I am contemplating getting the Force and Destiny Beta book, and was just wondering: for those that have past experience, is there a benefit from buying the Beta book, as opposed to waiting and getting the final product? When is the final version expected to be released? Is the Beta fairly complete as-is, though things may change somewhat depending on feedback? Or are there large gaps of material missing, awaiting the final print? Thoughts and ideas on this would be most helpful!

I think the Core Book would be expected to come out in 8-10 months. Others probably remember better than I, as I haven't bought the Beta book before.

I'm picking up the Beta Book, as I just don't want to wait. I want it NOW!

I'm expecting a decent number of changes from Beta to Core, based on some of what I've read and heard.

EotE had some fair changes from beta to core - talents going from +1 WT to +2, races changing bonuses, class talent positions moving around. Overall I think it was ~12 pages for the final beta update, which was very similar to release.

AoR had a much smaller change footprint, but the mechanics had already been hammered out - it was only 2-3 pages (not counting the new universal spec)

Since this is focusing more on force users, I think the changes will wind up smack dab in the middle.

To answer the questions - the benefit is you get the mechanics early, and get to help make sure it's as polished as can be. However, there are large gaps of material missing - namely fluff and story inspiration (career writeups are 1pg in beta and 3-4 in release, universe descriptions and plot hooks are generally missing).

If you already have the other cores - the mechanics and galaxy information probably won't change much, so if you just want access to the specs in it I'd say pull the trigger. If you're waiting for a complete experience and don't have the other books, I'd wait for release.

That said I can't imagine myself waiting like that, but I've bought the other betas too.

is there a benefit from buying the Beta book, as opposed to waiting and getting the final product?

1. You want to actively participate in the Beta to help improve the game.

2. You have a need or desire to use the material a year early.

3. There is no number 3.

4. There's an adventure in the back of the beta that won't be (likely) in the regular core book release of FnD.

5. Because you get to put it on your wall and brag that you were in the Beta.

I'm pretty much just buying it because I want a version of F&D now. I'm impatient. I will do my best to help with the beta and give constructive feedback, but when you get right down to it, I mainly just want it now so I can play it.

There may be material in the Beta that doesn't show up in the finished book. Of course, if it's good material, then it'll show up in a later product.

That's been the case with all three Betas.

You can either buy the Beta and get to use the new material now, or you can wait a year for the finalized version.

Personally, I go the route of buying the Betas not only for the "have the new material NOW!" angle but also for the chance to help refine the material so that when the finalized version does come out the following year, I know that I've done my part as a playtester to help make it a solid product.

6. You'll have the rules for starting groups at Knight Level, which are removed from the finished copies.

7. You'll get to prove Number 6 as being false.

7. You'll get to prove Number 6 as being false.

They pulled them from the two previous finished CRB's. Logic says they'll do it with this one as well.

7. You'll get to prove Number 6 as being false.

They pulled them from the two previous finished CRB's. Logic says they'll do it with this one as well.

I didn't see anything like that in AoR...

7. You'll get to prove Number 6 as being false.

They pulled them from the two previous finished CRB's. Logic says they'll do it with this one as well.

Knight-Level Play was introduced specifically for Force and Destiny because people want to play as Jedi's, but also want to actually feel more like one immediately - it even says that in the description about it. AoR and EotE's Betas/finished Cores do not have them because there was no real need.

7. You'll get to prove Number 6 as being false.

They pulled them from the two previous finished CRB's. Logic says they'll do it with this one as well.

Knight-Level Play was introduced specifically for Force and Destiny because people want to play as Jedi's, but also want to actually feel more like one immediately - it even says that in the description about it. AoR and EotE's Betas/finished Cores do not have them because there was no real need.

No real need is true but it would have been a cool option to have for GMs who would like to run a higher level campaign from the start.

Knight Level play is new to the Force and Destiny Beta...they didn't pull it from either of the other CRBs.

And starting with extra XP has always been an option. I've done it many a time in my home games and in PbP, ever since the EotE Beta days. It's just that now they've put it into the rulebook with a standard suggestion of how to handle it and what to give the characters in terms of equipment.

is there a benefit from buying the Beta book, as opposed to waiting and getting the final product?

1. You want to actively participate in the Beta to help improve the game.

2. You have a need or desire to use the material a year early.

3. There is no number 3.

Well, one could make an argument that number 3 is "Get the canned game at the back of the book since the final version will be different) and 4) You're a completist that needs everything FFG puts out.

#3. you hate trees and intend on letting the deforestation continue unabated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(also, it helps to imagine this being said by the penguin of Desslok's avatar).

No real need is true but it would have been a cool option to have for GMs who would like to run a higher level campaign from the start.

Reason 3) I HATE trees! Always sitting there, sliently JUDGING ME! With their green, leafy branches TAUNTING ME! ARGH! DEATH TO ALL TREES !

There, how's that?

Yeah, my confusion was you made it sound like EotE and AoR originally had some variation of knight level play.

It is true, though...if you don't buy Force & Destiny Beta, it is impossible to make characters at +150 XP.

Also, if you believe that, you should know that it is also physically impossible to say "apple" 50 times consecutively, out loud, in a crowded room.

Try the apple thing before the chargen thing, and then please report back to me with the results of both.

It is true, though...if you don't buy Force & Destiny Beta, it is impossible to make characters at +150 XP.

That's how that works? I always heard that if you tried to start a game with a higher XP level without the beta, that FFG would send the RPG police around your place and take your character sheets.

Cant be... my group were making characters strting at +100 to +150 XP for over a year now.

It must be the credits option that is F&D exclusive.

They just told me that you would die.

"If you ever star with 150 extra XP, you will die."

Same goes for other cheats:

"If you ever mod the rules, you will die."

"If you ever start with extra gear, you will die."

"If you ever be creative, you will die."

I feel like Wheatley...