The Nyx Level Ranking Tournament not only has a pretty sweet name but is also positioned well as a 5% Crown event that also features Fixed Leaders.
Fixed Leaders are one of the more restrictive types of Tournaments due to the fact that it greatly hinders your sub options. Thankfully, this Ranking Dungeon has various metrics boosted so there are several ways to augment your score.
This article will explain my approach to this Ranking Tournament for obtaining a Crown.
209,104 Score
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Score breakdown
In Ranking Dungeons, players are scored based on the following:
Final Average Combo is worth 5,000 points
Each second remaining is worth 500750 points
Hitting 40 Million damage is 10,000 points
Each active used to kill a floor (no combo made) is -5,000 points
When making the decision to roll or save your magic stones, you need to determine if the featured pantheons can benefit or complement your teams. Chasing for one specific monster is unwise as you will most likely be disappointed and should ideally have Godfests that overlap with many target cards. Remember all monsters that come out of the REM will qualify for Skill Inheritance so do not be too hasty when selling dupes. For a more detailed team building help, please refer to my full list Popular Leader’s and their Full Sub List Post. Lastly, to find more information about a specific pantheon or monster, refer to my Master List to better refine your search. If you are considering to purchase a Four Gentlemen card, please read my Review and Comparison HERE.
Introduction
Happy Lunar New Year! Hopefully you have been spending time with your family and loved ones along with feasting upon copious amounts of food. In order to mark the year of the Rooster, the Lunar New Year Godfest will feature the newly Reincarnated Egyptian 1’s along with (surprise surprise) Chinese Celestial pantheons. To sweeten the deal further, we will also be benefiting from 5x GFE along with +20 to a random stat.
For the most part, the Egyptian 1 pantheon is capable of forming powerful and fun teams. Even with the diminished value of leader skill restrictions due to an active skill clause, they can still clear plenty of content while Isis and now Horus being powerful subs.
On the flip side, the Chinese Celestials have not aged as well due to a lack of new evolutions and buffs for quite some time now. In addition, they somewhat struggle in a heart cross meta due to their board changers only producing three colours. However, there has been a gradual shift back towards colour board changers so there may be a shift back towards the Celestials in the future.
Where to spend your Red Pocket Money will be up to you, but this is a modest Godfest for the most part.
As a side note, I changed the format for the analyzed cards and would like to know what you think.
6 Star Godfest Exclusive Player’s Choice Godfest results have been officially announced and will take place this Friday starting at 12am PST. All rolls will feature +44 to a random stat and only the voted GFE will be featured (which means no Sonias/Metatrons etc.). This post will cover my thoughts and opinions of the voted cards along with who I felt should have made it in, but failed to make an appearance.
Video commentary
—video goes here—
The results
Unlike previous Player’s Choice Godfests, GungHo did not have a running tally of the leader board and many votes probably went to waste on the top winners.
Player’s Choice Godfest December 2016
1-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
21-25
For the most part, the voting makes sense with the featured cards as the majority of them have a place in the current (or near future) meta. However, what is most shocking is the fact that 11 six-star Godfest Exclusives were voted in.
Implications of 11 six-star GFE
From the data collected by me in the previous December PCGF, you have a disparagingly low chance to roll a six-star GFE.
Player’s Choice Godfests should be used to acquire the best pantheon cards available and by having 44% of the featured monsters being nearly unobtainable, we have essentially defeated the purpose of a PCGF. Six-star GFE are best acquired during a 5x GFE event or the special 10-stone REM (if it returns). I understand that those events do run the risk of other GFE appearing, but if we want 11 six stars, you are quite likely to roll them anyway. Six-star GFE will greatly lower the chances of rolling a featured monster and will most certainly add to the disappointment of higher silver egg rolls.
Voting in 11 six-stars is an unhealthy indication for the state of Puzzle and Dragons. Too many teams desperately require these elusive cards to function and without duplicates of the same six-star, their team is significantly weaker. It is not a bad thing to have six-star GFE as a top tier leader, but when you require nearly a full team to be optimal, then we have a problem. However, GungHo appears to be continuing down the path of six-star supremacy as the new evolutions for the 5 MP Dragons does not advance the current rate of Powercreep for leaders, only brings Ra Dragon on-par or marginally better than the best heart-cross leaders. In addition, the best Ra Dragon team consists of 3/4 six-stars. Continue reading Thoughts on Player’s Choice Godfest Results→
When making the decision to roll or save your magic stones, you need to determine if the featured pantheons can benefit or compliment your teams. Chasing for one specific monster is unwise as you will most likely be disappointed and should ideally have Godfests that overlap with many target cards. Remember all monsters that come out of the REM will qualify for Skill Inheritance so do not be too hasty when selling dupes. For a more detailed team building help, please refer to my full list Popular Leader’s and their Full Sub List Post. Lastly, to find more information about a specific pantheon or monster, refer to my Master List to better refine your search. If you are considering to purchase a Four Gentlemen card, please read my Review and Comparison HERE.
Introduction
The Spice of Life Godfest promises to warm your heart with a dash of Nutmeg and Six-Star Godfest Exclusives. The weather outside may be frightful, but our rolls will be delightful. Day 1 features the iconic Egyptian 1 and the newer Mechanical 1 series while Day 2 offers the Arch Demons and new ultimately evolved Sengoku series. In addition, each day features a varying array of Godfest Exclusives.
Gala of Tides
—- — — —
Day 1
Egyptian 1
Mechanical 1
GFE
— — — —
Day 2
Arch Demons
Sengoku
GFE
Video commentary
Day 1:
Day 1 features the old, but iconic Egyptian 1 pantheon who has received several new evolutions through the PAD Cross collaboration. Unfortunately, these evolutions do not bring them back to their former glory days of power and simply offer a more viable alternative than their current Awoken Evolution. You can read more about the PAD Cross review HERE. On the other hand, Awoken Isis is still one of the most desired cards while Awoken Ra remains a push-button staple.
On the other hand, the Mechanical 1 series is relatively new and has also received powerful ultimate evolutions. These new evolutions attempt to categorize them as better subs or leaders, but 95% of the time, the evolution with the God Killer awakening will be superior unless you need the sub colour for a specific team. Sadly, the Mechanical 1 series are a bunch of heart breakers in heart-cross meta which does diminish their overall value.
When making the decision to roll or save your magic stones, you need to determine if the featured pantheons can benefit or compliment your teams. Chasing for one specific monster is unwise as you will most likely be disappointed and should ideally have Godfests that overlap with many target cards. Remember all monsters that come out of the REM will qualify for Skill Inheritance so do not be too hasty when selling dupes. For a more detailed team building help, please refer to my full list Popular Leader’s and their Full Sub List Post. Lastly, to find more information about a specific pantheon or monster, refer to my Master List to better refine your search. If you are considering to purchase a Four Gentlemen card, please read my Review and Comparison HERE.
Video Commentary
Introduciton
The PAX West Godfest comes jammed backed with +30 rolls and 4x GFE rates to celebrate one of the largest gaming conventions happening in Seattle. As with any of my Godfest reviews, I will try my best to add clarification and insight for the featured pantheons. Due to the rarity of GFE, it can be challenging to roll for them and you should have a strong fallback option with the pantheons that are also featured.
Midnight Gala
Day 1
Japanese 2 & Indian 2
GFE
Day 2
Egyptian 1 & Mechanical 1
GFE
A different Gala
Day 3
Greco Roman 1 & Angel 2
GFE
Day 1:
Day 1 features the newly Awoken Japanese 2 and the nearly Uuevo-ed Indian 2 series. The Japanese 2 used to be one of the most dominating sets of gods to roll for; however, time has not been too kind and their Awoken Evolutions do help round out team rosters, but none become meta changing leaders of their heyday. One thing to note is that most cards lose their God typing through an Awoken Evolution.
Conversely, the Indian 2 pantheon has been one of the weakest and thankfully, GungHo has been giving them some love through Uuevos that created a surprisingly powerful Sarasvati. We are still waiting for Krishna and Vishnu to have theirs announced and hopefully they become just as powerful.
When making the decision to roll or save your magic stones, you need to determine if the featured pantheons can benefit or compliment your teams. Chasing for one specific monster is unwise as you will most likely be disappointed and should ideally have Godfests that overlap with many target cards. Remember all monsters that come out of the REM will qualify for Skill Inheritance so do not be too hasty when selling dupes. For a more detailed team building help, please refer to my full list Popular Leader’s and their Full Sub List Post. Lastly, to find more information about a specific pantheon or monster, refer to my Master List to better refine your search.
Introduction
The Hel’s Kitchen Godfest features some of our favourite cards with a healthy mixture of subs and leaders. Many of these cards are in the process of receiving new evolutions and have the potential to shake up the meta like Uuevo Sarasvati . Many of these cards have transitioned into fantastic assistants for skill inheritance while others can find homes on many end game teams. I wish we had more information on how the Indian 2 pantheon will develop as they are currently in a weak spot but have the chance for a massive revival with new evolutions. In addition, GungHo is also introducing three new Godfest Exclusives which I will go into detail in a subsequent posting.
Gala of Flame
jjj Day 1
Japanese 1
Indian 2
jjj Day 2
Egyptian 1
Archdemon
Day 1:
The Japanese 1 pantheon has some of the strongest awoken evolutions in the game for their respective teams. They may have lost traction on some end-game teams, but they provide valuable utility are great candidates for contributing their active via skill inheritance. The main drawback is a lack of usability prior to being awoken and will be neglected until acquiring the evolution materials.
On the other hand, the Indian 2 Pantheon has been relatively weak for a modest period of time. However, Uuevo Sarasvati is hopefully the first of many amazing evolutions that could revive the pantheon. Unfortunately, we have no more information as to what is in store and for now, the other 4 cards (outside of Vishnu) remain lackluster and in need of a buff.
Rolling in Day 1 will mostly be the Japanese 1 series and Sarasvati/Vishnu. The overall value is somewhat low and none of these cards come into power until late game so newer accounts may struggle to benefit from rolling them now.
Keep in mind all of the following monsters qualify for Skill Inheritance so do not be too hasty in selling dupes.
The Egyptian 1 pantheon features a diverse array of powerful monsters who both excel in leadership and new found sub potential with the advent of more challenging dungeons. Many make stellar leaders for a beginning player as they will teach you how to combo and manage your colours/orbs efficiently and transition into powerhouses with their awoken forms. Overall, a strong pantheon to roll for.
Egyptian 1
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Notes
Horus Devil / God —- + extend time to move orbs by 2 seconds 4 turn CD
Horus is a flaming hot chicken who is jokingly referred to as KFC or other poultry puns. Jokes aside, Horus is an underrated leader who is capable of forming a 45.56x ATK / 2.25x RCV rainbow team. What makes Horus unique is the ability control his damage and recovery through active usage. Most rainbow teams do not have a built in RCV multiplier and is one of the main reasons they falter in higher tier content.
Perhaps the reason why Horus is not as popular in today’s meta is due to the fact that 45.46x ATK on a rainbow team is not very game breaking (thanks Ra Dragon ) as you are unable to stack rows and may have limited access to TPA subs. In addition, Horus’s active skill is rather lacklustre and will mostly be used to trigger the additional damage component from your leader skill. On the bright side, Horus has double skill bind resist awakenings and will alleviate team building constraints when trying to achieve 100% immunity.
Horus is seldom seen as a sub due to a underwhelming active as there are stronger damage enhancement options available.
Overall, Horus is still a powerful leader and is capable of clearing high end content with the right investment, player skill, and luck. He is also a fantastic leader for those who are just starting out as you will be forced to improve your comboing and orb matching skills.
Isis Devil / God —- Reduce damage by 15%, 2 turn bind clear
3 turn CD
Isis is one of the most sought after cards in Puzzle and Dragons due to her incredible utility, active, skill inheritance potential, colour coverage, and beauty. It is sometimes challenging to find a sub who can cover both water and wood while being useful (others that come to mind are Sun Quan and Orochi ). However, neither of those offer the same degree of defensive utility as Isis along with a quick charging active. With an active that takes only 3 turns to recharge, Isis makes an amazing base monster for inheriting a skill. This way you can have the colour coverage and option of bind clearing along with an inherited active for only an additional 3 turns of cooldown.
Isis is naturally at home on mono water teams as she offers some offensive capabilities, but perhaps her most popular use is on Ra Dragon (or other rainbow) teams. If you have a Dark Kali , your team is essentially bind immune as you your colour activation requirements will always be met. Furthermore, you can clear binds from other subs with Isis’s active.
Sub potential aside, Isis makes a wonderful leader for new accounts as she will help teach you the basics of comboing along with colour management.
Overall, Isis is one of the strongest and most versatile monsters available and is worth pursuing and investing in.
Bastet Devil / Balance —- Mass attack for 3 turns + 2s to move orbs
5 turn CD
Best Cat, I mean Bastet, is still a powerful lead despite what various JP tier lists report. She has not become weak, only that newer and flashier cards have been released (thinking of the next round of 300k MP cards). Granted 36x ATK may seem lacklustre, but you have to remember that wood has some fantastic sub options for a mono colour TPA teams. Outstanding subs include, but not limited to Vishnu (sometimes x2), Meimei , Sylvie , Kaede , Liu Bei , and Verdandi . With ample access to wood orb generation and enhanced skyfalls, you can unleash incredible burst damage that is capable of sweeping most high level content. Furthermore, you are able to control your damage through combos made, electing to match TPA, and active usage as a component of your leader skill is tied to using skills.
The main downsides of using Bastet are no HP or RCV multiplier, a weak active, a reliance on using actives to trigger her full multipliers (think skill delays or locked actives), and a higher skill cap to use. However, with the introduction of skill inheritance, you will be able to inherit a powerful and useful active onto your two leaders.
Overall, Best Cat is a wonderful leader who will have players saying mee-wow at your burst damage and cuteness potential.
Ra Devil / God —- 77,777 true damage to all enemies + 3s to move orbs
7 turn CD
Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra, Ra Ra Ra Ra. Something something P-p-poker face. Bad singing aside, Awoken Ra is still a powerhouse leader who offers 100x damage for only matching fire, water, wood, light, dark, and using an active skill. This is quite a low skill cap for 100x damage and upon his release, completely shattered the meta as he simply overpowered all the content put before him. However, with the advent of 300k MP cards and more ridiculous dungeon mechanics, Awoken Ra has lost his godly status, but is still capable of clearing end game content.
As a leader, Ra is bind immune and has the ability to control his damage through active skill usage. You can deal 4x, 25x, or 100x damage and this can be useful when you need to control your output. The main factors that are hindering his supremacy is a lacklustre active, vulnerability to skill delays (as you cannot trigger 100x damage), reliance on repeated active usage to sweep floors, and not being a pretty girl.
With the advent of push button farming and bosses with high defence and low HP, Ra’s active has found some more uses as it can be used to sweep these floors. On a push button team, he can be used for clearing the smaller floors and his two skill boosts will come in handy. When dealing with floors such as 10 million defence PreDRAs , the true damage nuke becomes invaluable and may be used for skill inheritance.
Overall, Ra is still a great monster and should not be discredited because newer and flashing cards have been released. You also want to keep dupes for skill inheritance or push button farming.
Anubis Devil / God —-
+ 4 turn counterattack
8 turn CD
The one true Doge has been heralded as the king of damage output (discrediting the even more unreliable Fenrir ) at the risk of an incredibly high skill/luck cap. Awoken Anubis can achieve 400x ATK at 12 combos and only begins to generate a multiplier at 9 combos. The average board may not even allow you to create 9 combos due to uneven orb distribution and causes you to rely on skyfalls for damage as the maximum matches you can generate from a regular board is 10 combos. Furthermore, there are very few players who can consistently hit 8+ combos and even those still need to pray to RNG-esus for additional skyfalls. Building upon the reliance of skyfalls for triggering damage, you have almost no reliable way to control your damage outside of using an active and matching under 9 combos for 4x damage. However, if you are able to maximize the board on a consistent basis, you will be greatly rewarded.
Looking at Anubis as a sub, he can find a home on numerous mono dark teams and his active can be quite powerful as a pseudo board refresh substitute. You generally use full board changers to remove excessive jammer or poison orbs and with his revamped active, Anubis can fulfil that role. His main drawback as a sub is an underwhelming active if you are not removing jammer or poison orbs. This is because an 8-turn cooldown for a single orb change is poor value when you could use something like Grisar who is 7 turns with haste. Furthermore, Anubis lacks any offensive awakenings and this will bring down your overall damage.
Overall, Anubis is an okay card to own as his leadership potential is marred by luck/inconsistency while his sub usage is most limited to a budget jammer/poison orb removal.