Koala's Battle Guide using the Bite + Wait method [Updated for battle rework]

Thanks very much!! I've added that information in :) I find it odd that some mustelids are aggressive but Wolverines are not, which to me they really should be haha. I'll definitely need to do some more testing with the biomes containing aggressive animals and see if bite + wait is still the best way to go - I assume bald eagles are soft skinned as other birds are, so latch + shear might end up being better for them if they're aggressive. 

Thanks a lot for this! Based on your observations, what are the most important stats for a lead?

I have a week+ in which I'll have my heir rescouting before my lead dies and he takes over; I'm wondering what stats to focus on. Strength, smarts?

That would entirely depend on your goals and potential! If I *wanted* to Min-Max it, I'd probably go with Agility and Speed as my main stats, but it would need to be on a wolf who was bred very very well for those two stats (talking 150+ starting stat in each or more). Then I'd explore in whichever biome has the most prey animals, and exclusively chase + bite + wait. This would give you a higher roll where the opponent strikes first and allow you to take less damage/lower chance at bleed (agility) as well as give your chase roll a bonus (speed). Against a prey animal you only need to roll a 2 out of 6 to succeed the chase, which pretty much guarantees you the fight with a lucky foot regardless of enemy level.

However for the average player it really won't make much difference. While leveling up with your lead, chances are (if you're doing it right and only picking fights up to 5 levels below you) that your stats will not matter unless they're very well-leveled to begin with. I've never had an encounter in either of my last two leads (I wasn't collecting data with my 1100+ lead wolves unfortunately to check for very high statters) where an evenly-leveled opponent gave me a + high [stat] modifier. My current lead is 862 stat, and the best I get is the neutral modifiers (no benefit, no penalty) on opponents around level 15 when I am 20. While leveling him I never saw a single +1 high smarts modifier, unfortunately, even with his smarts being his highest stat by far.

I'd for the most part recommend you just work with the stats your wolf currently has - for your heir it looks like sticking with speed will be his best bet. His low wisdom won't effect any rolls (that I've found), his low smarts will mean you shouldn't use focus unless you're against a group opponent, and his low strength will deter you from latch/shear/crush but I don't recommend them anyways. So your main strategy for that heir wolf would be to chase all prey animals, and snarl all others then continue with bite + wait. :) 

I hope that helps! 

Thanks a lot for your detailed answer! It’s good that his agility and speed are naturally high, I’ll definitely capitalise on that with hoofed prey; and I’ll be sure to avoid focus in general.

I do mostly fight foxes and lunar enemies though (and those are varied, with a slightly higher rate of canines) so thanks for the recommendation to snarl for those, I’ll keep that in mind.

This is excellent, and confirms my own observations ~ I usually chase/bleed/wait since my lead has good speed. Nice to see it all laid out clearly! Great work!

Wow, I never knew the opponents don't hit back if you just wait it out! Thank you, I'm saving so much energy now!

Thank you for this tip thread! I've been using this method and I've been able to take down prey animals even 3 lvls above me with relative ease.

I'm glad to hear this is helping people!!! I hope your battles are going much better armed with the right information <3 

I... Tested this guide with both my first lead, and from yesterday, with my new one.

LONG BATTLE AHEAD!

This is working wonderfully. WONDERFULLY, I TELL YOU. 

Being able to win battles enemies from 5-6 levels above my new lead feels... Amazing, to say the least. Sure, stats do matter, but... Living in a medium biome (Riparian Woodland) and breezing from lvl 1 to 9 without too much effort or grind is a real pleasure for the casual - affectionate player. :D

I love this guide. RelevantKoala, I bow to you :D will try to share my experience as soon as I can <3

EDIT: 

Lead at lvl 9, 508 stat (124 STR, 118 SPE)

Log: 

Total energy used: 4.

The Wild Boar succumbs to its wounds. You have won this fight.

You got +302 EXP for winning!

You got  1x Meat Chunks [Medium]!

The Wild Boar is badly wounded and has lost 4 HP.

You watch your opponent and wait.

The Wild Boar is badly wounded and has lost 4 HP.

You watch your opponent and wait.

The Wild Boar is bleeding profusely and has lost 4 HP.

You wait as your opponent is struggling.

The Wild Boar is badly wounded and has lost 3 HP.

You wait as your opponent is struggling.

The Wild Boar is badly wounded and has lost 3 HP.

You wait as your opponent is struggling.

The Wild Boar is bleeding profusely and has lost 3 HP.

You watch your opponent and wait.

The Wild Boar is bleeding profusely and has lost 3 HP.

You watch your opponent and wait.

The Wild Boar is bleeding profusely and has lost 4 HP.

You watch your opponent and wait.

The Wild Boar is bleeding profusely and has lost 3 HP.

You rest a bit and recover 3 HP. You feel better! 

You are bleeding and have lost 3 HP.

The Wild Boar is bleeding profusely and has lost 3 HP.

The Wild Boar makes a ferocious attack with its tusks for 2 damage.

You bite the Wild Boar for 4 damage. It writhes in pain. 

You are bleeding and have lost 3 HP.

The Wild Boar attacks you for 4 damage.

You bite the Wild Boar for 2 damage.

You are wounded and have lost 1 HP.

The Wild Boar charges and hits you hard with its sharp tusks! You are wounded. 

The Wild Boar's overwhelming strength makes you take a step back. Your opponent moves first.