Infinity – It’s not your list, it’s you.
5 Minute Read
Feb 5 2013
Advertisement
“I’m putting together a team…” Levitas back for new player list building, and how it differs from other systems…
It’s what you do with it that counts
“Its not your list, it’s you” is possibly the unofficial tag-line of Infinity. It’s certainly one us players like to proclaim in sigs, banners and tattoos (maybe). But is this really true? I will leave that to you guys to discuss, but I for one totally stand by it.
One factor is that Corvus Belli works hard to balance the factions and updates, that go along with a finely crafted rule set. Units do not claim sole ownership of the latest new rule, but multiple units across the factions often have the same one, or a variation of. The differences in factions are subtle, and illustrated in other ways such as unique combinations or availability.
The game flow also plays a part, with units reacting quickly via the ARO system, and critical hits being able to take down the mightiest of enemies. There is no direct way to cheat the system and break the rule set. No need or desire to either.
It’s not perfect by any means, but new players are often surprised when building lists for the first time. To my knowledge their is no perfect list, heavenly combo, or must take unit. So you can retire the cut and paste keys, and devise synergies of your own with models you actually like.
List building is still important, but with such a high level of balance it’s even more vital you use what you have well. You’re genuinely using tactics and skill over rule manipulation.
Ok, lets pull together our dirty dozen (or more…or less)
What’s size game do I aim for?
New players want to start at around 150 points, which is handy as a lot of the starter box sets are set to this level. 200 is a good size for a solid game, it will make you look close at what you are taking but still leave some wiggle room. 300 is the official tournament size, and also where the big boy toys come out to play.
What is SWC?
Super-Wacky-Construct? South-West-Central? No, SWC actually stands for Support Weapon Cost. This basically controls the amount of powerful weaponry and equipment on the table. So for each 50 full points agreed for game size you get 1 SWC to spend. In a basic 150 game you would have 3 SWC, while 300 gives you a mighty 6. You are free to use all or none, but can’t go over. That would make you a dirty cheater.
I pick Captain America as my Lieutenant!
Every team needs a leader, and your Lieutenant is something you should choose wisely. Each faction and sectorial will give you various options, but you can’t just pick anyone. They have to have the Lieutenant option in their entry.
Why are they vital? Because often loosing them will instantly deplete your order pool to 2, thus taking away your resources (few exceptions). You also use their Will Power to determine who goes first. But remember your opponent won’t know exactly who they are; the only clue will be their Will Power.
You can pick a tough heroic type, based around heavy armor, wounds and not getting dead. A pen pusher that directs from afar, or a chameleon that blends in with units of the same Will Power.
Who ever you pick, your opponent will be trying to guess and take them down. So bluff and misdirect them where you can.
How many Orders again?
The Order Reserve is the most important part of your army. It dictates what resources your force will have to play with throughout the game. Blow your points on a few elite models and you still only have a that many Orders to play with. This in itself often means higher priced units wont be seen in smaller games. It’s rare to see a TAG or high profile character in a 150 game for instance.
• At 150 points look to have 5-6 orders
• At 200 points look to have 7-9 orders
* At 300 points look to have 8-10 orders
Don’t forget that some units don’t contribute to the order pool straight away, like hidden units with TO Camo and dudes skulking around off table.
I want to Horde!!
Well you can, kinda, but you’ll need to run more than one Combat Group. Remember that a Combat Group caps at 10 models, which means 10 orders. Beyond that you are creating new Combat Groups with their own separate Order Reserve.
Usually a perfect 10 Combat Group has a good set of skills and weapons, while a horde will comprise of low tech cheap models who rely on numbers. With the ARO system templates can easily take out these guys, so you don’t often see huge armies. But they are out there.
You brought a knife to a laser fight?
Ideally you want a good mix of skills and equipment, while emphasizing your chosen factions vibe. Chances are high that you will face different kinds of units and weaponry in most games.
How will your list handle units in camouflage?
Do you have template weapons?
How will you handle units dropping in via Aerial Deployment?
Can you attack from multiple angles yourself? (3 dimensional fun!)
Do you have units that are strong in the reactive turn?
Do I need a specialist to achieve a mission objective?
Where can I make my lists?
There are a couple of really cool and easy to use army builders, probably more I’m not aware of too. So do play around with them, or get retro with a pencil and paper (nor very Infinity though is it!)
Devil Team Army:
Infinity Pool:
Have fun!
If you are lazy, Corvus Belli has some lists made for you at:
You can see how I am building and painting my own Infinity armies at:
http://levitas-master-artificer.blogspot.com/
http://levitas-master-artificer.blogspot.com/
How many Orders do you like in your list?
Do you run multiple combat groups?
Who is your Lieutenant? Go on, you can tell me, I wont tell…
Author: John Archer
Advertisement
