Best Mode for Vortex Wars

[techgump]

Not to say random does not have a play in game longevity. I do not mean to say Darkas is completely wrong. It can definitely have an effect. HC still is the largest difference tho IMO. Random will (or probably should) cause one to play more reserved... as you do not know where your replenishment will be placed, but HC will force 8s and causes more reserved play as well, and that is what I have found to be the longest of games. Combine them both, and remove more-so the first person advantage with FullMap mode, you typically have the longest of games in store for you.

[techgump]

And let me not forget to return the favor!
Tip of the day: The quite common Attrition/Conquor/BORDERS players use the big advantage of others not knowing what borders does with multiple touch points to farm innocent people, especially those that allow for guests and noobs while being experienced themself.

[Darkas]

Remove "common" and I'll agree with you, for once (even if more people know what border means than people know how to play a HC/rand/full).

[techgump]

lol, fair enough, common removed. Did it hurt?

I must correct myself again as well. I had it right the first time. HC alone does not force all 8s either... neither HC or random alone. It is the HC/Random combo that really assures this.

2nd edit: Depends on map size too. In larger maps, either one alone would likely force it as well. So Darkas is not wrong, and I would agree, if he removed "#1 reason". I would say they are one and the same. Either, or Both.

To clearify:
As I already stated, in HC no one wants to be left with their pants down on an 7v8
but likewise, in random, one should not (after a certain point in game) attack more than they can replace again with 8s, as otherwise, you do not know where your placement will go, and you may be left short on the front lines next to an 8. Once again, your pants are down.

So there I'd say we are both right, and both wrong. Together, we are always right.

[EtherTrogg]

Best mode for farming shards;
Start type: Fullmap. Reason; as shards are gained from taking territory owned by other players and not empty spaces this mode ensures all takes are shard gains and action (gaining of shards) happens right away.
New Troops: Manual. Reason; the ability to place your troops were u can gain as much easy enemy land (shards) per turn, also allows one to survive long and gain shards even from a losing position.
Game Type: Hardcore. Reason; exact calculations can be made about how far you can reach to either connect or cut, makes for more lands changing hands each round (shards!)
Min Level: Any. Reason; gets game started very quickly, and as purpose is to gain shards quickly - inexperienced players are more then welcome
Upgrades: Enabled if you have bonus race, disabled if you dont for very obvious reasons
Map type: small and preferably season/special maps as they fill up quick and are great for circular type land exchanging each round gaining lots of shards

basic strategy: get an 8 peice early and always have an 8 peice, keep your 8 peice atleast 1 space apart from enemy 8's, run your eight(s) through as many low lands each round as possible factoring in connection and cut requirements, try to increase your number of 8 peices gradually. this way of playing for me wins about 60% of the time and gets me 50-100 shards per match of average 10-15mins

E.T. ;-P''