TheOfficialTourney 2025 – Round 2, Game 2 (New Zealand and Australia Advanced)#
Coming off my victory in Game 1, my goal for Game 2 was straightforward: secure solid points and keep my tournament momentum going. But with the New Zealand and Australia Advanced Map under chaotic settings (70% domination, true random dice, progressive cards, and unstable portals), nothing was guaranteed.
Final Result#
| Round | Map | Placement | Result | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 2 – Game 2 | New Zealand and Australia Advanced | 3rd Place | 8 Points | Watch |
Watch the Full Match#
Early Game: Finding a Foothold#
I started the game in the last position, immediately facing tough placement decisions. The map offered limited early bonus opportunities, and it wasn't clear if grabbing bonuses was even viable. Eventually, I settled for small but manageable bonuses—a +2 near the top corner and some scattered territories that were easy to defend.
Rather than competing aggressively early, I chose to quietly stack troops, secure modest bonuses, and stay largely out of the early fights. My goal was survival, hoping to capitalize on opponents' mistakes later.
Mid-Game: Stacking and Patience#
As cards escalated, eliminations started unfolding rapidly. White quickly became vulnerable and was taken out, signaling the beginning of more aggressive moves. Yet, I deliberately chose caution, carding slowly, and avoiding direct conflict. The key was to build a meaningful troop stack, ready to strike if the right opportunity presented itself.
During this phase, I consistently considered elimination runs. However, each potential move felt risky, and with the volatility of true random dice, I hesitated to commit fully. My patience became a critical factor, as I observed opponents weakening each other.
The Turning Point: A Half-hearted Attempt and a Bug#
Midway through the game, I spotted what looked like a promising elimination opportunity. With progressive cards escalating and my stack ready, I began a cautious run. But as I moved forward, a bugged territory blocked my advance. This forced me to abandon the attempt entirely.
Looking back, the run was uncertain even without the bug; perhaps too ambitious or too early. Still, the bug removed any possibility, leaving me to regroup and maintain my defensive position.
Late Game: Playing for Points#
The endgame became a scramble, with eliminations occurring in rapid succession. Opponents were forced into risky moves, thinning each other's ranks significantly. I stayed composed, maintaining enough territories and troop strength to avoid becoming an easy target.
Eventually, Black saw a decisive opportunity and made a bold run for the 70% victory—eliminating me along the way. Despite being taken out, my careful positioning and consistent carding ensured I finished in a solid 3rd place, earning a valuable 8 points for my tournament standings.
Match Settings#
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Map | New Zealand and Australia Advanced |
| Game Type | 70% Domination (46 territories) |
| Card Bonus | Progressive |
| Blizzards | On |
| Fog of War | Off |
| Portals | Unstable |
| Placement | Auto |
| Turn Timer | 45 sec (Dynamic) |
| Alliances | On |
| Bots | None |
| AI Difficulty | Expert |
| Dice | True Random |
Key Takeaways#
- 📦 Small, manageable bonuses provided steady early growth.
- ⏳ Patience and cautious stacking helped me survive initial chaos.
- ⚠️ Half-hearted elimination attempts can easily unravel; pick your moment carefully.
- 🚫 Game bugs are frustrating but part of the competitive landscape.
- 🎯 Staying out of early aggression often pays dividends in chaotic, true-random games.
Closing Thoughts#
Though not as dramatic as my victory in Game 1, this 3rd place finish was crucial for maintaining overall tournament strength. I played conservatively and adapted as needed, which proved exactly the right approach given the unpredictability of true random dice and unstable portals.
Heading into future rounds, I’ll keep this lesson close: sometimes, survival is victory enough.