Because players are incredibly creative, they will always find unintended synergies that make certain cards overwhelmingly powerful.

These updates are the lifeblood of the genre, forcing players to constantly adapt and invent new strategies.

Tweaking the Numbers

A nerf usually involves slightly reducing the unit's hitpoints, decreasing its attack speed, or increasing its mana cost.

This constant cycle of raising and lowering power levels ensures that every card eventually gets its time in the spotlight.

• Sometimes, a nerf to one card is an indirect buff to another.
• Developers rely heavily on win-rate data from top-tier esports matches.
• Be a trendsetter.

Dealing with Meta Shifts

For free-to-play players, a massive balance patch can be incredibly frustrating if their one maxed deck is heavily nerfed.

When the meta shifts, take a few days off from ranked ladder play and head into casual modes or friendly battles.

A Living Game

Balance patches keep the competitive scene vibrant, unpredictable, and endlessly entertaining to watch and play.

The game is alive, and that is what makes it beautiful.