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Hi everyone,

I am trying to get into this game, but have a couple of questions about it.
I've went through a good amount of info on the stuff already and just wondering about the stuff...

So first of all is the a similar thing like the codex for this?

I looked at the army builder and it's all in some other language than English even though English is selected...

Also, how do you guys find this game compared to GW?

I looked at the video about BS cancelling out BSs during the ARO?

So I am really interested in C. Army, and really love the Anathematic, is it good? since I have no idea where to see its stats.

Also, what are those factions inside each race/army? Like Yu Jin has Chinese, Japanese or something like that.

Anyway, this game seems very interesting and I am looking forward to try it out.
Thanks for all the help

Welcome aboard!

- No codexes. The core rulebook has all the armies, and they all get expansions as further books release. There are 3 book thus far.
However, you DON'T have to buy the books if all you want is the rules and stats, you can download those for free from infinitythegame.com

- I got out of 40k during 4th Ed. I got real tired of the "i go, You go" mentality. Infinity keeps you in the action ALL the time. With fewer minis you have equal or more action going on as large army systems like GW's.

- Yep, if you have two guys shooting at each other, and the defender rolls better, his shot hits the attacker and the attacker's shot misses. The fun basics of the Face-to-Face rolls.

- Everything is of use, but it may take time for you to figure out how to make things work for you. C Army is generally considered a little rough for beginners: lots of equipment only YOU get access to, high unit costs. But like everything, there's a learning curve.

- Those subfactions you saw are the "Sectorial Armies". Using your Yu Jing example:
Yu jing can take EVERYTHING, but many of the specialized units are in low availability.
the Japanese Sectorial Army uses select Yu Jing models based on the Japanese theme, but loses access to many other Yu Jing units. They make up for this by getting higher availability of the Japanese units and the ability to use "link teams" with certain units.

I haven't had issues with the Devil Team army builder in the past, but here's a native English one that updates frequently: Infinity Toolbox http://anyplace.it/ia/ia.html

Yeah, the profiles are here, under army lists.

So I went back to the website to take a look at the rules and there are soooo many of them....
Which one is generally played nowadays?

I'll probably have to dig through that big rule set one instead to get a better understanding...
Which still looks a lot less than 40k...

 Makutsu wrote:
So I went back to the website to take a look at the rules and there are soooo many of them....
Which one is generally played nowadays?

All of them, there are 3 rules download you need and 3 army list download. While the game system it's self in simply (once you grasp it, 3-6 game) it's the equipment and skills, add alot to it. But, all faction skills and equipment are pulled from that list, so once you learn how something works, you know how it work for every faction.

The core mechanics are in the first book. There's also a fan re-edit floating around somewhere, which has the rules for the first two books. Combine that with the Paradiso rules from the site and you're done.

OK mate will do my best to answer your questions in turn. First of all, don't panic! This game isn't some old roleplaying game, with dozens of rulebooks, and the basic rules are very straightforward to obtain. So *clicks fingers*

 Makutsu wrote:

So first of all is the a similar thing like the codex for this?

There are no codecies for each faction, but 3 rulebooks. There is the main Infinity rulebook (2nd edition), the Human Sphere book, and the newly released Campaign Paradiso. You guys in Canada often buy from the Warstore in the US right? This is the 3 different books on there: http://www.thewarstore.com/InfinityRulebooksAndAccessories.html

OK if you are worried about the prospect of spending out so much on rulebooks immediately then don't worry. All of the rules are downloadable, for free from the website. http://www.infinitythegame.com/infinity/en/downloads/

- Just Select 'Downloads', then 'Rules' -> 'English' and of these the main rulebook is the one labelled 'Rules' at the bottom of the list. The other main rulebooks (which you won't need initially) are 'Human Sphere Rules' and 'New Rules: Campaign Paradiso'.

- If you want just a shorter, easier to read version of the rules I would recommend starting with the very handy 'Starter Guide', from the Beasts of War website:
http://www.beastsofwar.com/wp-content/uploads/Infinity-QuickStartRules-V1.pdf

So why buy the rulebooks, you might ask? They have a lot of the game background, artwork and miniature pictures in. I think they're great, really nicely made books, but they aren't essential to play the game. A lot of players try out the games a few times, collect some miniatures and then perhaps buy the main rulebook at a later date once they have really started getting into the game.

I looked at the army builder and it's all in some other language than English even though English is selected...

There are 2 ways of accessing the army builder. You can either download the program itself, or just access it via the website. If it's not working well, try refreshing or re-opening your browser http://infinitythegame.com/dt_army/

I looked at the video about BS cancelling out BSs during the ARO?

Yes right! I've found the best way to think of face-to-face rolls (the rolls both players make when doing anything opposed to each other - combat, shooting etc.) is like playing Blackjack/Pontoon/21s or whatever you call that card game. You wan't to go as close as possible to your result, but without going 'bust' and going over the desired result.

There are a couple of videos in the stickied thread on Dakka that probably explain it better than me going into complex descriptions!
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/440048.page In fact, I would thoroughly recommend reading through all of this thread as a good place to start.

So I am really interested in C. Army, and really love the Anathematic, is it good? since I have no idea where to see its stats.

Yes it is an awesome miniature, and also a real monster on the tabletop!
You can see its stats on the army builder program, or in the back of the rulebook.

The stats aren't really that complicated, you will get used to them quickly, especially when they are understood in the context of the game. But, to help out a bit here is a screen-grab from the Army Builder, showing a comparison between a normal human trooper (in this case a Haqqislam Ghulam) and the Combined Army Anathematic:

First, the Ghulam:

So that stats mean (from left to right): Move, Close Combat, Ballistic Skill, Physical, Will Power, Armour, Bio-technological shielding (don't need to worry about that for now ^^), Wounds and finally Availability.

To compare to the Anathamatic:


So as you can see, the Anathamatic is a lot tougher than the standard line-trooper guy. But then he should be, as essentially he is the Combined Army equivalent of a light TAG (the big robots you may have seen).

Underneath the stat lines are the special rules for that unit. Again the Ghulam's are very straightforward (and usual for a light infantry unit - you will see those stats a lot) - but its here the Anathamatic gets exciting and you can see why it costs quite a lot of points - The Anathamatic has 'CH:TO Camouflage' which means 'Thermoptic Camouflage'. That's right, this guy can make himself go invisible like the Predator! So you can stealth your way around the board with him, and then pop up and turn something into a pile of goo with the plasma rifle. And not only is he hard to hit, but the 'no wound incapacitation' means he can be falling to pieces and still fighting. Very nasty, but the AVA (availability) of 1 means that you can only have that many of them in the army. Contrast with the Ghulam, who has 'total' (meaning you can have as many as you want).

And regarding the special rules, using the army builder you can click on each special rule and it will immediately jump straight to the Wiki page for that rule. Extremely useful when you first start to play, and means that the rules can be accessed quickly and easily.

Also, what are those factions inside each race/army? Like Yu Jin has Chinese, Japanese or something like that.

There are 7 main factions in the game. Some of these have what is called a 'Sectorial', which is a specific component of the force. So, like you say, the Japanese Sectorial of the wider Yu-Jing Faction. Another one is the Merovingians (essentially French) of the Ariadna Faction. What difference does this make? It allows you to specialise your list, giving you more options of one unit, while taking away others. To give one example, the Japanese Sectorial will allow you to take more 'Domaru Butai' (future samurai) but not let you choose things like Kuang Shi (Chinese convict troopers who explode when they die!)

It's generally said that its best to start off with a generic list, and then go with a Sectorial (and all the inherent advantages and disadvantages that brings) when you get used to the game. That being said, there is nothing wrong with buying a 'Sectorial' army box to start off (so - something like the Shasvastii boxset for Combined Army - http://www.infinitythegame.com/infinity/en/2011/miniatures/shasvasti-expeditionary-force/) and just using it as part of the normal army list.

Also, how do you guys find this game compared to GW?

There are a lot of differences, as you will find out when you start to play. Most chiefly the fact that it is a skirmish game of course - you're only dealing with most likely at most a dozen miniatures, compared to 60/70+ in a game of 40k or WFB. But I've found the biggest difference to be the reaction mechanic, and that this game has a much lower level of abstraction than GW's core games. Your opponent runs a trooper between two buildings on the far side of the board? Blam, your sniper (previously camouflaged) can see him and takes a shot, quite possibly nailing him as he runs. You have to imagine your little guys are real, as far as possible - run heroically down the centre of the board yelling your battle cry? Prepare to be turned into swiss cheese. Use cover well, let your guys cover each other, try and outflank your opponents to get clean shots on them - the game is a lot more tactical than GW games, even without the cool stuff that some of the units can do, and there is a lot of room for the player to make the difference.

Anyway, this game seems very interesting and I am looking forward to try it out.
Thanks for all the help

No problem I hope that isn't too much to take in! It does look like a lot, but seriously it is definitely worth the effort - some of the fans of this game are seriously in love with it - you will find out why when you start to play

Yeah, I really want to try it out and it' a lot more cheaper than GW...

So the beginner thread says to just go with whatever models you like and go from there.
So I used the builder here: http://anyplace.it/ia/ia.html
and created a list of:
Anathematic Spitfire (84|2)
Raicho MHMG,HFT (89|2)
Noctifer Lieutenant (23|1)
Yaogat Grenades (30|0)
Yaogat Grenades (30|0)
Kurgat Autocannon (37|1.5)

I'm not sure if what I'm doing is good or even a good buy or not for this game and would like some opinion on it.

If it is bad what should I get?
I am ok with the starter packs but they don't look all too good...

 Makutsu wrote:
Yeah, I really want to try it out and it' a lot more cheaper than GW...

So the beginner thread says to just go with whatever models you like and go from there.
So I used the builder here: http://anyplace.it/ia/ia.html
and created a list of:
Anathematic Spitfire (84|2)
Raicho MHMG,HFT (89|2)
Noctifer Lieutenant (23|1)
Yaogat Grenades (30|0)
Yaogat Grenades (30|0)
Kurgat Autocannon (37|1.5)

I'm not sure if what I'm doing is good or even a good buy or not for this game and would like some opinion on it.

If it is bad what should I get?

I am ok with the starter packs but they don't look all too good...

Starter pack are not need if you don't want or like the looks of the models.

Your list is painfully short on orders, your looking for 9-10 models, for a 300pts list. Best option, use either Anathematic or Raicho in a list by themself. Use the point saved for more units. The Noctifer Lt. sounds like a good idea, until you realise you can't use Hidden Deployment or you start in LoL (very bad). I'd take the Anatahematic with Plasma Lt myself, while the Spitfire B4 is fun, he will be the heavy hitter and getting a exta order. Plus Mnemonica is great, but only works if he is your Lt. Change a Yaogat to a Panzerfuast and fill out with more units. Ohh, and your list is .5 SWC over the limit, but fith the changes I giving you will have 1 SWC left to spend.

Have Fun.

Combined Army: The Anathematics - Plasma Rifle BOX (1)
Combined Army: Noctifers - Missile Launcher (1)
Combined Army: Raicho Armored Brigade (1)
Combined Army: The Charontids - HMG (1)
Combined Army: Yaogat Strike Infantry BOX (4)
Combined Army: Zerat - Multi Sniper (1)

So I am thinking of putting in an order for the above models, would this make a good list?

Also, I thought the Yaogat allows you to take 4 models for the points that you are paying...

All that comes to about 450 points (most games are played at 300). You also won't be able to use it all at once - unless you are playing Morats, you can only have two Yaogats, but if you are playing them, you can't take half of the things on the list. CA aren't my specialty, but it looks like you've got the important guys for two lists there.

Yeah, something to remember about 'it's not your list, it's you' is that you still do need to abide by points, AVA (availablility) and SWC (special weapons costs) limitations, and bear in mind that orders are important. At higher point level games, you'll want more, so taking all specialised models does limit your order pool simply because you don't have many models. You can make it work, but you'll be fighting uphill, and every loss will hurt your order pool.

You seem a bit confused as of what is allowed and not in the points.
A beginner's/demo game is about 100 pts and 2 swc.
A small game is 150 pts and 3 swc.
A medium game is 200 - 250 pts and 4 - 5 swc.
A large (and tournament standard) game is 300 pts and 6 swc. Most people prefer to play at the 300 pts level when they're used to everything.
You get 1 swc per 50 pts of the game, and it's the thing that limits your special weapons.

You should also take into account that there's a consensus on how many models you need at each point level. For 150 you need 6 - 7 models, for 200 you need 7 - 8 models, for 250 you need 8 - 9 models and for 300 you need 9 - 10 models.
It's not needed of you to follow those model numbers, but they are good things to have in miind to get a balanced list and should serve you well until you know the ins and outs of the game.

Finally, I would advice of you to make a 150 pts list and a 300 pts list that you could see yourself using (and havinjg some common models between the two) so you have a point to start out at and one to aim for.

Noir wrote:


The Noctifer Lt. sounds like a good idea, until you realise you can't use Hidden Deployment or you start in LoL (very bad).

However, You CAN start with him as a MARKER and avoid this condition. TO camo units do NOT have to deploy as 'hidden', they have the same deployment options as other camo models (model or marker) in addition to the 'hidden' option, and may deploy as camo OR TO camo marker.

Seed-Soldier Combi (14|0)
Seed-Soldier Combi (14|0)
Seed-Soldier Combi (14|0)
Shrouded Sniper (38|1.5)
Malignos Sniper (47|1.5)
Sphinx (110|2)
Noctifer Lieutenant (23|1)

So this is my list so far, using the sectorial army I was able to form the above list.

But I am only at 7 orders at 260 points, I see that you can stuff Ikadrons at 9 points which could easily buff me up to 300 with 10 orders but I'm not sure what they actually are.
Are they the drones or are they the models itself?

The Ikadron is the one on the left, the Imetron is the beacon... They just happen to be sold together.



IKADRON BATROIDS

Is a good soldier made or born?

For the Ur Civilization, the good soldier isn’t made or born, it is grown.

Product of the most advanced techno-organic engineering, the Ikadron Batroids are carbon-silicon hybrids cultivated in accelerated growth farms over a pseudo-intelligent monitored substrate. The techno-neuronal hardware structure and behavior models of the Ikadron have been designed in the image and likeness of the Ruaria, companion animals of the Ur since times immemorial and favorite pet of any warrior, hunter or adventurer. The Ruaria are ferocious, brave and loyal until death, making them the ideal model and reference for creating an excellent autonomous slave/operative. So, the Ikadron was the perfect tool for any Ur to feel comfortable and safe working with it, either configured for autonomous remote mode or under direct control via quantronic-neuronal link.

Designed in the ages before the creation of the EI itself, the Ikadron were a mass production tool to perform dangerous activities in hostile environments; a wide definition including any kind of tasks, from exploration to construction, prospecting or even combat. With minimum modifications in the cultivation phase, an Ikadron could change from a qualified worker to a professional soldier, expert in front line operations or in logistics. In this way, the Ikadron Batroids were the main force of the expansionist waves of the EI in its first campaigns of conquest, when the Ur presence in combat was more frequent.

A civilization of such an advanced level as the Ur is characterized by the efficiency of its tools, and the Ikadron were renowned for their effectiveness and reliability, implementing the EI’s strategies with precision and implacable energy, without hesitation, without backing off, as inexorable as the EI which they represented [...]

Fragment extracted from the Forgotten Annals of the T’zechi Digesters.

The Ikadron Batroids are part of the backbone of the Combined Army forces. Even if the Morat race is primarily responsible for the execution of the military activities of the alien forces, it is also usual to see the presence of an Ikadron contingent in those larger deployments grouping more than one species. The task of the Ikadron is, supposedly, to act as a mobile reserve, but it is evident that they also act as a control element for those species forming part of the deployment. They also act as a deterrent factor for any possible conflict among those races, something that can be very frequent given the rude and xenophobic mentality of Morats.

“Guide to Identification of the Enemy (GIE): Ikadron Batroids”. Extracted from the OPC-1 International Operative Handbook, Paradiso Campaign. Published by the Psi Unit, O-12 Military Intelligence.

ÍMETRON

This special device has been created to improve the range and capacity of the Tactical Data Net of the EI over the battlefield. Ímetron beacons are deployed from aerial reconnaissance drones through high or low altitude launches, depending on battle conditions. The devices amplify and analyze data and tactical information obtained from the Combined Army, providing a constant actualization of any combat’s development parameters.

 Makutsu wrote:
Seed-Soldier Combi (14|0)
Seed-Soldier Combi (14|0)
Seed-Soldier Combi (14|0)
Shrouded Sniper (38|1.5)
Malignos Sniper (47|1.5)
Sphinx (110|2)
Noctifer Lieutenant (23|1)

So this is my list so far, using the sectorial army I was able to form the above list.

But I am only at 7 orders at 260 points, I see that you can stuff Ikadrons at 9 points which could easily buff me up to 300 with 10 orders but I'm not sure what they actually are.
Are they the drones or are they the models itself?

This list seems solid. A few more orders up to 300 pts would do you good. I would probly (personal taste) add and Aswuang (or equivalent) and a Batroid to get 9 orders at 300 points. Having a TAG usually removes the issue of having 1 order less.
So, are you planning on going Shasvastii? If yes, I'd like to be the first to welcome you to our gribbly continuum

Noctifer Lieutenant (23|1)
Seed-Soldier Combi (14|0)
Seed-Soldier Combi (14|0)
Seed-Soldier Combi (14|0)
Shrouded Sniper (38|1.5)
Malignos Sniper (47|1.5)
Aswuang Spitfire (31|1)
Sphinx (110|2)
Ikadron (9|0)

So the list above is on spot 300 points~


I don't really have much of a preference, but since the Skasvastii starter set had seemed more appealing that's why I chose this list...
And that you need to use sectorial to have 3 seed-soldiers hence I chose Skasvastii for now

Overall, I like the Combined Army models the most so that's why I chose this list~

But too bad there isn't a sectorial for the bugs like Anthematics, Caskuda which are models that I love the most in the army

Welcome to the sneaky Shasvastii. I'm going to try writing a Tactica at some point for them, so keep an eye out.

I'm hoping too for an Exrah sectoral at some point.

So I ended up getting PanO since this guy sold it to me for such a cheap price...

So my list is now:
Auxilia (14|0)
Auxbot
Auxilia (14|0)
Auxbot
Hexa Sniper (38|1.5)
Cutter Lieutenant (117|3)
Knight of Montesa Grenadier (51|1.5)
Brethren MULTI (35|0)
Nisse Combi (31|0)

So do the Auxbots give an order for each bot?
And how does this list look?

Not a fan of a TAG Lt, but that's just me. I'd prefer to have them out killing stuff - places I generally don't want my Lt to be.

Pretty sure Auxbots don't give orders.

Not sure on Auxbots. The TO camo the TAG will make him safer but you will not be able to use hidden deployment unless you want to start the game in Loss of Lt.

The auxilia have G:Synchronized, so they have give a single order between them.

Yeah worse comes worse you can use an aucilia as a Lt. for the moment.

Welcome to PanO. From what everyone says though, Infinity is cheaper than GW, so you'll be very tempted to start a second, third army...

Hmmm, i have always heard of auxilia being rather order efficient (since you can move both or either of them with the order and the Auxbot is relatively fast), but then i was under the impression that they had two orders to use as well.....

im with Loki on not liking the TAG Lt, but again its personal flavour (and if you are going to choose a TAG to be the Lt the Cutter is an excellent choice!), otheriwse it does look a little orderstarved...