I liked the new objectives, hated the maze
Mazes? I dont know what you’re talking about. Parts of the map can be narrow corridors, and the map is unforgiving if you want to take a leap of faith down somewhere without checking. But i wouldnt call it a maze.
Also yes, those buffs do only apply to 1 faction. Usually the Frostreach get the armor buff. And invaders typically get a nasty 30% movement speed debuff. These are unique to the Frost side.
But dont worry, Overgrown and Badlands get their own buffs and map control-boons. So each side has their own unique mechanics that enhances them and counters enemies who invade their side of the map.
I liked the new map (objectives), but it is a completely a mess. 50% of the time you cross doors, you have to be careful to not fall down. I got buff in the frozen land that reduce the dmg I take by 10% – all factions have it? If not it can become really imbalanced depending on what faction you get.
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Every side has its own buff. I know overgrown gives you healing and removes conditions. They’re fairly well balanced against each other it seems. The biggest thing anet did right for this update was having real testers play on the map
Mesmer – FURY
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I like the elemental buff. Our entire zerg got it and then trolled an enemy zerg.