In strategy games, understanding how damage is calculated is the key to building powerful marches. Here is the breakdown of the two primary damage types and how they function.
Skill Damage
Skill damage is generated by your commander's abilities. This includes:
- Active Skills: The powerful abilities triggered when your rage bar is full.
- Passive/Proc Skills: Direct-damage effects triggered by specific conditions.
- Area-of-Effect (AoE) hits: Damage dealt to multiple targets via a skill.
Scaling: This damage is boosted by stats labeled as "Skill Damage," "Skill Damage Taken," or "Skill Damage Factor."
- Example: Sun Tzu’s circular active ability is a classic example of skill damage.
Normal Damage
Normal damage refers to the standard combat cycle of your troops. This includes:
- Basic Attacks: The regular hits your march performs between rage cycles.
- Bonus Basic Attacks: Extra hits triggered by specific equipment or commander buffs.
Scaling: This damage is boosted by stats labeled as "Normal Attack Damage" or "Normal Attack Damage Taken."
The Third Pillar: Counterattack Damage
It is important to note that Counterattack Damage is a distinct category. It refers to the damage dealt back to an enemy when they attack your march.
- Normal attack damage bonuses do not apply to counterattacks.
- Skill damage bonuses do not apply to counterattacks.
- Always look for specific "Counterattack Damage" modifiers to boost this stat.
Quick Reference Guide
| Damage Type | Source | Best Boosted By |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Damage | Regular basic attacks | Normal Attack Damage |
| Skill Damage | Commander skills | Skill Damage |
| Counterattack | Return hits when attacked | Counterattack Damage |
Why This Matters for Your Builds
- Nukers: Prioritize Skill Damage to maximize burst potential.
- Auto-Attack Marches: Focus on Normal Attack Damage to sustain high DPS.
- Garrison/Tank Marches: Often prioritize Counterattack Damage to punish attackers.
Pro Tip: Remember that damage reduction stats are specific. If an item provides "Skill Damage Taken Reduction," it will not protect you from normal basic attacks. Always match your defensive stats to the type of damage you expect to receive.