So, is the meta with Pantheon "rush to get Ra"?

[sheppo]

Because it sure feels like that's how every game has gone.

[michaelHastriter]

I think the Meta is Race for science as stated by LE007n's data analysis. See "7WD through the numbers"

Follow these 5 priorities in order:

A) above all, don't let a player get 4 science in age 1
B) "Defend vs RA" try to set up RA by avoiding taking one of 2 cards covering an Egypt token, also avoid letting Divine theater get too cheap in age 1 (make them sacrifice for it if they really wanna pull that stunt)
C) don't let a player get 3 science in age 1
D) in the first 6 cards taken, value yellow cards over green cards, mid to late age 1, switch it to take green cards over the reserves, but tavern is still useful
E) "Offense with RA": Try to set up RA for yourself and have at least 8 coins going into age 2 so that you can take it, and threaten taking other Pantheon divinities with the remainder coin advantage. Try to start age 2 via first player trick usung 1 wonder, or even 2nd player.

RA is powerful but it really can mess up your own games when you don't get it, but the strategy I play, it doesn't really help my game. RA, Mars, and BAAl are like this. They don't help my strategy, but if used against me, they can sure ruin it.

[sheppo]

Thanks Michael. These were some very useful pointers. I'll check out LE007n's notes too.

[Unpwnable]

Lmao that's why all these nubbies rush Ra. I literally laugh everytime as it doesn't actually give you a big advantage, and every game is also different. It's not even about your wonders but how you draws cards, it's about HOW and WHY you use, and if it has a point.

Using wonders randonly is a giant problem of many players - according to the stats, I use 1.25-1.5 less wonders on average than an average player. And still, I have 55% winrate and made it to 330 ELO 2 times with my very aggressive style.

[Unpwnable]

I had a lot of wins where I basically had 1/2/3 wonders+gods+conspiracies used against like 8/10/15. People can't understand the whole point.

Btw I would give you some proofs of those games, just dunno how to pin a screen on this forum

[Unpwnable]

https://imgur.com/a/IjCtWMS
Just played now. That guy is 300+ ELO. My default win lol. Nuff said.

[mrjwdad]

I don't think there can be any doubt that Ra is way too powerful. I just played against someone with a pretty high rating who used not 1 but 2 of their play-again wonders at the end of Era 1 in order to go first in Era 2. He promptly used the Gate to get Ra. I feel I played pretty well, I only lost because he got all three of those Purple cards in Era 3. There was nothing I could do about it. He had my play-again wonder in reserve to make sure he'd get it.

I'm not saying it is impossible to win if your opponent gets Ra, but it certainly tips the balances highly in their favor.

Love this game, but I'm excited not to be using this expansion for the new season. If I personally owned the game, I'd simply remove Ra from the pool before starting.