diff --git a/src/simulator/crates/mc-combat/src/resolver.rs b/src/simulator/crates/mc-combat/src/resolver.rs
index 123d99db..673b8880 100644
--- a/src/simulator/crates/mc-combat/src/resolver.rs
+++ b/src/simulator/crates/mc-combat/src/resolver.rs
@@ -410,7 +410,7 @@ impl CombatResolver {
                 // lower values (0.40–0.33) stalled all seeds at max_turns and
                 // regressed checklist results. Seed 1's sub-T100 fall is an
                 // AI production-priority issue, not siege math.
-                let melee_city_fraction: f32 = 0.50;
+                let melee_city_fraction: f32 = 0.35;
                 let city_dmg = (damage_to_defender as f32 * melee_city_fraction).round() as i32;
                 (city_dmg, (city_hp - city_dmg).max(0))
             }