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I am *completely* new to Spartan Games AND Dystopian Wars (although I've got a healthy 40k force, some WM/H and a bit of Infinity), but I've managed to rope in a few friends and we're springing for the 4x Naval Bulk Set on the Spartan Games website.

I've been doing some scout-work and I absolutely LOVE the Russian models. But aside from models and painting, I haven't been able to find out a whole lot about the game (my local area is almost entirely GW, my Infinity still yet to be truly dusted off...). Just a few quick questions, if you don't mind;

1) Are the unit abilities/stats printed on Unit Cards like Warmachine, or is it more like 40k where you need the rulebook?
1a) I mean, I absolutely intend to get the rulebook, but considering I'm after the Russian fleet (which I see is relatively new) what rulebook does their stats show up in? Would I need an additional rulebook (like a post-release Campaign update?)

2) Is there a soft breakdown of the races pluses/minuses anywhere? Trying to convince others to get it, and unless I can break it down for them (they're as 40k-solid as my local area, we NEED to fix this!) I doubt they'll relent.

3) How does the game play/balance on 'starter box' scales? We're in no way competitive (very beer and pretzels), but I'd prefer we all had a chance to win any given battle..

4) How scenery-intensive is the game? I assume, it being sea-based, there's not much required apart from the odd coastline. Are they underwater features, whirlpools and such?

5) Finally, the Fog of War cards. Required for fun gaming? Or gimmick add-ons?

Thanks so much for your help guys.

(On a side note, I personally am caught between the Russian's and the Brit's. Everything is so damn nice looking [except imho the EotBS naval units... bleeeurgh]!)

Well, I'll start this off by saying, I have spent a lot more time reading about Dystopian Wars than I have playing it. I have only really played two games against other people although I have a fairly substantial FSA fleet.

That said, the consensus seems to be that the starter fleets are not the most balanced. Spartan Games packaged all fleets with the same ship classes, but this means the pricing of the fleets may be slightly off. Also, some of the fleets appear to be missing tools that are provided with other units available.

That said, the FSA are widely considered the easiest fleet to start with. Therefore when just learning the game the FSA fleet will appear the most powerful, rather it's mostly just very forgiving.

The EotBS are probably the fleet that is the hardest to figure out because they have the most restricted firing arcs, although they have the best turning ability and many weapon systems.

I'll now go into your other questions.

1- All of the ship information is available on cards provided with the models. But, when SG updated the base rules slightly they also modified some of the shipsof the various fleets. Therefore I can't guarantee the cards you get will be the most updated. The revised cards are available on Spartan Games website.
2- This'll take to much effort for me to provide while Swyping this reply on my phone. Either I or someone else will detail it later.
3- I hope I touched on this before the question breakdown
4- The terrain is completely up to you in the naval game. The games can be played in the deep sea with nothing, but it is normally considered best to have a couple of islands to break the game up. You can also have reefs, coastlines, canals, and whatever else you want. There are no terrain rules other than collision and blocking line of sight.
5- The use of the game cards is entirely subjective. They can provide additional tactical options, but shouldn't really provide any overly imbalancing effects because both players can play the same cards. That said, many players don't like playing with them, and most people say you should only add the cards in after getting a good understanding of the game without them.

Welcome to the war soldier! I will help how i can

1)The unit references are on cards provided with the models, as well as in the rulebooks. The "newer" fleets (russia for instance) get a short booklet too stating what their new MARs (universal rules) do, as well as some story fluff. Also check out the community, theres some rather good redos of the cards for easier reference (cleaned up design, what the MARs do without needing to check the rulebook, picture of the unit so you can grab it at a glance etc).

2) Not sure if theres a full breakdown, but heres the basics:
EotBS (mine! )- Jack of all trades. A small smattering of shields on the larger ships, lots of rocket spam and on average CR+1. Rather than being forced to operate in RBX they can pretty much come and go as they please, ontop of above average boarding and faster ships with better turning circles. Only real problem is "redundant" units. Hard learning curve.

Russia- Brings tank to a new meaning. Not the fastest, but damn hard to bring down as their abblative armour requires consistant crits to crack. Not much in the way of long range fire or boarding, but short range hammers.

COA- Mecha. Mecha everywhere, and generators everywhere else. LOTS of gimmicky toys, but ones that will leave your opponent turning in circles.

Prussia- They try. Has best boarding in the game and some pretty ok guns. But dont expect them to outgun anything, even the russians outshoot these guys. Again a pretty hard learning curve, however if used right you wont NEED to out gun the other guys, they DO have alot of potential.

FSA- basicaly? Easy mode. Easiest learning curve and no REAL downside to the fleet, usualy a DR+1 on their stuff. good amount of AD at good ranges. Very much the easiest force to learn (plus a lack of the more gimmicky MARs). Very straight forward.

KoB- Torpedos and shields everywhere! The amount of shield dice the BB can get will have you tearing at your hair, and hope you have good CC as youl have torpes like the japs spam rockets.

French- Basicaly? never use air against them. They own the skys with AA fire, and you are gonna be HARD pushed to take them back. Also be wary of RB1 and 2 with the bigger ships, the heat lances are scary stuff.

3) As is stated for ballance, the starters arnt great for it as they give the same model TYPES (9 frigates, 3 cruisers, 1 BB, 2 bombers and 10 TFs). This ranges from about (i think) 670ish (the french) to i think about 740 for the FSA? But it is a good starting point for what you get for the price.

4) The scenery isnt that important, as has been said, you can easily play with none, general idea is at most 1 piece for each table quarter, maybe 5 at a push unless your playing land.

5) The cards add an extra layer to the game, youl need a deck each though. Other than that we havnt really used them.

Hope all that helped

I do want to say on terrain. From all I've read, more islands seriously help counter the benefits the FSA get leveling the playing field.

Terrain helps Prussians get close enough without sustaining so much damage they just crumble.

That's why although it can be a pain to learn to navigate around I would suggest at least a couple islands.

roadkizzle wrote:
I do want to say on terrain. From all I've read, more islands seriously help counter the benefits the FSA get leveling the playing field.

Terrain helps Prussians get close enough without sustaining so much damage they just crumble.

That's why although it can be a pain to learn to navigate around I would suggest at least a couple islands.

Aye, our group plays terrain heavy (about 6-7 pieaces normaly) and it HAS helped a LOT against FSA for my EotBS, especialy as im pretty much imune to worrying about turning circles crashing me into tight fits

Welcome to the game! Always glad to see another Spartan player.

I think the others have pretty much covered the bases, but I can't help but add my own 2 cents :

1. Starting off, you will want to get the rulebook and the fleet starter of your choice. While the starter boxes aren't perfectly balanced, they aren't horribly off and do provide you with everything you need to explore the mechanics of the game. For those factions not in the core rule book like the Russians, their starter boxes (both land and sea) include a miniature A5 rule book that has all the stats and some background fluff for that faction included.

2. Once you have gotten a few games under your belt, you can start thinking about expanding your fleet. This choice is going to depend on your fleet, your play style, and the size of the game your local group prefers. If small games are prevalent, swapping out some of the ships in the box set or boosting the numbers of some will probably be the way to go. For example, Prussians are probably going to want more frigates, while the French will be going for destroyers to replace their frigates, etc. If larger games are the norm, adding in the carrier and/or dreadnought might be the better move.

3. Once you have your naval force filled out, you can also start looking to the flying and/or ground sides of your faction, again depending on what your local group prefers.

One final note, if you are looking for some battle reports, I've got a couple posted on my naval gaming blog (link in my sig). Hope that helps!

1) Are the unit abilities/stats printed on Unit Cards like Warmachine, or is it more like 40k where you need the rulebook?
1a) I mean, I absolutely intend to get the rulebook, but considering I'm after the Russian fleet (which I see is relatively new) what rulebook does their stats show up in? Would I need an additional rulebook (like a post-release Campaign update?)

I think the Russians have their own small book, much like what happened to CoA. You need the rulebook. You can't get by with just what is on the cards.

2) Is there a soft breakdown of the races pluses/minuses anywhere? Trying to convince others to get it, and unless I can break it down for them (they're as 40k-solid as my local area, we NEED to fix this!) I doubt they'll relent.

Just check out the Spartan Games forum.

3) How does the game play/balance on 'starter box' scales? We're in no way competitive (very beer and pretzels), but I'd prefer we all had a chance to win any given battle..

The starter box forces are generally very close points wise. That said, the forces in the starter boxes were some of the first basic models ever released and while nearly points balanced the forces are not necessarily balanced vs each other. CoA is a particularly strong boxed set while the Prussian naval force is general considered to be rather weak. I'd recommend reading over the rulebook and maybe buying your force "Ala-cart" to get the units you want. My group is also very "beer & pretzels" and most players have simply bought a boxed set and a pack or two or of some other models and that's it, that's their force. I got a few not-amused looks when I actually read over the rules and units and then decided how I wanted to build my own small force, as I don't suffer from getting stuck with some of the not so great units/models in the box sets that they did, however I feel I am much happier with my force.

4) How scenery-intensive is the game? I assume, it being sea-based, there's not much required apart from the odd coastline. Are they underwater features, whirlpools and such?

The land side should be played with some terrain, and I feel the sea game is much more fun with some islands. Either way though, terrain tends to be light.

5) Finally, the Fog of War cards. Required for fun gaming? Or gimmick add-ons?

I personally find them gimmicky add-ons and my group mostly plays without them. They do change the game some and I prefer to play without them as if feels more like a proper war game without the card decks. I feel they tend to add more frustration than "fun".

personally am caught between the Russian's and the Brit's.

They play very differently. I play Brits and I really enjoy them, both Naval and Land, their Air is really their to support the other arms and doesn't do good on as it's own force.

 Swordbreaker wrote:

3) How does the game play/balance on 'starter box' scales? We're in no way competitive (very beer and pretzels), but I'd prefer we all had a chance to win any given battle..

The starter box forces are generally very close points wise. That said, the forces in the starter boxes were some of the first basic models ever released and while nearly points balanced the forces are not necessarily balanced vs each other. CoA is a particularly strong boxed set while the Prussian naval force is general considered to be rather weak. I'd recommend reading over the rulebook and maybe buying your force "Ala-cart" to get the units you want. My group is also very "beer & pretzels" and most players have simply bought a boxed set and a pack or two or of some other models and that's it, that's their force. I got a few not-amused looks when I actually read over the rules and units and then decided how I wanted to build my own small force, as I don't suffer from getting stuck with some of the not so great units/models in the box sets that they did, however I feel I am much happier with my force.

[

Im sorry what? the starters are nowhere near close :/ At the largest theres an at least 100 point gap or close to between 2 (i forget which : s french and someone else i believe) ontop of that some starters come with more dud units than others (french frigates and cruisers for instance, whereas the worst EotBS gets is the cruisers, which arnt even "bad", just "bad compared to the tanuki")

Well, to be fair, the French are the biggest outlier in terms of points for the starter boxes; their cruisers, battleship, and heavy interceptors are all less expensive than their counterparts in other fleets. The gap can be closed a bit by taking the Retardant Armor upgrades though.

 LordofRust wrote:

1) Are the unit abilities/stats printed on Unit Cards like Warmachine, or is it more like 40k where you need the rulebook?
1a) I mean, I absolutely intend to get the rulebook, but considering I'm after the Russian fleet (which I see is relatively new) what rulebook does their stats show up in? Would I need an additional rulebook (like a post-release Campaign update?)

The Stat Cards are more of a quick reference, but are identical (or should be if they both are up to date) with the Rulebook. They will all have 'keyword' rules as well as the general rules for the ships (weapons, hull, etc.) The Keywords will be referencing the Rulebook generally, though some will be in a booklet or PDF from their website if they were made after the rulebook was printed (likely for the new nations).

2) Is there a soft breakdown of the races pluses/minuses anywhere? Trying to convince others to get it, and unless I can break it down for them (they're as 40k-solid as my local area, we NEED to fix this!) I doubt they'll relent.

For the Core Nations:
Brittania: Fixed channel med/long range Torpedoes, lots of smaller guns opposed to larger ones (which means the guns are better close), shields on some units for a bit of protection.
FSA: Long range, powerful guns, Rockets. The FSA is designed to sit at long range and pound the enemy. Harder to damage than average (though not to crit)
Prussia: Fast ships, best boarders, close range guns and specialist weaponry.
Blazing Sun: Fixed channel guns, harder to crit than average
Antartica: High tech toys

Haven't seen the newest ones.

3) How does the game play/balance on 'starter box' scales? We're in no way competitive (very beer and pretzels), but I'd prefer we all had a chance to win any given battle..

FSA is probably stronger than the others, then Antarctica and Prussions for starter boxes (not quite sure though).

4) How scenery-intensive is the game? I assume, it being sea-based, there's not much required apart from the odd coastline. Are they underwater features, whirlpools and such?

Sometimes, we use hills as small islands.

5) Finally, the Fog of War cards. Required for fun gaming? Or gimmick add-ons?

I'm not a fan.

Thanks so much for your help guys.

(On a side note, I personally am caught between the Russian's and the Brit's. Everything is so damn nice looking [except imho the EotBS naval units... bleeeurgh]!)

Those are my favourites in terms of looks too. I have Brits as they were out first, before the Russians were announced. I think I would have gone with Russians if I was starting now as their vessels look really cool.

A friend has the Russian fleet, and it included a small booklet with the force's unit lists and special rules. Unit cards are included as well.

One question I have is what is in the campaign books? Do they reprint the rules and unit list from the expansion factions in the campaign book that is out?

 Balance wrote:
A friend has the Russian fleet, and it included a small booklet with the force's unit lists and special rules. Unit cards are included as well.

One question I have is what is in the campaign books? Do they reprint the rules and unit list from the expansion factions in the campaign book that is out?

They include expanded rules (as in the stuff from the minibooks the newer starter fleets give), hurricane season also gives rules for carrier transports, weather conditions, and the story driven (and i mean very story driven) campaign (obviously). thats the bulk of it anyway. popular theory is the next one will be another campaign (obv) with more rules for land forces, super carriers and or mercenaries factions

The next campaign is going to be about the war in Europe; in the west, the PE, French, and KoB will be battling it out, while in the east it will PE the PE and Russia. Purportedly, the minor nations that will be included are the Dominion of Canda, Prussian Scandinavia, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Belgian Royalists, the Protectorate of Belgium and the Polish Lithuanian CommonwealTh.

Also, is there any way to get the 'pamphlet' rules for the added factions without buying the boxed sets? I'd like to pick up the rules for the Russians, French, and Covenant and was hoping they'd be in a compilation at some point.

 Balance wrote:
Also, is there any way to get the 'pamphlet' rules for the added factions without buying the boxed sets? I'd like to pick up the rules for the Russians, French, and Covenant and was hoping they'd be in a compilation at some point.

They are, there in the expansion booklets

Wow guys, really helpful responses, thank you. Although we'd had one dropout, our three-man group now consists of;

1x Kingdom of Britannia
1x Covenant of Antartica
1x Republique of France

With me as the Brit's (they eked it out over the Russians, who I'll probably end up getting in a few months anyway..)

I've got the rulebook incoming, and the site's errata printed off. I know my fleet is of the older first-wave variety; with us all using naval forces, can you see me facing any major issues? I mean, I'm in no way WAAC, but I would rather like to send some foreign blighters to Davey Jone's locker every once in a while!

I decided to pass on the FoW cards, at least until I've learnt the rules enough to really look into them and understand how they work.

Again, thanks for the support. Let's hope my Admiralty doesn't go down in flames!

 doc1234 wrote:

 Balance wrote:
Also, is there any way to get the 'pamphlet' rules for the added factions without buying the boxed sets? I'd like to pick up the rules for the Russians, French, and Covenant and was hoping they'd be in a compilation at some point.

They are, there in the expansion booklets

So no way to get them other than buying a fleet box for each faction?

 Balance wrote:

 doc1234 wrote:

 Balance wrote:
Also, is there any way to get the 'pamphlet' rules for the added factions without buying the boxed sets? I'd like to pick up the rules for the Russians, French, and Covenant and was hoping they'd be in a compilation at some point.

They are, there in the expansion booklets

So no way to get them other than buying a fleet box for each faction?

I believe you can buy the fleet guides for around £2.50 apiece on the Spartan Games site (http://shop.spartangames.co.uk/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1819). How much that is to you, I don't know, but if they stock them, there should be others stocking them somewhere.... right?

 LordofRust wrote:
I believe you can buy the fleet guides for around £2.50 apiece on the Spartan Games site (http://shop.spartangames.co.uk/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1819). How much that is to you, I don't know, but if they stock them, there should be others stocking them somewhere.... right?

Thanks! That's essentially what I'm looking for. Sadly I don't believe TheWarStore carries them, but maybe I can ask and they can order them in. Or Spartan only sells them direct. Either way, it's an answer.

The Olympic Transport also has a couple MARs on the included stat card that aren't explained int he main book.

 LordofRust wrote:

 Balance wrote:

 doc1234 wrote:

 Balance wrote:
Also, is there any way to get the 'pamphlet' rules for the added factions without buying the boxed sets? I'd like to pick up the rules for the Russians, French, and Covenant and was hoping they'd be in a compilation at some point.

They are, there in the expansion booklets

So no way to get them other than buying a fleet box for each faction?

I believe you can buy the fleet guides for around £2.50 apiece on the Spartan Games site (http://shop.spartangames.co.uk/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1819). How much that is to you, I don't know, but if they stock them, there should be others stocking them somewhere.... right?

not necessarily, some of the newer stuff isnt available around yet except off spartan games i believe, same as they're the only ones doing an air starter (though by "starter" its just a box with the blisters in. 6 smalls, 6 mediums and 1 large, though if you have 2 types of medium the give 3 of each i think.)

I ended up just buying them from Spartan. Shipping was a bit high, but probably about what Neal from TWS would charge, anyway.