Reading a few threads in here that deal with mono-deck factions, I cant help but pose this question:

Is there any faction that can be "tough enough" to stand by its own, without an ally?

Thoughts?

Well, I look for a deck to be able to do three things:

1. Field enough command icons during Deploy to control the Command Phase (more or less).

2. Be strong enough in battle (through strength or trickery) to win the planets you need to win.

3. Pull back an opponent that is getting too far ahead by either mass destruction (usually preferable) or reliable protection.

The factions I think that have the best ability to pull off all three on their own (in the "core only" environment) are:

- Space Marines: Decent command-icon-to-cost ratio for #1, good spread of Area Effects and and ATK/HP stats on units for #2, an actual reset, some "instant destruct" and good events for #3.

- Chaos: Lots of command icons (though relatively higher cost) for #1, generally strongest ATK with highest HP for #2, and a lot of direct damage and other "targeted kill"-like effects to keep an opponent in check for #3.

- Eldar: Best command-icon-to-cost ratio (in my opinion) and ability to exhaust opponents between Deploy and Command means they can all but run the Command Phase (and capitalize on it) for #1, Don't really have the raw power for #2, but with careful planning and positioning, the can win the key planets when they need to, and they also have a reset (Doom), plus some minor access to cancels and healing for #3 which, when combined with their mastery of the Command Phase, can prevent an opponent from getting much lasting advantage over them. Definitely requires a certain in-game strategy mentality, though.

That's not to say that these 3 factions would never benefit from allies, or that other factions couldn't make a solid mono-faction deck. Just that, by my personal criteria, these are the 3 factions I think would have the easiest time coming up with a mono-faction build with just cards from the core set.

I would say Space Marines Papa Midnight.

Space Marines for sure.

The two who I feel are the best mono faction are Space Marine and Tau. Both of these factions have an all around good setup for combat and command struggles. Tau's biggest weakness is not having a board wipe card, but due to their stronger presence in the command phase I feel that they can manage without one. Chaos has a decent mono-faction play, but I feel they need a bit of help in the command phase since a lot of their heavy hitters cost a lot.

Depending on what you mean by "tough enough to stand on their own" all factions can build decent mono faction decks. I'm not sure anything other than Space Marines would be able to do well in a large tournament field consistently, though.

I would say Space Marines Papa Midnight.

Actually, after a little bit of thought, this would 'make sense' in that it would be a transfer from 40K game to the card game. Quite neat, in my opinion!

@ktom,

Great post!

Depending on what you mean by "tough enough to stand on their own" all factions can build decent mono faction decks. I'm not sure anything other than Space Marines would be able to do well in a large tournament field consistently, though.

I suspect that you are corect on both counts. FFG is commonly good with this sort if balance.