BATTLES WITH BUST #685: Welcome, Bazaar fans! In today’s episode of BATTLES WITH BUST, we dive into the strategic depths of The Bazaar’s 1.0 patch, focusing on fan-favorite Mac and the endlessly intriguing Spider Mace build. Join BUST as he explores power-ups, slow and poison synergies, and the intricacies of maximizing Mac’s unique mechanics in the game’s current meta.
Mac in The Bazaar 1.0: A Risk-Reward Champion
With the recent update, Mac offers a mix of high-variance gameplay that can swing between intense victories and tough losses. This week’s run reveals three core insights: Mac’s gold-tier skills and item synergies feel more reliant on luck than skill compared to characters like Vanessa; his low starting health requires careful management, often demanding extra chocolate bars and leveling up; and finally, Mac doesn’t have as many “safe” builds—he either spikes a huge win or fizzles due to awkward item or skill pairings.
Starting Strong: The Enchanted Item Gamble
BUST explains his go-to opener for Mac—prioritizing an enchanted item. While items like Turbo Smelling Salts and Obsidian Fireflies present high early-game power, they’re also future-proof for deeper runs. This setup creates a robust foundation, carrying players past the perilous early days (watch out for those supercharged Pygmaliens!) and into late-game possibilities.
The Spider Mace & Venom Combo: Poison Goes Infinite
The heart of today’s episode centers on the Spider Mace. This weapon shines when paired with toxic powerhouses like Venom or Poppy Field. When the right combos line up, Spider Mace can go infinite, repeatedly charging and activating itself off poison triggers. BUST highlights the potential (and pitfalls) of stacking multiple Spider Maces, especially once items like slow and steady or neurotoxin enter the equation, sending the slow and poison values escalating off the charts.
Key Decisions: Flexibility vs. Focus
Balancing burn, slow, and poison synergy becomes a constant puzzle. Early on, mixing too many damage types leads to diluted power, while focusing—especially on poison and slow—pays off with Spider Mace synergies. With items like fireflies and burn gear providing early tempo, BUST adapts mid-run, swapping out weaker items for transformative upgrades (even making tough calls on whether to ditch crowd favorites like Nightshade and Amber).
Late Game: Infinite Loops, Powerful Scales, and the Challenge of Scaling
In the final battles, BUST showcases the majesty of a triple-Spider Mace setup powered by scales, neurotoxin, and aggressive item upgrades. Making clever use of slow and steady, each slow stacks bonus damage, while life-steal from items like earrings brings crucial sustain. Yet, as BUST demonstrates, late-game scaling now requires more than just infinite loops; if you don’t hit critical skills or stack the right multipliers, even the best combos can fall short against powerhouse builds (such as Vanessa’s trip wire strategies).
Lessons & Takeaways from Episode 685
- Choose a Focus: Mac is at his best when you target a scaling synergy—poison-focused Spider Mace builds stand out in this patch.
- Adapt to RNG: Be flexible with item rolls and ready to pivot if transformative gear like Venom or Poppy Field show up.
- Mitigate Mac’s Weaknesses: Always monitor Mac’s low health—chocolate bars and early upgrades are essential!
- Scaling Matters: Infinite combos alone won’t win the late game—search for skills or items that distribute bonus damage or regen over time.
Final Thoughts
From enchanting the perfect opener to running wild with triple Spider Maces, episode #685 of BATTLES WITH BUST is a masterclass in Mac’s razor’s edge gameplay. As BUST points out, sometimes skillful adaptation isn’t quite enough without the right scaling tools. Still, whether you play for high rolls or consistent sevens, this episode is packed with crucial insights for Bazaar fans.
Thanks for joining BUST for this deep dive into Mac’s Spider Mace build! Share your own Bazaar strategies in the comments and stay tuned for more battles and breakdowns from BUST.