The Nate Before Christmas was a CotLI event, running from December 16th to 29th 2015, from December 15th to December 27th 2016, from December 21st 2017 to January 2nd 2018, from December 18th 2018 to January 1st 2019, from December 18th 2019 to January 1st 2020, from December 16th to December 29th 2020 and from December 15th to December 29th 2021. All reruns of this event 2022 onward will run from December 14th to December 28th due to the sunsetting.
Event Description[]
2015[]
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring...apart from a horde of unrelenting monsters intent on your destruction.
In a fit of festive enthusiasm, Nate decided to find a some holiday decorations for his house. Unfortunately, Nate was kicked out of his village for a drunken incident involving an axe and the town Christmas tree in the main square.
Now Nate finds himself and his fellow Crusaders wandering the snowy winterland searching for redemption.
2016[]
It's that time of year again when thoughts turn to family, presents under the Christmas tree, turkey dinners, and giant twin swords to destroy unrelenting hordes of monsters.
Today we launch The Nate Before Christmas 2016 with both the original Crusaders for new players to unlock and two new Crusaders for advanced and veteran players.
2017[]
Well the weather outside is frightful (possibly), but the fire that Nate has started is so delightful, so if you’ve no place to go, play the event. The Nate Before Christmas event returns again for 2017!
It’s been updated for year 3 with 5 all-new Tier 3 objectives. Recruit Xander, the Xmas Dragon, a powerful buffer who occupies slot 28! Also included are four other challenging new objectives, which put your power to the test!
Collect Candy Canes by killing monsters, then use them to play the new The Nate Before Christmas to unlock new Crusaders, equipment, and achievements!
2018[]
Twas the Nate Before Christmas, with a chill in the air,
a new Crusader arrives — Wrena, the fair!
she's badass but friendly, joyous and caring,
she joins the Crusaders, in a holiday pairing,
from an Elvish enclave, deep in the mountains,
she journeys outward, destination uncertain,
to fight for her people, there's no line she won't cross,
she'll slay all the monsters, just like a boss!
Can you believe it's that time already? Festive decorations line the malls, small pines are sold in lots, and aging statues are starting to look unnerving. Yes, it's Christmas time, and more importantly, The Nate Before Christmas. Settle down with this batch of new objectives and a punch-packing new Crusader for Slot 30. This event runs until January 1st, at noon PST. Whatever you celebrate this season, we hope you enjoy it!
2019[]
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree -- how angry are thy branches...!
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree -- how much you embody the rage of nature and bring the wrath of the elements down upon us all!
Once again The Nate Before Christmas blesses our doors, and this year we are visited by the rage of nature: Kris, the Enraged Elemental!
The approaching winter brings a lot of things, but first of all it's bringing The Nate Before Christmas! Indulge in 5 new objectives of seasonal fun, recruit an evergreen new Crusader, and find a hot new look for an icy friend. This event runs until December 31st, when all things must end.
2020[]
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree -- how angry are thy branches...!
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree -- how much you embody the rage of nature and bring the wrath of the elements down upon us all!
Once again The Nate Before Christmas blesses our doors, and this year we are visited by a princess of snow: Odile, Snowflake Defender!
Even better than coal: it's Talents for Christmas! The 6th tier of The Nate Before Christmas is here. With it, you'll find a dazzling new support Crusader, an adorable new skin, and 5 fun objectives in which to unlock them. With new tier 7 Talents to spice it up, you're sure to enjoy! This event runs until December 29th, at which point all decorations must legally be taken down.
2021[]
Once again The Nate Before Christmas blesses our doors, and this year we are visited by a bouncy bundle of joy: Springy, the Patchwork Plush!
It's almost Christmas morning and the gifts are really starting to pile up under the tree... wow, look at this one, I wonder what it could be? Give it a little shake, you'll never guess. Surprise, it's 5 new objectives, a patchy new Crusader and a random level 7 Rune! This event runs until December 29th, at which point the snow will have melted and the tree will be all dried out.
New Crusaders[]
Tier 1[]

RoboSanta[]
RoboSanta has a bolt loose and instead of the generous, jovial Saint Nick, we get a rotund, avaricious dude. At level 75 you can unlock his Expensive Toys upgrade, which increase gold found by 25% for every Crusader that is in the colum in front of him.

Frosty the Snowman[]
Frosty puts his fellow Crusaders 'on ice', with his Chilling Power upgrade available at level 150, which reduced adjacent Crusader DPS by 25%, but increases Frosty by 100% each time!
Tier 2[]
The Dark Helper[]

The christmas elf is a damage reducing buffer, like Dark Gryphon, who she replaces. At level 100 her Shimmer upgrade provides damage reduction for Crusaders in the same column, and at level 150 her Tank Line upgrade increase the DPS when her column is under attack.
RoboRudolph[]

This robot is a pure DPS who likes to co-op with other robots, similar to The Exterminator. Reaching level 300 unlocked the Sync Up upgrade, which will increase Rudolph's DPS by 100% for every Robot crusader in the formation.
Tier 3[]
Xander, the Xmas Dragon[]

Xander is an all-new support Crusader whose own support abilities increase based on the number of FA buffs they are receiving — the more buffs they get, the bigger their buff!
Tier 4[]
Wrena the Fair[]

Wrena, the Fair is one badass mutha — but she's also really friendly, and wants to promote elvish welfare! She's come down from the elven enclave in the mountains, as she's heard about your band of Crusaders...
Wrena is a DPS Crusader the way we wanted Tauriel to be (we're looking at YOU, Peter Jackson). She does DPS based upon how many Crusaders are in the formation.
Tier 5[]
Kris, the Enraged Elemental[]

Kris brings all the buffs to the formation you've come to expect from an angry tree: they reduce damage for Crusaders the furthest from them with True North, they are able to redirect angry monsters away from them with their Decorations, and they increase party damage with Festering Foliage.
But that's not all: the Fresh Air that Kris brings increases Global DPS for each Flora Crusader in the formation, including Kris, and they are able to increase the maximum health of Crusaders with Forest Furor. Take Root prevents your DPS and Click Damage from dropping, while Winter Vigil can revive your formation once per area to save the day!
Tier 6[]
Odile, Snowflake Defender[]

In the Realm of Berwin, Odile was the first-born daughter of Queen Odessa and King Ambros. The Realm of Berwin, also known as the Domain of Winter, was one of the four realms dedicated to fighting the dark spirits of the otherrealm and protecting the spirits of the seasons. Not only were the royal family of Berwin already strong ice magic users, but when Odile was born, the Spirit of Winter itself appeared and bestowed some of its magic upon her.
As she grew up, Odile began training in secret with her mother, but it soon became apparent that her powers were much stronger than Odessa's, even in one so young. Whispers of Odile's power made their way to the otherrealm where the Spirit of Destruction, Glut, had been resting for many years. Glut sent minions out to investigate the rumours surrounding Odile. One small shadow spirit succeeded and brought the news to its master.
Glut attacked the realm of Berwin, laying waste to the area as he made his way to capture Odile, bringing an air of blight to the once pristine world. Odessa and Ambros managed to hold off the first wave of dark spirits, but Glut had grown in power in its time away. To buy some time and save their people, the royals decided to send Odile away, wiping her memory and transporting her to Earth. Craving the power within, Glut abandoned its siege and followed Odile's trail through the realms though it would take time to find her.
Odile, now living with her new glamoured family as Odette, continued to grow up and lead a normal, mundane life. But Glut's minions eventually stumbled into the right realm and found the missing princess, causing the Spirit of Winter to break the seal her parents had placed. Odile remembered her powers, her family, and with her memories regained, she stepped into her role of Snowflake Defender, ready to help the Crusaders on their quest.
Tier 7[]
Springy, the Patchwork Plush[]

A new day, a new planet. You've been trekking through the tangled weeds, grasses and trees from the portal opening when you almost trip on a hard flat object in the ground. Glancing around, you see the foliage isn't as dense and you can make out a structure in the distance. As you approach, you note a sign that says " G M L" on it mounted on the side of the structure.
You see a door and step inside, smelling an oddly familiar cinnamon and popcorn scent on the stale air. It's an alien mall! And some franchises are just that powerful. You walk in further, eyes adjusting to the gloom of dirty skylights.
A rustling noise draws your attention. Something seems to be approaching you. As it gets closer you hear a rhythmic thumping and the tinkle of something metal hitting the tile floor. It thumps into a brighter patch of light and you see a kangaroo plushie made of assorted fabrics just before it jumps on you and you thud to the floor.
"Friend?" the creature asks.
"If I say yes, will you get off me?"
The kangaroo ducks their head and carefully steps off you. "Sorry. It's been ages since someone visited."
"You're here all alone?"
The kangaroo hops. "There's the occasional mouse that I stomp on, but they don't talk, so they don't count."
You scratch your head. "My friends and I are travellers, and we're a pretty large band. In the spirit of the season, would you like to join us?"
"Would I still get to stomp things?" they ask.
You smile. "Definitely."
Springy, the Patchwork Plush has joined your party.
Tier 1 Objectives[]
Recruit RoboSanta[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: Gold find reduction is 20% for each Crusader in the column in front of Santa
Recruit Frosty the Snowman[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: DPS of adjacent crusaders is reduced by 20%, and every 15 seconds a 'chilled' Crusaders loses DPS for 15 seconds.
Milk and Cookie Run[]
Note:
- When completing area 25, and every 25 areas after that, a 700% Spawn Speed buff is granted for 7.5 minutes.
- In 2015, this objective had to be completed in 60 minutes.
- For tips, see Tips#Timed Objectives.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: A reindeer added every 20 areas, until only 4 slots remain, in a fixed sequence:
You've Been Naughty[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note:
- This objective was added in 2016.
- Coal monsters reduce your gold bonus to -100%.
Free Play[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Tier 2 Objectives[]
The Dark Night[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: Every 15-30 seconds, a Crusader is "knocked out" for 10 seconds, reduced their max health to 1, and disabling their Formation Abilities and gear.
Robo-Reindeer[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: Rudolph malfunctions every 20 seconds, and reduces DPS to 0 for 15 seconds.
Presents![]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: Presents will increase or decrease your gold find or DPS by 50% for 5 seconds after their death
Let It Snow[]
Robo-Christmas[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note:
Only robots, The Bush Whacker, Frosty the Snowman, and The Dark Helper are available.
To reset the world, use RoboRudolph's The Matrix upgrade.
Tier 3 Objectives[]
Recruit Xander, the Xmas Dragon[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: Presents fall every 10 seconds.
A Supernatural Christmas[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note:
Only supernatural and dragon crusaders are available.
Revenge of the Elves[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: The nasty elves, which do not appear during boss levels, include:
- Quicklesby - moves fast across screen, damage capped (survives at least 10 seconds)
- Sneakers - invisible until clicked or attacks, damage capped (at least 1 second)
- Spitty - shoots at front line, damage capped (at least 5 seconds)
- Splitty - damage capped, spawns 3 "Tiny" monsters on death (at least 3 seconds)
- Tiny - only spawned by Splitty death, damage capped (at least 3.3 seconds)
The Christmas Beasts[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note:
Too Many Presents[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: Presents will fill for the formation in a set order:
Tier 4 Objectives[]
Recruit Wrena the Fair[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward Occupies the 30th bench slot. |
A Very Fair Christmas[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note:Only Elf and Angel Crusaders are available.
Deck the Halls[]
Note: Tip: Karen The Cat Teenager's Nine Lives ability will bring her back to life after the ornament is destroyed and the party is wiped.
Die Harder[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: Monster health is x100
Caution! Hot Chocolate![]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: The DPS increase is 50%.
Tier 5 Objectives[]
Recruit Kris, the Enraged Elemental[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Home Alone[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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O Tannenbaum[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Note: Quest requirements are doubled.
It's Elemental[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Koliada[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
Unlocks the Snow Wight skin for Frosty the Snowman |
Note: Gold found is reduced by 99%.
Tier 6 Objectives[]
Recruit Odile, Snowflake Defender[]
Chocolate Spaghetti[]
Guardians Risen[]
It's a Wonderful Life[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Stygian Christmas[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
Unlocks the Plushie skin for Xander, the Xmas Dragon |
Tier 7 Objectives[]
Recruit Springy, the Patchwork Plush[]
Island of Misfit Presents[]
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Objective
Restrictions Reward
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Krampus is Watching[]
Carpet of Pine Needles[]
My Snowman and Me[]
Achievements[]
Tier 1[]
Recruit RoboSanta[]
Unlock RoboSanta by completing the respective objective.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Recruit Frosty the Snowman[]
Unlock Frosty the Snowman by completing the respective objective.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Christmas Prime[]
Get a piece of equipment in all three slots of RoboSanta.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Mr. Freeze[]
Get a piece of equipment in all three slots of Frosty the Snowman.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Sweet Shepherd[]
Spend 16,500 Candy Canes starting objectives in the "The Nate Before Christmas" campaign. Candy Canes spent on purchasing chests don't count!
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
You're Doing It Wrong[]
Decrease your DPS by more than you increase it by using Frosty The Snowman.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Tier 2[]
Recruit The Dark Helper[]
Unlock The Dark Helper by completing the respective objective.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Recruit RoboRudolph[]
Unlock RoboRudolph by completing the respective objective.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Equip The Dark Helper[]
Get a piece of equipment in all three slots of The Dark Helper.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Equip RoboRudolph[]
Get a piece of equipment in all three slots of RoboRudolph.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Candy Cane Calamity[]
Spend 33,000 Candy Canes starting objectives in the "The Nate Before Christmas" campaign. Candy Canes spent on purchasing chests don't count!
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
The Dark Tinkerer[]
Have The Dark Helper buff RoboRudolph while RoboRudolph's abilities are augmented by at least one other robot.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Tier 3[]
Recruit Xander, the Xmas Dragon[]
Unlock Xander, the Xmas Dragon by completing the respective objective.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Equip Xander, the Xmas Dragon[]
Get a piece of equipment in all three slots of Xander, the Xmas Dragon.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Chestnuts Roasting[]
Complete all The Nate Before Christmas Tier 3 Objectives.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Burning Marshmallows[]
Beat area 900 in The Nate Before Christmas Free Play.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Dragon (Over)-Powered[]
Have Xander affected by 15 different formation abilities at once.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Flying to Bounty Land[]
Spend 50,000 Candy Canes starting objectives in the "The Nate Before Christmas" campaign. Candy Canes spent on purchasing chests don't count!
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Tier 4[]
Recruit Wrena the Fair[]
Unlock Wrena the Fair by completing the respective objective.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
You Shall Fear Me Yet Love Me[]
Get a piece of equipment for all three slots of Wrena the Fair.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
All I Want For Christmas[]
Complete all The Nate Before Christmas Tier 4 Objectives.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Christmas Layover[]
Beat area 1200 in The Nate Before Christmas Free Play.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
I Shine Like the Christmas Star[]
Have Wrena the Fair buff herself by at least 100000% with her formation abilities.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
The House of Candy Canes[]
Spend 75,000 Candy Canes starting objectives in the "The Nate Before Christmas" campaign. Candy Canes spent on purchasing chests don't count!
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Tier 5[]
Recruit Kris, the Enraged Elemental[]
Unlock Kris, the Enraged Elemental by completing the respective objective.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Forest Bounty[]
Get a piece of equipment for all three slots of Kris, the Enraged Elemental.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Silent Night[]
Complete all The Nate Before Christmas Tier 5 Objectives.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Jingle all the Way[]
Beat area 1800 in The Nate Before Christmas Free Play.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Whiteout[]
Finish off 5 or more monsters using Kris, the Enraged Elemental's Winter Vigil ability.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Peppermint Forest[]
Spend 100,000 Candy Canes starting objectives in the "The Nate Before Christmas" campaign. Candy Canes spent on purchasing chests don't count!
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Tier 6[]
Wish Fulfilled[]
Recruit Odile, Snowflake Defender by completing "Recruit Odile, Snowflake Defender".
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Magical Girl Essentials[]
Get a piece of equipment in all three slots for Odile, Snowflake Defender.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Exploring Beryl's Realm[]
Complete all Tier 6 'The Nate Before Christmas' Objectives.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Polar Rush[]
Beat area 3000 in "The Nate Before Christmas" Free Play.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Sugarplum Kiss[]
Kill 10,000 monsters with Odile's projectile.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Christmas Buddies[]
Have Robosanta in the column behind Wrena for 2000 areas.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Tier 7[]
Recruit Springy, the Patchwork Plush[]
Recruit Springy, the Patchwork Plush by completing "Recruit Springy, the Patchwork Plush".
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Personal Mending Kit[]
Get a piece of equipment in all three slots for Springy, the Patchwork Plush.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Holiday Playlist[]
Complete all Tier 7 'The Nate Before Christmas' Objectives.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
5,000 Snowflakes[]
Beat area 5000 in "The Nate Before Christmas" Free Play.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
It's an In-Sync Xmas Time[]
Clear area 5000 on The Nate Before Christmas's freeplay using only the Crusaders earned from that event.
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Kangaroo Punch[]
Kill at least 50 enemies with Ground Pound while having at least 25 stacks of Button Bling
Increases the DPS of all Crusaders by 1%
Walkthrough[]
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