This week's battle challenge focuses on the Naga Warrior:

The Naga of ΛZMΛRÉ are a brutal and savage people. Many of their ways are perceived as taboo, revolting, and disturbing to outsiders, such as their custom of eating the dead. The Naga Warriors (especially the females) are known for fighting to the absolute, bitter, bloody end.

Card Details

An Alpha/Beta epic rarity monster from the Earth Splinter at level 2:

• Estimated cost: $12.080
• Mana cost: 5
• Melee attack: 3
• Speed: 3
• Health: 6
• Retaliate: When hit with a Melee attack, Monsters with Retaliate have a chance of attacking their attacker.

A premium old Alpha/Beta melee monster whose price has increased quite a bit over the past month. I had a level 2 Naga Warrior on my alt account when it was still cheap to pick up a couple of single BCX cards. In Gold and lower leagues, the Naga Warrior packs a nice punch, has more health than its mana cost and has decent speed. The retaliate ability is so fantastic in those melee-focused ruleset battles as it has a chance to do 6 damage per round when procced (3 melee attack + 3 melee attack retaliate).

Battle - Full Battle Replay

Battle Details

• Mana cap: 19
• Ruleset(s): Aim True, Taking Sides

Lineup Details

• Alric Stormbringer (Summoner): +1 magic to all friendly monsters
• Naga Warrior: primary melee tank + retaliate damage
• Electric Eels: support melee damage + reach damage
• Crustacean King: support range damage + healing buffs to keep Naga Warrior alive
• Medusa: primary magic damage + stun hex

Did your strategy work? What will you try differently next time?

My opponent was slightly underpowered and had no way in dealing with the Crustacean King, who proved vital in keeping Naga Warrior alive. Naga Warrior was great in this battle - it single-handedly took out the Bone Golem by landing a final retaliate blow before it perished. That last retaliate proved vital that what killed off the Bone Golem and essentially tipped the battle in my favor. The rest of the battle played as my backline monsters mopped up the rest of the enemy's monsters.

Do you like the Naga Warrior? Why or why not?

When you look for similar melee damage monsters with retaliate at level 2, there are a few options: Serpent of the Flame, Stonesplitter Orc, and War Chaang, so it's evident Naga Warrior is in good company. What do I like about the Naga Warrior? Equal damage and speed, more health than its mana cost, and retaliate ability. What don't I like about Naga Warrior? Its premium price is commanding, but that's unfair as almost all Alpha and Beta cards of late have increased in price.

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