Close Range Modifier Modifier changes how ranged units work in battle. Normally ranged units cannot attack from the first position but this Modifier removes that weakness. This means ranged units can now act as tanks while still dealing damage. Because of this many slow but tanky ranged units become more useful. It also changes positioning since you do not need to hide ranged units at the back. Close Range Modifier Modifier rewards balanced teams with strong ranged attackers.

Modifiers

Close Range Modifier - Ranged attacks may be used in the first position in battles.
Close Range Modifier Modifier makes ranged units much more flexible. In normal battles, ranged units become useless when pushed to the front but not in this Modifier. This allows you to build lineups where ranged units act as both tank and damage dealer. Earth Element and Life Element have some bulky ranged units that benefit a lot from this. This Modifier also reduces the risk of using slow ranged units. Because they can stay in front and still attack they become very reliable.

Good Abilities to use in Close Range Modifier

Bloodlust - Every time it defeats an opponent, it gets +1 to all stats
Bloodlust becomes stronger in Close Range Modifier Modifier because ranged units can stay in the front. Every time it defeats an opponent it gains +1 to all stats which increases damage and survivability. If a ranged unit with Bloodlust becomes the tank it can snowball quickly. It can gain more range damage on kill and continue attacking from the first position. This makes it harder for enemies to stop the momentum. Bloodlust units can take over the battle if left unchecked.

Swiftness - All friendly Units have increased Speed
Swiftness is very useful in Close Range Modifier Modifier. All friendly units gain speed which allows them to attack earlier. Faster attacks mean ranged tanks can remove threats before taking too much damage. Speed also increases chance to evade enemy range attack which helps survival. This becomes important in battles with a lot of melee and range attacks. Swiftness gives both offensive and defensive advantage.

Shield - Reduced damage from Melee and Ranged attacks
Shield is strong in Close Range Modifier Modifier because ranged tanks will take melee damage. Reduced damage from melee and ranged attacks helps them survive longer. This allows ranged units to stay in the first position without dying too fast. Shield also works well with high health ranged units in Close Range modifier. With damage reduced by half they become very difficult to remove. This makes Shield a strong defensive ability.

Headwinds - Reduces the Ranged attack of all enemy Units.
Headwinds is very effective in Close Range Modifier Modifier. This ability reduces the ranged attack of all enemy units. Since many players rely on ranged attackers in this Modifier the damage reduction is important. Lower damage helps your tank survive longer. This also weakens enemy backline attackers. Headwinds is a strong counter to ranged heavy teams.

Tank Heal - Restores a portion of the Unit in the first position's health each round
Tank Heal becomes very powerful in Close Range Modifier Modifier. There are Earth Element units with range attack and high health that can act as tanks. With Close Range Modifier Modifier they can attack while staying in front. Tank Heal restores a portion of the first unit's health each round. This makes ranged tanks extremely hard to remove. Sustained healing combined with ranged damage creates strong pressure.

Battle Summary

Since there's Close Range modifier in this battle and lacking Water element for the magic damage, I focused on taking advantage of the chunky Range units like Silverleaf Mage and Giam Root. With the help of Satha Toledo's Tank heal and the lack of Sneak attacks from the enemy's side, it was a bit easier to deal with everything. Since I have tankier units overall and proper support, I was able to win this battle with ease despite the difference in levels between the archons and units.

To see the full battle, you can click this link:
https://splinterlands.com/battle/sl_dd99c4c13dc949c9d7033805c925e1e4

Close Range Modifier Modifier allowed me to use tanky ranged units effectively. Since Water Element was not available, I focused on bulky ranged units like Silverleaf Mage and Giam Root. With Satha Toledo providing Tank Heal, my frontline stayed alive longer. The enemy also lacked Sneak attack units which made positioning easier. Because my units were tankier and supported properly I won the battle despite level differences.