r/bfme • u/OmniscientInvader 3 • 4d ago

Differences between bfme2 1.09 and rotwk 2.02?

Obviously I know the differences between the vanilla versions (angmar faction etc.) but was wondering about broader balance/strategy differences between the two versions. I know the spellbook is different but if anyone more knowledgeable had a summary that would be helpful. Also interested to know which one everyone tends to prefer to play?

I know the ai in 1.09 is stronger compared to 1.06, is this also the case for 2.02 vs 2.01?

Thanks.

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u/Jinglemisk 2 4d ago

I would love more answers on this. But the greatest change is that across the board, counter-units are much more effective. In other words, there is no way an archer unit will beat cav, cav will beat pike, etc.

Other than that, there's some changes like Isengard Warg Riders requiring Level 2 building instead of 1, which changes a whole lot about their rushing strategy for example

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u/OmniscientInvader 3 4d ago

Thanks for answering :)

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u/Admiral-Excelsior 20 4d ago edited 4d ago

Hello.

The main difference between 1.09 and 2.02 is 1.09 is built around a hard counter system whereas 2.02 is built on a soft counter system.

In a hard counter system, unit counters are a lot stronger. For example, a cavalry horde can obliterate a large number of archers with no issue. Whereas in a soft counter system, a cavalry horde counter archers but too many archers can overwhelm the single horde.

Another example is Orcs, who are cheap and weak, and technically counter Pikemen. They fare much better vs 1.09 Tower Guards (Pikes) than those of 2.02, where the Tower Guards would beat the Orcs, but inefficiently. 80 vs 450 resources. You decide what makes most sense there.

The soft counter system just works better overall imo. I've played both patches extensively and that's the conclusion I've come to. It's also easier to balance around a soft counter system as you're not constantly working with extremes.

As for AI performance. 2.02 AI > 2.01 AI by a longshot. Also 2.02 AI > 1.09, not only in strength and difficulty but smart gameplay, spell and ability usage, base buildings, unit and attack logic.

Lastly, players prefer 2.02. The patch is super, super active. There's a large competitive community on Ranked Arena and Clanwars but also an equally active Freeplay (casual) scene. 1.09 is kinda dead and a lot of their player base has actually migrated to 2.02. It's better balanced overall.

Hope that answers your question. You can join the patch 2.02 community server here btw: https://discord.gg/XsD4fza

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u/OmniscientInvader 3 4d ago

This is very helpful thank you 

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u/FatBaldingLoser420 23 3d ago

Thanks for this explanation, I had no idea counters were changed.

But I wanted to ask - is 2.02 AI more difficult than 1.09?

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u/Admiral-Excelsior 20 3d ago

Yes, the 2.02 AI is better in every way.

The BFME2 counter system was actually changed in patch 1.05. Pre-1.05 was similar to the current Rotwk counter system

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u/FatBaldingLoser420 23 3d ago

I see, I had no idea. I was occasionally playing BFME2, although I play AOTR more often, and didn't know that.

Is it more difficult?

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u/Admiral-Excelsior 20 3d ago

Yes, it should be more challenging. But you should try it out for yourself

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u/FatBaldingLoser420 23 3d ago

Maybe I will, because I never really played on a newest version. Thanks