Before diving into the specifics of Update 46, it is important to understand what the Banner Bearer brings to the battlefield. In many strategy games, the Banner Bearer serves as a hybrid support and frontline unit. Its primary role is to provide a passive area-of-effect buff to nearby allies, typically increasing attack damage, movement speed, or defensive capabilities. This makes it a linchpin in coordinated pushes and defensive holds alike. The unit itself often has moderate combat stats, but its true value lies in the aura it projects.
Prior to the update, the Banner Bearer had a recruitment cost of 200 food and 50 gold. This relatively low price allowed players to field multiple Banner Bearers early in the game, creating dense buff zones that could overwhelm opponents. Its accessibility made it a staple in both casual and competitive play, sometimes leading to monotonous army compositions centered entirely around this single support unit.
What Changed in Update 46?
Update 46 introduced a significant adjustment to the Banner Bearer’s cost. The recruitment price has been increased to 250 food and 75 gold. This 25 percent hike in food and 50 percent increase in gold may seem modest at first glance, but it has deep implications for how the unit fits into your build order and overall economy management.
Developers stated that the change was made to better align the Banner Bearer’s cost with its battlefield impact. At its old price, it was simply too efficient, often outperforming dedicated combat units in terms of raw value per resource spent. By raising the cost, the team aims to encourage more diverse army compositions and reduce the prevalence of Banner Bearer spam.
Strategic Implications of the Cost Adjustment
The new cost structure affects decision-making at every stage of the game. In the early game, you can no longer afford to rush out a Banner Bearer as your first or second unit without making significant sacrifices elsewhere. The increased gold requirement means you will need additional villagers on gold mining, delaying your food-based military buildup. This can leave you vulnerable to early aggression if you overcommit to teching into support units.
In the mid-game, the adjustment forces you to be more selective about how many Banner Bearers you field. Where two or three were common before, now one well-placed Banner Bearer must often suffice. The aura coverage remains unchanged, so positioning becomes paramount. Losing a Banner Bearer in a skirmish now hurts more because the replacement cost is higher, and your opponent can exploit the temporary loss of your buff zone.
Late-game scenarios are also affected. Massing Banner Bearers for a decisive push is costlier, and the economic burden can limit your ability to tech into other upgrades or flood replacement units. You may need to lean more heavily on alternative support options or rely on castle or hero abilities to fill the gap.
Adapting Your Strategy
To thrive in the post-update meta, you must refine your approach. First, reconsider your build order. If you previously opened with a straightforward Banner Bearer rush, experiment with delaying it until after you have secured a small raiding force. Prioritize early map control and scouting to determine whether your opponent is also investing in support units. If they skip the Banner Bearer entirely, you might do the same and instead pressure their economy with faster, cheaper units.
Positioning is more critical than ever. Place your Banner Bearer behind your main line but close enough to cover the maximum number of allies. Use terrain and other units to shield it from snipers. Do not expose it unnecessarily, because retreating with a slow Banner Bearer can lead to a costly loss.
Consider complementary strategies. Some players may find it worthwhile to invest in upgrades that extend the Banner Bearer’s aura range or increase its durability. Others might pair a single Banner Bearer with long-range units, using the buff to amplify damage while keeping the bearer safe. Additionally, keep an eye on the evolving meta. If your opponents are now fielding fewer Banner Bearers, you can capitalize on their lack of buffs by engaging where your own support units grant a decisive edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the Banner Bearer cost before Update 46?
Previously, the Banner Bearer cost 200 food and 50 gold. This low price made it one of the most resource-efficient support units in the game.
What is the new cost of the Banner Bearer in Update 46?
The unit now costs 250 food and 75 gold. This represents a noticeable increase, especially in gold, reflecting its powerful buffing capabilities.
Were Banner Bearer stats or abilities changed in Update 46?
No, only the recruitment cost was adjusted. The health, armor, damage, and aura effects remain exactly as they were before the update.
Why did the developers increase the Banner Bearer’s cost?
The developers observed that the Banner Bearer was overperforming in terms of value per resource, leading to repetitive army compositions. The cost increase aims to promote strategic diversity and make other support options more attractive.
Does this change affect the Banner Bearer in campaign or single-player modes?
Yes, the cost change applies universally across all game modes, including campaign, skirmish, and multiplayer. Players need to adapt their single-player strategies accordingly.
How should I modify my standard build order after the update?
A good rule of thumb is to postpone Banner Bearer production until you have established a stable economy with at least eight villagers on gold. Consider opening with a few cheap combat units to assert map presence before transitioning into support roles.
Can I still win with a Banner Bearer-centric army?
Absolutely. The unit is still highly effective. The key is to use it more deliberately, protecting it and maximizing its aura uptime. Combining a single Banner Bearer with high-ranged units like archers or siege can be devastating.
What are good counters to a Banner Bearer strategy now?
Fast flanking units remain the best counter. Cavalry or skirmishers that can bypass the frontline and snipe the Banner Bearer can quickly collapse the enemy’s advantage. Focus fire and area-of-effect spells also work well.
