Stone Golems - How Much I Like Them

[brightknight_216]

After the arrival of my Merc Reinforcement pack - Stone Golems have become my favorite Merc common units after Spear Grounders. Although it has the weaknesses of not being able to attack when moved two spaces, it's 3 life points and 2 attack value is highly useful to factions that play "turtling" strategies like Vanguards and Deep Dwarves. With Vanguard using Stone Golems, it can easily provide VG's players the opportunities to use their Priests' abilities and Divine Strength.

Furthermore, it can provide the needed "defensive" support to factions with fragile factions such as Phoenix Elves and Benders. For the latter, I like how Stone Golems can be combined with the Controllers abilities which can help push Stone Golems another space after the Controllers attack. I like the fact how Stone Golems can be an advantage additions to PE deck when it can combined with Fire Beasts to provide common units with more staying power on the board to stop enemies from advancing towards Prince Elien.

It is also interesting for JE player with a custom deck using Stone Golems and Archers. Stone Golems can act as front-line defensive units while the Archers can remain at the back shooting their arrows without having to worry of being attacked and killed.

It can be combined with GD in combination with Guardsmen and Tordok with greater staying power of the common units on the board. In addition, it would work well with TO complementing the use of Chargers and Thwarters in the deck that pressure for offensive attack to give time for Stone Golems to gradually move forward.

What other factions do you think that Stone Golems can be most complementary and why will you sub them into the other factions? Would be interesting to hear some of your ideas.

[glenn3e]

The weakness of the Stone Golem can sometimes bite you if you're not careful. I once had a Filth vs Merc game where I lost all my Units with only Dema left vs an army of Stone Golems in a labyrinth of Walls. The Dema proceeded to wipe out every Stone Golem by hit and running them. They couldn't even get away lol. The Dema then proceeded to out-dice the Rallul with his elite dice rolls.

Conclusion, don't piss of Dema by killing all his Mutations.

[brightknight_216]

The weakness of the Stone Golem can sometimes bite you if you're not careful. I once had a Filth vs Merc game where I lost all my Units with only Dema left vs an army of Stone Golems in a labyrinth of Walls. The Dema proceeded to wipe out every Stone Golem by hit and running them. They couldn't even get away lol. The Dema then proceeded to out-dice the Rallul with his elite dice rolls.

I agree. That's the reason Stone Golems will need to be combined with other units that can move up to two spaces and attack. I think Stone Golems are mostly for defence and to put pressure on opponents from getting too aggressive with their attack.

Nevertheless, I can see the problem if you only have Stone Golems left at the end game where it can be difficult, if not impossible to chase after the opponents' Summoner.

[esper88]

Stone Golems are my favorite unit in the whole game!!!

My merc deck is filled with them (bought a second Merc deck) and I spam them like crazy. They're intimidating if nothing else. When you've got a huge number of units they come alive because you can move them into position while others attack.

[Shockma Ranyk]

I have actually never played any non-Mercenary faction deck with Stone Golems in it because I've never taken them out of my Merc deck. They're way good, I couldn't believe their lukewarm reception in the power rankings.

[thenightsshadow]

Stone Golems, how do I loathe thee, let me count the ways.

- I hate how they punish 1 AV factions.
- Their weakness is a strength against melee factions.
- I do not know whether there are 0 or 8 more Stone Golems waiting in the wings against the Mercenaries.
- Their 3 life is a boon to factions such as Benders and Vanguards.

Nah, I really do like them. They're just annoying to face with my Cave Gobbies.

[brightknight_216]

Stone Golems are my favorite unit in the whole game!!!

My merc deck is filled with them (bought a second Merc deck) and I spam them like crazy. They're intimidating if nothing else. When you've got a huge number of units they come alive because you can move them into position while others attack.

Out of curiosity, how many Stone Golems you put in your Merc deck?

[sitnam90]

I have found Stone Golems to be great additions to Vanguard decks, especially alongside Divine Strength and Priests. They can last for awhile and it is difficult to potshot them since VG can heal them if need be, helping to mitigate their ability. I dont like these guys with offensive factions however, as their restrictions often helps opponents prioritze targets a little better.

Nah, I really do like them. They're just annoying to face with my Cave Gobbies.

Since the introduction of the Master Set I have learned never to doubt the Eater. He may not be useful in all match ups but man does he take the edge off of those tough super commons that have become more popular as of late. Him and the CG ability to first strike makes me a little less fearful of Stone Golems.

[esper88]

Out of curiosity, how many Stone Golems you put in your Merc deck?

8! There's not much strategy too it, I just love playing them.

[Aleph]

Bender LOVE! 2 magic for 3 life in the Benders is amazing.

It does make my Parasites sad, though... no brains to eat AND no role in the army.