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Hello all!!

I did a few different searches and didn't find an answer to my question. My apologies if I missed something.

I'm looking to start 2 armies for Infinity. I would like to play the 2 least played armies.

I already bought an Ariadna starter.

What would the second least played army be? Or third?

Thanks!

That would really depend on what the least played army is in your neck of the woods.

Over here, Ariadna and Haqqislam are the most commonly played armies - for example. For some unfathomable reason, people actually like the idea of French werewolves wearing skirts.

In my group, Combine are the most commonly played (out of 6 players, 2 play Combine, one of each plays Ariadna, nomads, tohaa and I have PanO, Aleph and Yu-jing and am starting QK - only because I had some nomad stuff already and a few Haqq figures).

Tohaa are just geting started so they a good one. Plus you would have one human and one alien.

I thought Ariadna was the most played army, bar none?

 Mathieu Raymond wrote:
I thought Ariadna was the most played army, bar none?

Based on?

Its not very scientific and only samples a fraction of all infinity players but the post count on the faction sub-forums in the international forum gives an indication of the activity of each faction if not the number of players. Going by that Pan O and Yu Jing are top (probably Pan O players whining about their TAGs and Yu Jing players whining about CC ) with haqqislam and combined army bottom of the main factions. Aleph are catching up for a relatively new faction and obviously Tohaa has the least as the newest faction.

I think that CB also have sales information available somewhere for most popular minis? Might not help working out least popular factions though.

As others have said it will depend what other people in your area are playing? If no-one else has picked anything up then just pick the factions you like the look of best.

 chromedog wrote:
...people actually like the idea of Scottish werewolves wearing kilts.

I have corrected that statement. Now tell me, what isn't awesome about it?

I think you should take whichever faction you like the models of, but not Haqqislam - Ariadna and Haqqislam are both pretty low on technology, so you should be looking for something that offers good TAG options, like Pan Oceania or Yu Jing.

 Alkasyn wrote:
I think you should take whichever faction you like the models of, but not Haqqislam - Ariadna and Haqqislam are both pretty low on technology, so you should be looking for something that offers good TAG options, like Pan Oceania or Yu Jing.

What's technology got to do with anything? The OP never mentioned it as a concern.

Also, building your starting army around a TAG is a surefire way to get curbstomped repeatedly. TAGs are big boys toys. And it's hardly expensive making a second army when you know what TAG you like.

 -Loki- wrote:

 Alkasyn wrote:
I think you should take whichever faction you like the models of, but not Haqqislam - Ariadna and Haqqislam are both pretty low on technology, so you should be looking for something that offers good TAG options, like Pan Oceania or Yu Jing.

What's technology got to do with anything? The OP never mentioned it as a concern.

Also, building your starting army around a TAG is a surefire way to get curbstomped repeatedly. TAGs are big boys toys. And it's hardly expensive making a second army when you know what TAG you like.

He already collects Ariadna, so my suggestion was to collect a faction that plays differently to what he has, and if he is concerned about the popularity of the faction, then something like ALEPH or CA - high tech but not popular (at least in my community) could be a good choice.

 Alkasyn wrote:

 -Loki- wrote:

 Alkasyn wrote:
I think you should take whichever faction you like the models of, but not Haqqislam - Ariadna and Haqqislam are both pretty low on technology, so you should be looking for something that offers good TAG options, like Pan Oceania or Yu Jing.

What's technology got to do with anything? The OP never mentioned it as a concern.

Also, building your starting army around a TAG is a surefire way to get curbstomped repeatedly. TAGs are big boys toys. And it's hardly expensive making a second army when you know what TAG you like.

He already collects Ariadna, so my suggestion was to collect a faction that plays differently to what he has

That's a bold claim saying Haqqislam and Ariadna play the same.

Generally speaking, you can go with both Ariadna and Haqqislam and make completely different armies. Their strengths lie in Light Infantry, yes, but for different reasons.

 Crazy_Carnifex wrote:

 chromedog wrote:
...people actually like the idea of Scottish werewolves wearing kilts.

I have corrected that statement. Now tell me, what isn't awesome about it?

I've noticed chromedog has an ongoing issue with werewolves and kilts, seperately and together. I'm choosing to believe he's not got an issue with Scotland because that would be rather unusual to say the least. I love the concept but to each their own.
He's a nice guy so best not to take what he's saying the wrong way I think. Also, since kilts are indeed skirts I choose to believe that he is not being inflammatory or trolling by referring to them as such. I can't defend the confusion between Scotland and France though... very strange. I'm sure he can shed some light on it.

On topic: I'd go with Tohaa, they are new so very few people play them and it gives you some fun aliens to play with.

 -Loki- wrote:

 Alkasyn wrote:

 -Loki- wrote:

 Alkasyn wrote:
I think you should take whichever faction you like the models of, but not Haqqislam - Ariadna and Haqqislam are both pretty low on technology, so you should be looking for something that offers good TAG options, like Pan Oceania or Yu Jing.

What's technology got to do with anything? The OP never mentioned it as a concern.

Also, building your starting army around a TAG is a surefire way to get curbstomped repeatedly. TAGs are big boys toys. And it's hardly expensive making a second army when you know what TAG you like.

He already collects Ariadna, so my suggestion was to collect a faction that plays differently to what he has

That's a bold claim saying Haqqislam and Ariadna play the same.

Generally speaking, you can go with both Ariadna and Haqqislam and make completely different armies. Their strengths lie in Light Infantry, yes, but for different reasons.

I simply meant that compared to ALEPH or Combined Army, Haqqislam and Ariadna do not possess all the High Tech options such as, let's say, TAGs or good MSV carriers, which restricts a particular type of gameplay (TAG lists). If I was to start a 2nd army, I'd go with something HIgh tech for myself to get a decent TAG.

 Alkasyn wrote:
I simply meant that compared to ALEPH or Combined Army, Haqqislam and Ariadna do not possess all the High Tech options such as, let's say, TAGs or good MSV carriers, which restricts a particular type of gameplay (TAG lists). If I was to start a 2nd army, I'd go with something HIgh tech for myself to get a decent TAG.

I actually rather disagree. Haqqislam has access to the Djanbazan which only has MSV2, but the MG version is probably one of the most popular models taken by the army possibly due to Regeneration. Point is, Haqqislam doesn't have the 'best' tech, but they really seem to have a little bit of all the tech. Plus, they're really not starved for TAGs either; Haqq proper has the incredibly useful Margariba Guard while QK has access to Scarface and Iguanas.
Point is, the Haqqis may not get the highest level of the techy stuff, but they pretty much have all of them anyways and tons of gimmicky skills on the side from Regeneration to Impersonation to Holoprojector L1+2 to Haris to Strategos3. I actually think the only "common" tech item they don't have is MSV3.

I do agree that Combined Army is quite the opposite playstyle from Ariadna, though. Then again, the aliens are both quite dynamically different from the humans altogether. With the new introduction of Thorakitai and Agema to the Aleph, they seem to play like more of a traditional army than they used to. Dakini and Myrmidons are no longer the only 'grunt' troop you can take.

Hmm... I like Ariadna... but I also like Haqqislam... only one way to decide...










Pointless really though as everyone knows Yu Jing are the best!

ALEPH isn't popular?

I think I've found my starting force then. Funny that, I'm right uncomfortable with transhumanism yet I'm about to start an army with units called "posthumans" or some gak in them.

 bantha_beast wrote:

 Mathieu Raymond wrote:
I thought Ariadna was the most played army, bar none?

Based on?

Its not very scientific and only samples a fraction of all infinity players but the post count on the faction sub-forums in the international forum gives an indication of the activity of each faction if not the number of players. Going by that Pan O and Yu Jing are top (probably Pan O players whining about their TAGs and Yu Jing players whining about CC ) with haqqislam and combined army bottom of the main factions. Aleph are catching up for a relatively new faction and obviously Tohaa has the least as the newest faction.

I think that CB also have sales information available somewhere for most popular minis? Might not help working out least popular factions though.

As others have said it will depend what other people in your area are playing? If no-one else has picked anything up then just pick the factions you like the look of best.

I agree, I only have a small sampling, the number of times I've seen people start it and going for Ariadna here, and both of my opponents favour Ariadna.

 Dakkamite wrote:
ALEPH isn't popular?
I think I've found my starting force then. Funny that, I'm right uncomfortable with transhumanism yet I'm about to start an army with units called "posthumans" or some gak in them.

Yep, I can't abide theism but most of my armies believe very strongly in at least one deity, whatever system. It's probably quite common. My reason tends to be for story telling purposes but I imagine it's got a lot to do with escapism normally.

On topic: I think it's better to choose the army you are most aesthetically drawn to and secondly be influenced in your choice by their fluff. It strikes me that these factors will keep you coming back and give you more enjoyment in the game which means you'll get more bang for your buck and more fun too. However, if people want to go with the least played armies then it would seem best to base your choice on local information as it seems to vary massively in my experience.

Actually... after getting whooped time and again, I'd rather find an army that has the playstyle I like, and then find as many proxies that fit the equipment and theme as possible.

You still having a rough time of it then? Your experience is very unique from what I've seen so I'm not sure I'd use it as advice for new players.


I feel like someone should have been able to help you out by now Mathieu. You're getting a bit of a rough deal so far. :(

 Crazy_Carnifex wrote:

 chromedog wrote:
...people actually like the idea of Scottish werewolves wearing kilts.

I have corrected that statement. Now tell me, what isn't awesome about it?

Problem with Werewolves in my SF games? Yeah, just meh. Werewolves in fantasy or horror games, not a problem.
Men in skirts, just because. Dogs in skirts, even more so. (We have a TV network mascot over here who comes on at "kiddies bedtime" and tells them to go to bed. It's called "big dog". So I refer to all of the werewolves as "big dog" or just "dogs" - the locals get the reference here.)
"Cultural identity" or not, I still think they still look rather silly. Like tall fur hats. The wife's family is scottish. I can't understand them.

Just not big on Scotland. Spent a rather miserable 6 months there. Too cold and wet and that cat-strangling "musical" instrument is part of Satan's improv Jazz ensemble. Along with the recorder, piano accordion and banjo.

More down on the roooskies, than scots, though. Don't know if it's because of Dad being a Gypsy and all that (he wasn't a fan of Russians in general) or whatever - but I won't play a "russian" faction in ANY game.

Apart from that, take most of my posts with the truckload of salt with which they are posted. I make light of most things.

Sarcastic, much. Moi? You betcha sweet patootie. You'll take my sarcasm when you can pry it from my cold, dry wit.

To be honest, I'm still not convinved I have the chops for the game, hence me starting a second force to experiment with a different playstyle.

I haven't been able to get more games in, lack of time has kept even painting time down to a minimum.

Oh chrome. Thou are an inflammatory beast...

I hope things start working out for you Mathieu, keep me updated!

 Absolutionis wrote:

 Alkasyn wrote:
I simply meant that compared to ALEPH or Combined Army, Haqqislam and Ariadna do not possess all the High Tech options such as, let's say, TAGs or good MSV carriers, which restricts a particular type of gameplay (TAG lists). If I was to start a 2nd army, I'd go with something HIgh tech for myself to get a decent TAG.

I actually rather disagree. Haqqislam has access to the Djanbazan which only has MSV2, but the MG version is probably one of the most popular models taken by the army possibly due to Regeneration. Point is, Haqqislam doesn't have the 'best' tech, but they really seem to have a little bit of all the tech. Plus, they're really not starved for TAGs either; Haqq proper has the incredibly useful Margariba Guard while QK has access to Scarface and Iguanas.
Point is, the Haqqis may not get the highest level of the techy stuff, but they pretty much have all of them anyways and tons of gimmicky skills on the side from Regeneration to Impersonation to Holoprojector L1+2 to Haris to Strategos3. I actually think the only "common" tech item they don't have is MSV3.

I do agree that Combined Army is quite the opposite playstyle from Ariadna, though. Then again, the aliens are both quite dynamically different from the humans altogether. With the new introduction of Thorakitai and Agema to the Aleph, they seem to play like more of a traditional army than they used to. Dakini and Myrmidons are no longer the only 'grunt' troop you can take.

Good point. I still think that for example Pan Ocenia offers you a wider variety of, let's say, MSV options, which in Haqqislam are very limited (In Bahram, which is my main sectorial, I have none) - but Haqqislam in general, has a wide access to a little bit of all the tech.

Wow, I really love the discussions going on here! It has helped me a bit.

Aleph.... love that motorcycle...

Combined Army... there's not really a particular unit that draws me to them, I just like the overall feel and look to them.

The main thing that stops me getting combined is the monkeyfaces.

Certain of the morat units wear helmets or masks. These are fine. I just don't like the angry monkey look of the others.

I have yet to see a Tohaa army and there is only one CA player in my local area. Most common is PanO or Ariadna then Haqq

I'm with Chromedog on the Morats. I do all CA other than them. I just never liked the figs. I've thought of doing a proxy of them but not sure with what yet.

Mmm Tohaa look very appealing to me... I look forward to seeing what they do in the future.

I'll just buy 1 of each starter... /maniaclelaugh

Love the Morats, and have no problem with their 'look'.

Love how they play, too!

Actually, the angry monkey look makes me laugh! I want to sculpt some bananas, and maybe convert their rears to look like baboons.