Because players are incredibly creative, they will always find unintended synergies that make certain cards overwhelmingly powerful.

If a game's meta remains stagnant for too long, the player base quickly becomes bored of seeing the exact same decks.

Tweaking the Numbers

A nerf usually involves slightly reducing the unit's hitpoints, decreasing its attack speed, or increasing its mana cost.

This constant cycle of raising and lowering power levels ensures that every card eventually gets its time in the spotlight.

• If the main counter to the Goblin Barrel is nerfed, bait decks instantly become stronger.
• Developers rely heavily on win-rate data from top-tier esports matches.
• Experiment with newly buffed cards immediately.

Dealing with Meta Shifts

This is why building a deck based on fundamental synergies rather than exploiting one overpowered card is so important.

Observe what the top players and content creators are experimenting with to get a feel for the new landscape.

A Living Game

While having your favorite strategy nerfed can be painful, it is a necessary sacrifice for the long-term health of the game.

The game is alive, and that is what makes it beautiful.