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Getting started and searching for help :)

Discussion in 'Combined Army' started by Ba5terD, Jul 14, 2019.

  1. Ba5terD

    Ba5terD Member

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    Hello honorable Ladies & Gentlemen.

    I am new to the game and want to dip in the Combined Army, as I like the pure number of choise we got, and the great miniature design!

    Therefore I would like to ask for your experience and initial thouhgt, before I buy anything.

    So if anyone would like to help me with her / his experience, I am very grateful!

    Are there units, that are lack lusters? Combinations to be avoided? Are some units really worth the attention? What is to be a thing of attention in our army?

    This is what I am very interested in.

    Big thank you already in advance!

    Cheers///
     
  2. camsbell

    camsbell Member

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  3. camsbell

    camsbell Member

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    Well you will want a couple of Ikadrons and Imetrons for giving you orders, a Charontid hmg to be your lieutenant, a kurgat for a specialist and a boarding shotgun Fraacta.

    You can buy all this in single blisters with nothing left over, and will give you a 150 PT list to learn with and your two attack pieces have durability to allow for some mistakes
     
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  4. camsbell

    camsbell Member

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    After that you can add a Q-drone hmg and nexus hacker to take you up to 200 ,that gives you someone to use the repeaters and an aro piece.

    ( you would have a drone left over but you will get use out of that later)
     
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  5. Stiopa

    Stiopa Trust The Fuckhead

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    Hello, @Ba5terD. Welcome to Infinity and the forums ;)

    First piece of advice would be to decide exactly which army would you like to play; general, "vanilla" Combined, or one of its sectorials. Both ways are viable and have their own pros and cons.

    Second piece - whatever you decide, start small. 100-150 pts. Play a few games to get a feel for the army and try out different units, then add 50 pts, repeat the process until you'll get to 300 pts. This should give you a good basic experience.

    As for the units and their combinations - think of units in this game as tools for specific tasks. Unit that performs great in assault might not be well suited to area control. Good defender might be too slow to counterattack. Great specialist might fold like a wet tissue in combat situations. A lot depends on the mission at hand, opponent's army, and table layout. That's what getting that basic experience is about - to get a feel which units perform well in which situations.

    That being said there are some staple choices, mostly concerning the support. Ikadrons and Imetrons are good order generators, with Ikadrons being useful as flank/CQB guards. M-Drones are good specialists and anti-camo units (with R-Drones helping them), and both mesh well when you're using good hackers. Q-Drones are good defenders, as well as a support combat unit or a flanker. Medchanoid with Slave Drones is a basic specialist, and having a Doc/Engineer guarding units' backs can make a difference between victory or defeat. All G:Mnemonica units are solid and make for good Lieutenants (you need one Lt. in every list). Other than that it's a case of looking at your playstyle and checking what fits. How do you like to play?
     
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  6. camsbell

    camsbell Member

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    The next hundred you can start tayloring for you meta.

    Datrazi for smoke for your msv,. Shasvastii for camo infiltrators, E drone for link teams ect...
     
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  7. Ba5terD

    Ba5terD Member

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    Thank you already for you advice, appreciated! :)

    I just bought one Kurgats as Engineer with Bording shotgun.

    What I was ( at least for the beginning ) thinking about is, to have a heavy duty unit as the center piece of my combat group.

    But gotta have to lean into the advanced rules for each unit first I guess, until i understand the possible synergies and possiilities.

    So what i just though would be ( at least for now ):

    Overdron Batroid with Plasma Sniper
    Kurgats Combat Engineer
    Morat Agression Force as Line units for orders

    From there on I don't really know how to advance, or if it is even logically advisable to use those units.

    Being totally new, what does "sectorial" army choice mean?

    My target to play would be, to first have an army ( I would call it combat group maybe ), that fits a good mix of all, that would essentially be needed.

    So I would like to learn, what units are absolutely essential to use, that could take on some enemies ( not all armies of course ).

    About Lietenants I son't know anything yet.
     
  8. DaRedOne

    DaRedOne Morat Warrior Philosopher
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    I would stay away from the morat line infantry if I were you. They're a little expensive for what they bring to the table, and so you're better off with the shasvastii version, who come with better defensive weapons, or the unidrons, which are just a little bit more resistant thanks to their Remote Presence and dogged skills.

    If you want to go full combined army you're probably going to want the morat warbands. The daturazi are pretty great smoke throwers and the oznat stalker unit is a neat sensor. However, you should leave those units for after you've had a few games under your belt, as you'll have to learn how impetuous orders work and that can take some time.

    Sectorials are subdivisions of the main army (which we often call Vanilla). Combined has three sectorials: Morat Agression forces, which restricts you to morat only but gives you a lot of fireteam options, Shasvastii Expeditionary Force, which restricts you to Shasvastii only but gives you a lot of camo options and some really powerful striking pieces, and Onyx Contact Force, which is like a trimmed down version of the main combined army that plays very agressively but is not very resilient.

    Overall, sectorials can be a lot of fun, but they force you to learn new rules and to adapt to different models and playstyles. It's better to start with the Vanilla army and get some games in to learn the rules.
     
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  9. Ba5terD

    Ba5terD Member

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    Alright, so I am definetely starting the vanilla army then :)

    First of all I got to find a Lietenant, as it is required in any army. It was mentioned, that the charontid with HMG would be a good choice.

    How many line groups would you suggest, to gain enough commands?
     
  10. camsbell

    camsbell Member

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    For a lieutenant to start you either take

    - one of the aspects ( units that have g: mnemonics) as when they die they transfer the lieutenant rule and their WIP stat to another model so no loss of lieutenant.

    - a cheap one that hides at the back or has camo state like nexus or mentor
     
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  11. camsbell

    camsbell Member

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    Combined is an expensive in points army so any of the cheaper troops you would be taking in most lists to get more orders.

    Those would be Imetrons, drones , ikadrons, then the 14 odd point troops.

    Daturazi and seed soldiers will be the most common you will use as they don't need to be in link teams to get the most out of them unlike the unidrons and morat vanguard.
     
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  12. Stiopa

    Stiopa Trust The Fuckhead

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    I'm on the other side of the fence on the vanilla vs sectorial issue, for me it's easier to start with the latter, since they're more focused and it's more obvious what to get next and how to use it. But as I've said, there's no bad choice here. Both ways are viable.

    There are some basic guidelines how to make a good list. First, you need regular orders; they're the fuel on which every list runs. It's good to have at least 8 regular orders in your main combat group.

    Then there are weapons. You need to be able to engage enemy at every range, because you can't be certain you'll be able to dictate terms of the engagement. Good rule of thumb is to have at least one long range heavy weapon good in ARO - a Sniper Rifle or a Missile Launcher; one HMG as a general purpose weapon, 1-2 Spitfires/Red Furies as assault weapons. Add something for CQB, like shotguns and/or Chain Rifles or flamethrowers; specialized weapons to deal with heavy targets, like everything with AP, K1, E/M or Adhesive ammo... this is just a guideline, but it's generally good to diversify.

    Specialists: they're the troopers that will deal with mission objectives. It's good to have 5-6 of them, especially with abilities that mesh well with the rest of your list.

    Support. Impressive centerpiece units might be the focus of attention, but you really want someone to guard its flank, Doc/Engineer to keep it in good fighting condition, Total Reaction bot to block access routes, infiltrating hacker (particularly Killer Hacker) to keep enemy hackers away... Otherwise capable enemy will get rid of your centerpiece efficiently, and leave you without good options.
     
    #12 Stiopa, Jul 14, 2019
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2019
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  13. Ba5terD

    Ba5terD Member

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    Wow, that is so helpfull, thank you guys! :D

    This community seems to be pretty friendly and willing to help. That's great!

    So let's get into a concrete starter list for like 100, maybe 150 points then.

    Still not really sure wich Lietenant I am gonna choose, I have been told, that the Ikadron Batroid & Imetron is a good to go unit.
    Also Drone Remotes seem to be a good to go choise.

    Then I saw a youtuber, who recommended the Daturazi Witch Soldiers for melee purpose, if needed, as well as Bit & Kiss.


    So starting from the fact, that I do need orders, I would go with cheap units, that have good stats, to gain orders.

    Maybe like:

    2x Ikadron & Imetron
    Rodok Armed Imposition Detachement
     
  14. Stiopa

    Stiopa Trust The Fuckhead

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    We certainly try to be ;)

    Let's look at some examples:

    As basic as they come
    ──────────────────────────────────────────────────

    [​IMG]7
    NEXUS Lieutenant Hacker (EI Hacking Device) Combi Rifle, Nullifier / Pistol, Knife. (0.5 | 24)
    RODOK HMG / Pistol, Knife. (1.5 | 27)
    SHROUDED Boarding Shotgun, Antipersonnel Mines / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 23)
    IKADRON (Baggage, Repeater) 2 Light Flamethrowers, Flash Pulse / Pistol, Electric Pulse. (0 | 9)
    IKADRON (Baggage, Repeater) 2 Light Flamethrowers, Flash Pulse / Pistol, Electric Pulse. (0 | 9)
    ÍMETRON . (0 | 4)
    ÍMETRON . (0 | 4)

    2 SWC | 100 Points

    Open in Infinity Army

    This is something to learn the basics with. Your Lieutenant is obvious to anyone who knows CA, but in first instruction games you'll probably ignore Lt. rule anyway; Rodok HMG is a solid, if a bit slow, assault piece - HMG and Mimetism go well together - and Shrouded is a nice unit to have in the midfield. Maybe not this exact loadout, but the points can stretch only so far. CA is a bit restricted when playing at lower point levels, its units are expensive by design. Ikadron is there to guard flanks or go after a target of opportunity, while Imetrons are simply airdropped order generators.

    And now for something different
    ──────────────────────────────────────────────────

    [​IMG]5 [​IMG]1 [​IMG]1
    ZERAT Red Fury, Antipersonnel Mines / Pistol, Knife. (0.5 | 25)
    HAIDUK AP Marksman Rifle / Pistol, Knife. (0.5 | 22)
    NEXUS Lieutenant (Nanoscreen) Spitfire / Pistol, Knife. (1 | 26)
    DĀTURAZI Chain Rifle, Grenades, Smoke Grenades / Pistol, AP CCW. (0 | 14)
    LIBERTO Submachine Gun, Chain-colt, D.E.P. / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 8)
    ÍMETRON . (0 | 4)

    2 SWC | 99 Points

    Open in Infinity Army

    This one is very low on orders, but there's Impetous Order for Daturazi (and MSV2 to take advantage of smoke screen), and you can do something worthwile with special Lieutenant's Order. All in all it's a fun thing to try out different things CA can do.

    Getting more troopers on the field
    ──────────────────────────────────────────────────

    GROUP 1[​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]8 [​IMG]2 [​IMG]3
    RASYAT Spitfire, Eclipse Grenades / Pistol, DA CCW. (1.5 | 34)
    NEXUS Lieutenant Hacker (EI Hacking Device) Combi Rifle, Nullifier / Pistol, Knife. (0.5 | 24)
    Q-DRONE HMG / Electric Pulse. (1 | 26)
    IKADRON (Baggage, Repeater) 2 Light Flamethrowers, Flash Pulse / Pistol, Electric Pulse. (0 | 9)
    IKADRON (Baggage, Repeater) 2 Light Flamethrowers, Flash Pulse / Pistol, Electric Pulse. (0 | 9)
    ÍMETRON . (0 | 4)
    ÍMETRON . (0 | 4)
    DĀTURAZI Chain Rifle, Grenades, Smoke Grenades / Pistol, AP CCW. (0 | 14)
    PRETA Chain Rifle / AP CCW. (0 | 7)
    TAIGHA Chain-colt / AP + Shock CCW. (0 | 5)

    GROUP 2[​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]2 [​IMG]2
    PRETA Chain Rifle / AP CCW. (0 | 7)
    PRETA Chain Rifle / AP CCW. (0 | 7)

    3 SWC | 150 Points

    Open in Infinity Army

    This one's a bit different - with 150 pts. you can field more troops, including more cheap warbands. They can advance and form a forward screen, or can use your larger order pool to act as kamikaze, forcing trades that hurt your opponent's army more than yours. Rasyat is there to exploit any openings enemy might create when trying to deal with your swarm.

    Rolling out the Aspect
    ──────────────────────────────────────────────────

    [​IMG]7
    SKIÁVORO Lieutenant Plasma Rifle, Nanopulser / Pistol, CCW. (0 | 52)
    Q-DRONE HMG / Electric Pulse. (1 | 26)
    CADMUS-SOLDIER Red Fury / Pistol, CCW. (1 | 27)
    VICTOR MESSER (Hacking Device Plus) Boarding Shotgun, 2 Nanopulser, D-Charges / Breaker Pistol, Knife. (0.5 | 28)
    IKADRON (Baggage, Repeater) 2 Light Flamethrowers, Flash Pulse / Pistol, Electric Pulse. (0 | 9)
    ÍMETRON . (0 | 4)
    ÍMETRON . (0 | 4)

    2.5 SWC | 150 Points

    Open in Infinity Army

    Alternatively, you can start using EI Aspects at this point level. Skiavoro is the cheapest option, combining good leadership and combat skills in one package. Q-Drone is good at guarding long fire lanes, but it can also attack - it has the speed and skills for it - especially, if boosted with Supportware by hacker. In this role, enter Victor Messer - a durable and skillful Shasvastii operative. He's another trooper that can start as support, but hold his own in combat - especially CQB - if needs be. Hacking Device Plus can run a White Noise program, which can restrict field of view for MSV units, allowing your other troopers to advance. And finally Cadmus - it's one of the nastiests and most forgiving drop troopers in the game right now.

    Now, these lists aren't particularly competetive. They're designed to be fun to play while showcasing different aspects of CA. There's a lot more to try out, including Umbras, TAGs, and Heavy Infantry. But I wouldn't go there before getting to 200 pts.
     
    #14 Stiopa, Jul 15, 2019
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2019
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  15. Ba5terD

    Ba5terD Member

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    @Stiopa Absolutely amazing!

    Thank you so mich.

    As I recognized, I can straight up plan for 300 points, as my fellow players, that started with me, already bought stuff for like 300 points :D

    So here we go, we can unleash the Chaos on the battlefield :D


    I hope I don't annoy you too much, really just getting started :)

    So for 300 points I would like to play a gamestyle, that distracts the enemy from clear units, that should / could be targeted. Would like to have center pieces, that punch hard, but therefore stash some orders, so they can go for it.

    Are there any starter boxes, that would be worth it?
     
  16. Ba5terD

    Ba5terD Member

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    I clearly aim for competetive lists, as I want to play in tournaments. But I do also understand, that i have to understand the core mechanics first, to be able to play lists.
     
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  17. Stiopa

    Stiopa Trust The Fuckhead

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    That is very true. What's more, people often disagree what actually is competetive. Some swear by horde armies of 17+ troopers, others prefer elite toolbox approach, units are described as a dead weight or powerhouses by different players. Don't take anyone's word for granted, find the way you want to play, don't underestimate the value of surprise when you field something enemy thought to be underpowered and thus didn't prepare against.
     
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  18. DaRedOne

    DaRedOne Morat Warrior Philosopher
    Warcor

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    Mate, your best bet is to get the combined army starter pack, and the new wildfire starter is great too. If you can nab both it will be useful for you.
     
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  19. Ba5terD

    Ba5terD Member

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    Sounds good, I am gonna catch up a starter pack and then gonna roll around the game rules to understand, what tools can actually do.

    Thank you for your great initial help!
     
  20. El tito Zylito

    El tito Zylito Active Member

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    when i started playing CA 2 years ago i had a lot of fun with umbra legates,, i know people here dont like it too much but for me is pretty fun and a nice unit ^^
     
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