Moonbrush Wood

Moonbrush Wood

Moonbrush Wood presents a unique challenge, focusing on strategic creature deployment and efficient resource management. This level introduces the concept of hero gates and the importance of securing your dungeon heart early.

Initial Setup and Expansion

Upon starting, immediately claim the surrounding gold veins. Your priority should be establishing a secure perimeter and a functional dungeon. You'll begin with a few Imps and Bile Demons. The Bile Demons are excellent for early defense and clearing out the initial hero patrols.

• Digging Strategy: Focus on digging a 3x3 Lair, a 5x5 Hatchery, and a 3x3 Training Room. Ensure these are connected by reinforced corridors to prevent early hero breaches.
• Gold Management: There are several gold veins directly accessible from your starting point. Prioritize claiming these and assigning Imps to mine them. Gold is crucial for expanding your dungeon and attracting higher-tier creatures.
• Creature Attraction: Build a Temple as soon as possible (at least 7x7 for optimal creature attraction). This will be key to attracting Horned Reapers, which are invaluable for their combat prowess.

Dealing with Hero Gates

Moonbrush Wood features two primary hero gates that will periodically spawn heroes. These gates are located:

• Northern Gate: To the north-west of your starting position, guarded by a few Fairies and a Knight.
• Eastern Gate: Directly east, protected by a Wizard and some Archers.

Your strategy for these gates should be:

1. Early Defense: Place a few Bile Demons or a well-trained Orc near each gate's approach to deter initial hero incursions.
2. Reinforce and Attack: Once you have a small force of trained creatures (e.g., a couple of Horned Reapers, a Dark Mistress, and some Trolls), launch a coordinated attack on one gate.
3. Destroying Gates: Hero gates can be destroyed by your creatures. Focus fire on the gate itself once the defending heroes are dealt with. Destroying a gate will significantly reduce hero pressure from that direction.

Mid-Game Objectives and Creature Recruitment

As you expand, you'll uncover more of the map and encounter additional challenges. Your mid-game focus should be:

• Library Construction: Build a large Library (at least 9x9) to attract Warlocks. Their Boulder spell is incredibly effective against hero groups and structures.
• Bridge to the South: To the south, you'll find a chasm with a bridge leading to a powerful hero encampment. Do NOT cross this bridge prematurely. It's heavily guarded by multiple Knights and a powerful Avatar.
• Gem Vein: There is a valuable Gem Vein located in the far south-east corner of the map, past the eastern hero gate. Secure this once the gate is destroyed to ensure a steady income of gold.

Final Assault on the Hero Stronghold

The main hero stronghold is located across the southern bridge. This will be your final objective. Before attacking, ensure you have:

• A Strong Army: At least 3-4 Horned Reapers (level 5+), 2-3 Dark Mistresses, 4-5 Warlocks, and a few Trolls or Skeletons for frontline defense.
• Mana Reserves: Stock up on mana for crucial spells like Heal, Boulder, and Call to Arms.
• Reinforced Dungeon: Ensure your dungeon heart is well-protected, as heroes might attempt a desperate counter-attack.

Attack Strategy:

1. Breach the Bridge: Send your strongest creatures across the bridge. Use Warlocks to cast Boulder on the initial hero groups.
2. Target the Avatar: The Avatar is the most dangerous hero. Focus all your creatures' attacks on him. Use Heal on your Horned Reapers and Dark Mistresses as needed.
3. Clear the Stronghold: Once the Avatar is defeated, systematically clear out the remaining heroes and destroy their structures.
4. Claim the Land: Once all heroes are vanquished and their dungeon heart (if any) is destroyed, the land will be yours.