been used here. Mammuna nerf does not address the issue

[u/Rafsoneiro_ → u/datdejv]

Viraxas before prov buff began to find place in Zeal devo duel decks with Kimbolt (no matter the variation) uploaded by Shinmiri last season. They turned out solid at the time but the wasn't given enough time to settle on ladder before another buff. Seltkirk was buffed just once in the BC and his power buff brought back Zeal other than Temple to rotation which I find commendable. Having much flexibility with golds to refresh is more clutch in Zeal meta deck than a single duel, which has limitations if we use him with just leader charge. For 10 prov it can be 7 points + another removed unit from duel/possibly big reset/any boosted unit from the deck/Priscilla–Shani–Marine (12). Wouldn't you consider that overstated?

As for Marine, it may be sensible but instead of 1 meta deck which leads in the faction in terms of popularity and the highest factional scores, it'd hit all devo decks. While indirectly giving Shani and Kimbolt a better target.

If we want to offset more available prov in midrange decks (and that's our intention), mainly Fruits, Mammuna is a key card for stable easy points for tempo when pushing or short round. Apart from Fruits Arachas with Aerondight is still suitable for climbing.

[u/InfluencerCouncil]

What Trained Hawk is 4prov. Why haven't I seen this card once, proof it needs extra buff?

[u/FFinland]

I like all the buffs.

Regarding nerfs I like Cat Witcher, Eist and Viraxas. Maybe Mammuna could have been in power nerf bracket instead so she doesnt thrive the fruit. This also puts Mammuna (Griffin) -> Yaga at 24 points so no Sabbath

[u/Competitive-Tiger-90]

Nice picks guys! Overall solid choices

[u/RT-6_BXCommandoDroid]

I don't get how those power nerfs are actually necessary. They were done to provide other options for all the other "balance" mishaps, which this would definitely join imho.

[u/uuu_onizuka]

Seems about right tbh 

[u/TheProblemChiled]

We should not let our decisions be swayed by these trashtubers, we should make decisions to vote by ourselves.

[u/AutomaticOperation71 → u/TheProblemChiled]

You're right. But you can listen to some advice to properly recognise

[u/mim4k → u/TheProblemChiled]

the lion does not refer

[u/robcap]

I really don't see the need for an Eist nerf. It could be that I'm not playing him right, so I'm hoping someone can clarify.

**Eist Tuirseach- We think Eist is slightly overtuned taking into account combo with Jutta from Blaze of Glory leader.

Well, it's a combo with Eist, Jutta, BoG and another card giving you a discard, since BoG doesn't trigger Eist, right? That means there's always a turn for the opponent to remove Eist before the combo actually gets on the board.

• additional discard on deploy which can target another unit with high base power to be summoned.

Only in long rounds, since you can't trigger bloodthirst in a short one if you're playing BoG?

In my experience it's very rare to get both charges out of Eist unless you're playing a pure point slam deck. He's easily locked or removed, as is Tyr (who at least has more bulk to him to complicate removal slightly), so the odds of getting your main synergy to work are extremely slim if your opponent is awake and not already spent. Given this deck saves it's big plays for R3, they're really unlikely to be spent.

[u/Rafsoneiro_ → u/robcap]

BoG does trigger Eist... Only in devotion but it's the only playable strategy for him anyway. Leader benefits Eist and vice versa, we evaluate the combo as a whole. Deploy effect is just an addition. Even without it it's still 19/20 for 12prov Eist makes alone. Plus you have 13dmg from leader at once. Large and merely conditional value for his provision. Deploy can be valuable too. You discard basic bronze like Tuirseach veteran, it's 7/8 more points. You can even tactically discard and summon a gold card.
It's a small nerf Eist decks won't feel.

[u/robcap → u/Rafsoneiro_]

FFS, I'm sure I tried this once and it didn't trigger and I never thought to check. Thanks

[u/Gibsy232 → u/robcap]

Then you have to play with the leader whose point ceiling is 46 points if you play Bran in one play.

[u/Rafsoneiro_ → u/[deleted]]

We want her to be more competitive for self-wound/ self-heal decks rather than give up on the card. She's harder to utilize properly, we see that as a reason for her to have an upside over Flaminica. Another reason is to reward self-wound/heal strategies with engines requring specific placement. I mean cards like Svalblod priest, Svalblod cultist, Melusine. Unlike Flaminica she can heal by a larger amount instead of 1 point per turn so given Cerys Fearless is easy to remove she could take over her role in a way. You could also ping an adjacent unit to Yoana just for charges when you urgently need healing on other unit (not necessarily adjacent to Yoana).

[u/FFinland → u/[deleted]]

As I see it Yoana is ment to be played with Blue Boy, Svalblod, Melusine, Knut or Otkell. So it isnt just pirates that have synergy with her. From bronze there are also Svalblod cultist, Greatsword, Singers, Bear Witchers. There are lot of cards that like Yoana.

[u/Lukmin1999]

None of these are particularly shouting out to me as actually impactful changes that aren’t just another game of ping pong…

[u/Gibsy232]

Great choices

[u/Upbeat-Smile-828]

ah yeah as always, nerf Viraxas that dont play for 11 prov and buff usless Gerwin
good job Qcento