[Tips & Tricks] Defensive Mechanics against New Wall-Breaker AI
Foreword: Many AI enthusiasts, such as Hannibal, Junliang, Daddy, Flammy, and myself, have been actively testing various wall configurations to efficiently defend against the new revamped Wall-Breaker AI, since the release of Patch 3.54. I will continuously update this guide as more mechanics are discovered. Special thanks to everyone who contributed in these researches.
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The new AI ignores most decoys as soon they are "open." Therefore, the idea of these mechanics is not to completely nullify Wall-Breakers' usage via decoys, but to maximize the numbers of Wall-Breakers required to breach the design. They are, more or less, more efficient ways to utilize walls for "boxes inside of boxes inside of boxes."
X-Junctions: Avoid joining T-junctions to minimize the new blast radius' effectiveness; requires higher numbers of Wall-Breakers to "open up" individual compartments.
The next mechanic has 2 unique effects, depending on the Wall-Breakers' relative deployment locations. The idea is to create unnatural, lengthened paths, which separate the Wall-Breakers from the army, making them more vulnerable.
Partially enclosed compartment: L-shaped wall strip that will attract Wall-Breakers when they are deployed away from the open gap. This also works as a funnel. (1)
Maze strip: When Wall-Breakers are deployed close to the gap of the mentioned partially enclosed compartment, the horizontal strip acts as a maze to lengthen the Wall-Breakers' path, increases the chance of Wall-Breakers being sniped down before reaching the target walls.
Replay compilation demonstrating these mechanics:
Wall Cushion - Double perimeter layer, which forces Wall-Breakers away from certain important compartments. (1)
Demonstrative replays showcasing clever applications of Wall Cushion:
Decoy Island - Satellite enclosed compartment that attracts Wall-Breakers away from the main base; similar effect of "spikes." (2)
http://i49.tinypic.com/v62kn9.jpg
Enclosed, individual building lures Wall-Breakers away from the main base
Detailed discussion with demonstration of Decoy Island: http://youtu.be/6zVLG97dmd0 (2)
Additional Mechanics - Coming soon.
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Sources
(1) Flammmy - http://youtu.be/jEjOSEN9Llo
(2) Daddy - http://youtu.be/6zVLG97dmd0
(3) Soki - http://youtu.be/FkZxey6RZVw
(4) TimTheEnchanter - http://youtu.be/6gj5yI-lzTU
(5) Junliang