Nana
Moonton, the developer behind the globally acclaimed mobile MOBA, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), has rolled out its latest Advanced Server Patch 2.1.98, signaling a series of impactful changes poised to redefine gameplay. This comprehensive update introduces significant hero adjustments, crucial battlefield tweaks, and an ambitious overhaul of the popular Card Brawl game mode. As players eagerly anticipate the eventual deployment of these modifications to the Official Server, the patch notes offer a glimpse into Moonton’s ongoing commitment to balancing, revitalizing, and enriching the MLBB experience.
The Advanced Server serves as a crucial testing ground for new features, hero reworks, and balance adjustments before they reach the broader player base. Patch 2.1.98 is no exception, bringing a blend of visual enhancements, numerical tweaks, and functional improvements designed to address various aspects of the game. Key highlights include a visual and functional refresh for the Marksman hero Bruno, a targeted nerf to the Mage Novaria, and a substantial evolution of the Card Brawl game mode, promising fresh strategic depths.
Unpacking the Hero Adjustments: Balancing Power and Presence
Hero adjustments are a cornerstone of MLBB’s continuous development cycle, aiming to maintain a dynamic and competitive meta. Patch 2.1.98 focuses on two distinct approaches: a visual and functional revamp for an older hero, and a fine-tuning nerf for a recently prominent one.
Bruno: A Visual and Functional Refresh (Adjusted)
The Marksman hero Bruno, a long-standing figure in the Land of Dawn, is undergoing a significant transformation in Patch 2.1.98. This update introduces a revamped model, entirely new animations, refreshed visual effects (VFX), and updated sound effects (SFX). While the full suite of assets is still under development, this initial rollout marks a substantial step towards modernizing Bruno’s aesthetic and player experience.
Main Facts & Chronology:
Bruno’s revamp comes at a time when many older heroes in MLBB are receiving visual and mechanical updates to align with the game’s evolving graphical standards and design philosophy. The initial rollout focuses on the core visual elements, with further assets to be integrated upon completion. This iterative approach allows Moonton to gather feedback on the foundational changes before finalizing the entire package.
Supporting Data & Official Responses:
The developers’ note on Bruno explicitly states the introduction of "new model, animations, visual effects, and sound effects." This indicates a holistic approach to his visual identity. Historically, such revamps are initiated to breathe new life into heroes whose designs might feel dated compared to newer additions, or to better represent their lore and thematic elements. A fresh look can also reignite player interest and potentially attract new players to the hero.
Beyond the aesthetic overhaul, a crucial functional fix has been implemented for Bruno’s Skill 2. The patch addresses an issue where Skill 2’s dash direction was incorrect when utilizing Smart Casting in specific scenarios. This seemingly minor bug fix holds significant implications for Bruno players. Smart Casting allows for quicker skill execution by automatically targeting the nearest enemy or casting in a predetermined direction. An incorrect dash direction could lead to misplays, missed opportunities for escapes or engagements, and overall frustration. By rectifying this, Moonton ensures that Bruno’s mobility tool functions as intended, providing reliable tactical execution.
Implications:
The visual revamp for Bruno is expected to enhance his appeal, making him feel more contemporary and engaging to play. A polished appearance often correlates with increased pick rates, as players are more inclined to experience a hero that looks and feels fresh. The fix for his Skill 2 is a crucial quality-of-life improvement. For a Marksman who relies on precise positioning and swift movements to output damage and avoid threats, a dependable dash is paramount. This adjustment will allow Bruno players to execute their strategies with greater confidence and accuracy, potentially improving his overall performance ceiling and consistency in competitive play. It reinforces Moonton’s dedication to refining even the smallest details that impact gameplay fluidity.
Novaria: Reining in Celestial Power (Nerfed)
Novaria, the Celestial Guardian, has been a relatively recent addition to the Land of Dawn, quickly establishing herself as a formidable Mage with unique long-range capabilities and vision control. Following a period of observation and likely strong performance, Patch 2.1.98 introduces a targeted nerf to her kit.
Main Facts & Chronology:
Novaria has seen a fluctuating presence in the meta since her release, often receiving minor adjustments to fine-tune her power level. The developers note that this specific nerf is a "slight reversion of some buffs made in the previous patch," indicating an ongoing iterative process to find her optimal balance point. This suggests that her previous buffs might have inadvertently pushed her performance beyond desired thresholds, particularly in terms of damage output.
Supporting Data & Official Responses:
The specific adjustment targets Novaria’s Skill 2, reducing its Magic Power Bonus from 100% to 90%. The Magic Power Bonus dictates how much extra damage a skill gains from the hero’s accumulated Magic Power stat. A reduction from 100% to 90% means that for every point of Magic Power Novaria builds, her Skill 2 will now deal 10% less bonus damage than before. This seemingly small percentage change can have a substantial impact, especially in the late game when Novaria has acquired significant Magic Power from items.
Implications:
Novaria’s strength often lies in her ability to poke enemies from a safe distance and burst down squishy targets with her charged Skill 2. This 10% reduction in Magic Power Bonus directly impacts her burst potential, particularly against high-priority targets. While her early-game lane presence and utility (like vision control) might remain largely unaffected, her mid-to-late game kill potential and ability to single-handedly turn team fights with a well-aimed projectile will be noticeably diminished.
This nerf aims to bring Novaria’s damage output into a more balanced state, preventing her from becoming an overly dominant force in the Mage role. It encourages players to consider her utility and vision control more, rather than solely relying on her raw damage. Competitively, this could open up opportunities for other Mages to shine or require Novaria players to adjust their build paths and playstyles to compensate for the reduced scaling. Moonton’s quick response to revert previous buffs demonstrates their vigilance in maintaining a healthy and diverse hero meta.
Battlefield, System, and Mode Adjustments: Enhancing Core Experience
Beyond individual hero changes, Patch 2.1.98 also delves into broader system-wide and mode-specific adjustments, reflecting Moonton’s commitment to refining the overall MLBB experience.
A. System Adjustments: Ranked Protection Points and Star-raising Points
The ranked ladder is the pinnacle of competitive play in MLBB, and the systems governing player progression are crucial for a fair and engaging experience. This patch introduces a subtle yet important adjustment to Ranked Protection Points and Star-raising Points.
Main Facts & Chronology:
These points are mechanisms designed to soften the blow of losses or accelerate progress for deserving players. Protection Points can prevent a star loss after a defeat, while Star-raising Points contribute towards gaining a star. The current adjustment focuses on how these points are granted, specifically in relation to the Supreme Medal.
Supporting Data & Official Responses:
The developers state: "Adjusted the Protection Points and Star-raising Points granted by certain sources based on the bonus points from the Supreme Medal." The Supreme Medal is often awarded for exceptional performance in matches (e.g., MVP, high KDA, significant contributions). By linking the adjustment of these points to the Supreme Medal bonus, Moonton is fine-tuning the reward system. This suggests that the previous calculation might have either over-rewarded or under-rewarded players based on their medal performance, potentially leading to discrepancies in progression.
Implications:
This adjustment aims to create a more balanced and equitable ranked experience. If the previous system was too generous with points for Supreme Medal winners, it might have allowed some players to climb faster than their consistent performance warranted. Conversely, if it was too stingy, it might have felt unrewarding for truly outstanding individual efforts in a losing game. The fine-tuning ensures that individual contributions, especially those recognized by the Supreme Medal, are appropriately factored into ranked progression, without unduly skewing the competitive integrity of the ladder. This promotes a system where consistent skill and impactful gameplay are properly rewarded, encouraging players to always strive for their best, even in challenging matches.
B. Mode Adjustments: Brawl and Card Brawl
Two popular game modes, Brawl and Card Brawl, receive notable attention in this patch, highlighting Moonton’s efforts to maintain variety and quality across different play experiences.
Brawl: Quality of Life Fixes
Brawl is MLBB’s fast-paced, single-lane game mode, known for its chaotic team fights and quick matches. A specific bug fix is being deployed for this mode.
Main Facts & Chronology:
The fix addresses an issue concerning two specific heroes, Lukas and Sora, within the Brawl environment.
Supporting Data & Official Responses:
The developers fixed an issue where Lukas and Sora did not stay at max HP after casting their Ultimates while already at full HP. This bug implies that if these heroes used their ultimate abilities when their health bar was already full, their HP would inadvertently drop from max, putting them at a disadvantage. While not a game-breaking bug, it represents a significant quality-of-life issue for players utilizing these heroes in Brawl.
Implications:
In the high-octane environment of Brawl, every sliver of HP can make a difference. Unexpected health loss, even if minor, could cost a crucial engagement or force an unnecessary retreat. By fixing this bug, Moonton ensures that Lukas and Sora players can confidently use their Ultimates without fear of self-inflicted HP reduction, thus preserving the integrity and fairness of the mode for these characters. It’s a testament to the developers’ commitment to polishing all aspects of the game, even the secondary modes.
Card Brawl: A Strategic Evolution
Card Brawl, a unique game mode within MLBB, is undergoing a substantial overhaul, indicating a desire to revitalize its gameplay and offer a richer strategic experience.
Main Facts & Chronology:
This patch introduces a major influx of new content and structural changes to Card Brawl. The developers have added a large number of cards, adjusted the pacing and frequency of card distribution, and rebalanced or removed some existing cards. The most significant highlight is the addition of over 20 new cards, each promising "new exciting buffs" for heroes.
Supporting Data & Official Responses:
The developers’ notes explicitly mention "a large number of cards," "over 20 new cards," and "new exciting buffs." This signals a comprehensive revamp rather than a minor tweak. Changes to "pacing and frequency of card distribution" suggest that Moonton aims to alter the flow of the game mode, perhaps making it more dynamic, less predictable, or allowing for more strategic decision-making regarding card acquisition. The rebalancing or removal of existing cards implies that some combinations or individual cards might have been either too powerful, too weak, or simply didn’t fit the desired gameplay direction.
Implications:
The overhaul of Card Brawl is a massive undertaking with profound implications for the mode.
- Increased Strategic Depth: Over 20 new cards will introduce a plethora of new interactions, synergies, and counter-play possibilities. Players will need to adapt their strategies, explore new card combinations, and understand how these new buffs interact with their chosen heroes. This significantly elevates the strategic ceiling of the mode, making each game potentially more unique and engaging.
- Enhanced Replayability: A wider card pool inherently increases replayability. The variety of buffs and effects will ensure that no two Card Brawl matches feel exactly the same, encouraging players to return and experiment with different builds and approaches.
- Dynamic Pacing: Adjustments to card distribution pacing and frequency could mean more consistent access to cards, faster progression through power spikes, or more deliberate choices in card selection. This could make the mode feel more responsive and less reliant on random chance, shifting the focus towards skillful adaptation.
- Meta Shift: The rebalancing and removal of existing cards, combined with the introduction of new ones, will inevitably lead to a complete meta shift within Card Brawl. Dominant strategies might become obsolete, while new powerful combinations will emerge, forcing players to innovate and evolve their understanding of the mode.
- Player Engagement: For a mode like Card Brawl, which relies heavily on novelty and strategic variety, such a significant update is crucial for maintaining player engagement. It demonstrates Moonton’s dedication to providing diverse and well-supported game experiences beyond the core ranked mode. This refresh could attract new players to Card Brawl and rekindle interest among veterans.
Implications for the MLBB Ecosystem and Future Outlook
Patch 2.1.98, while confined to the Advanced Server for now, offers a clear vision of Moonton’s strategic direction for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. The combination of hero reworks, targeted nerfs, system refinements, and mode overhauls illustrates a multi-faceted approach to game development.
The hero adjustments reflect a continuous effort to keep the meta fresh and balanced. Bruno’s revamp acknowledges the need to update older content, ensuring all heroes remain visually appealing and functionally relevant in an ever-evolving game. Novaria’s nerf, on the other hand, exemplifies Moonton’s vigilance in addressing potential power creep and maintaining competitive fairness. These changes are crucial for a healthy competitive environment, preventing a stagnant meta and encouraging diverse hero picks.
The system adjustments to Ranked Protection and Star-raising Points underscore the importance of a robust and fair progression system. By fine-tuning these mechanics, Moonton aims to create a more accurate reflection of player skill and contribution within the ranked ladder, reinforcing the integrity of competitive play.
Finally, the mode adjustments, particularly the extensive overhaul of Card Brawl, highlight Moonton’s commitment to providing varied and engaging experiences beyond the standard 5v5 MOBA format. In an industry where content freshness is paramount, revitalizing secondary game modes is a smart strategy to maintain player interest and cater to different playstyles. The significant expansion of Card Brawl suggests that Moonton sees potential in this mode to become a more robust and strategically rich alternative to traditional MLBB gameplay.
As these changes are rigorously tested on the Advanced Server, player feedback will be instrumental in their final iteration. The iterative nature of Advanced Server patches allows Moonton to make informed decisions, ensuring that the final release on the Official Server is as polished and impactful as possible. This patch is not just an update; it’s a testament to Moonton’s ongoing dedication to refining, balancing, and expanding the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang universe for its millions of players worldwide.
Conclusion
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Advanced Server Patch 2.1.98 is a testament to Moonton’s dynamic approach to game development. From the visual modernization of Bruno and the strategic rebalancing of Novaria, to the meticulous refinement of ranked systems and the ambitious overhaul of Card Brawl, every adjustment is designed to enrich the player experience. These changes, once fully tested and deployed, are set to refresh the meta, deepen strategic possibilities, and ensure that the Land of Dawn remains a vibrant and engaging battleground for all its champions. Players are encouraged to monitor future announcements for the official release of these impactful updates.
Iffa Jayyana
Jia Lissa
