N0X AC (S23 M3) – Back on Track After Facing RRH

Going into our 3rd match of the season we're faced with KIK. Since we lost our 2nd match and looking at the power rating difference, this feels like one of those games where we should be racking up some serious points in this season.

So without further ado let's jump straight into the game and see how it plays out. If N0X wants to keep the UC dream alive, we need at least 3 wins out of the remaining 4 matches. This is step one!

https://youtu.be/Tc3ZwzHj9Cs

As Phase 1 opens we win a clean 4/4 on the opening races and secure every building on the map. Swaps go smoothly and we only lightly reinforce, just enough to show map control but with plenty of troops in our pockets to reinforce if they rally. No need to lock troops when we might need flexibility soon. And with full map control, you'd think we'd need to defend any second now.

I guess we let Warrior go for the lols and target practice? Because there’s really no other explanation for giving it up that early.😅

As ports open in Phase 2, N0X runners are already winning races before I even get to use speeds.

Meanwhile, we retake Warrior and continue full map control.

https://youtu.be/eHrNCsvwbms

At this point I really need to rethink how I approach these races. My current “no-plan plan” isn’t working so far.

KIK tries a few rallies, but the account gap is just too big. They can’t break anything meaningful. It’s starting to feel very similar to the RRH match... just with roles reversed this time.

We move quickly into Phase 3 and, unsurprisingly, win the race for Casterly Rock as well. I seriously need to ask Arcabo what he’s doing differently, because I’m clearly missing something on these timings.

We execute a clean swap on CR and drop Balrum in. From that point on, CR should be locked for us.

Hopefully there's no more funny business like Warrior earlier.

Phase 4 follows the same pattern. Strongholds fall under N0X control just as easily and by mid game the entire map is comfortably under our banners. At this stage, the only real way we lose is if we lose both mines… or a power outage for half the alliance.

So, anything short of a total disaster, this game is in the bag now.

Hives open and the map explodes with marches flying left and right. More points get added to the scoreboard on both sides.

Funny how even their biggest accounts can’t really do much. Though to be fair, that rally was missing troops.

Much to my shame, I panic a bit on an incoming hit and blank to save troops…

…and end up donating 100 points to 10 bows. Not my proudest moment.

Anyway, moving into Phase 5, it’s time to focus. The game is won, but points still matter. Mines can swing the scoreboard a lot, and if we want a strong overall ranking for UC, we need to maximize every source.

Disclaimer: Up to this point, I haven’t won a single race all game. Not... a single... one. So I get my racing fingers ready, it's game time! Can I win one now when it really matters the most?

Mines open! I'm assigned to far mine. I launch! I Speed! It seems I'm late to leave the hive... but I’m in!!!

First race won! And not just any race, probably the most important one in the entire match!

Alright… I can safely say I did something usefull this game, lol.

https://youtu.be/owZEuTvfKL0

Hotep also gets a mine and as I prepare for a swap, he calls for Cav reinforcements. Perfect timing, I can actually send him the spare Cavs coming back from the won race. Winner Cavs, haha!

As we pass 110k points and head into the final minutes, Discord discussions move to reflection and preparation for the next game. We run a few test rallies for reinforcement practice, and set favorites based on our positioning in the hive. Setting up clean habits for the games that will actually matter.

On the final screen, I even get a small cameo for that one race. Not a bad way to show I was present after all.

Stepping out of the match, it wasn’t the most exciting fight, but it was exactly what we needed. A clean, controlled win to stabilize our ranking.

With two matches left, one more win puts us in a strong position for UC. Now it’s all about the next opponent.