Two curse stacks instead of three: WoR Demon Soldier changes
The Exploding Zombie and Ghostly Skeleton Archer apply fewer stacks, but the curse loses its timer. Seven Demon Soldier changes and what to compare after the update.
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In the new Guild War preview, the Exploding Zombie is due to apply two stacks of Mortal Curse instead of three, while the Ghostly Skeleton Archer applies one instead of two. Those numbers cannot be judged independently of duration. Our curse and Guild War rules overview explains why removing the timer changes the comparison. Here we examine the seven individual Demon Soldiers in the second preview.
Fewer stacks per trigger, a different duration
The Exploding Zombie’s death-mark effect changes: when its death explosion triggers, the old description applies three additional curse stacks to enemy targets for 15 seconds. The new column lists two stacks and does not repeat the previous duration. The zombie’s base HP is also being increased.
The Ghostly Skeleton Archer’s Basic ATK will apply one stack instead of two to its target and nearby enemy heroes. Its base HP is also being increased. A stack is one application of the effect: compare applications per stated trigger, not every curse applied throughout a battle.
The first preview removes the curse’s 15-second limit while retaining its stated 10% DMG reduction and eight-stack cap. Two instead of three therefore does not prove a one-third reduction in impact across a whole fight: both stack application and duration change. Without effect-interaction rules and a repeated battle, a precise overall percentage would be unsupported.
Executioner: revised revival bonuses and Power 7
The Executioner Demon Captain still revives after death with HP restored to 100%, only once per battle. After revival, its DMG increase changes from 20% to 30% and its HP increase from 50% to 60%. These values concern the described post-revival state, not a permanent team-wide bonus.
The new column also omits the previous line granting 10% Physical and Magic DMG Vulnerability effects. The field beside the energy icon, labelled Power on the Russian card, changes from 9 to 7. A separate arrow indicates a base ATK increase without giving its amount. Do not combine Power, ATK, and the post-revival bonus into a single improvement percentage.
Healing and the invisibility trigger
Baron Salem’s gift effect triggers when the Demon Soldier itself dies. Healing to nearby allied Demon Soldiers increases from 3% to 4% of his maximum HP, while the Baron’s base HP also rises. Both his own HP and the positions of potential recipients matter; one new percentage cannot describe an entire wave’s outcome.
The Tormented Banshee’s winged-cover effect will grant Invisibility below 25% HP rather than 20%. Its duration remains six seconds, and base HP increases. An earlier trigger does not extend those six seconds. Invisibility must not be described as guaranteed invulnerability.
Three Ice Pests and a different damage cap
The Ice Pest’s quantity changes from two to three. This is a creature-count change, not automatic evidence of 50% more damage. The table does not establish how many will reach a useful target or what each will accomplish.
The Mad Flatterer’s blood-barrier effect previously capped damage received at 20% of its own maximum HP; the new column says 15%. Its base HP also increases. This is a limit in a skill description, not a general 15% reduction to all incoming damage. Attack frequency, healing, and other battle conditions are separate factors.
What to compare after the update
Before changing a lineup, record each Demon Soldier’s job: applying curse stacks, healing neighbours, surviving a dangerous moment, or increasing the creatures in a wave. Compare old and new versions at the same development level and battle conditions. For the zombie and archer, track triggers and effect persistence; for the Executioner, track revival timing and its contribution afterward.
This is the October 16 preview, not confirmation that every server already has these changes. It gives neither an exact release date nor numerical base-stat increases. Check the cards against your client when the new descriptions appear before committing resources. The tables do not establish a universally best lineup. Unit and skill labels here translate the Russian preview; use the portraits to match them to your client.
