So I am literally the only player at my LGS... No, no, literally... I called to asked about playing a game there and introduced myself as "Bill.... The only guy that buys Star Wars Armada..." and the response was "Oohhh!!! Bill..... Yeah, how ya doing...?" haha anyway.

So here is my plan. I'm going to set up a demo. Show the ships, explain the basics, show off some cool upgrades, let people play with some basic builds (maybe 200 point game). Any and all suggestions are helpful. I really want to sell it hard so I can get a even just one or two to get into it. Big question how do I respond to the buy in price? I have no delusions that it's not expensive. The store does offer 20% off special orders but if they start stocking it regularly because I get a group buying stuff the only discounts they will get are pre-orders and pre-orders.

Feedback please.

Possible "teaching lists", things to discuss, anything you guys have for me.

I plan to do a demo in the fall and if I don't get a good turnout I will do another when the SSD releases. I'll probably get a few come that just want to see the monstrous thing and then I'll hook'em. Haha

Oh and P.S.

How do I build the community after I get some people interested?

So I literally JUST made a video addressing much of your concerns this past week. Here's a link to it.

As for lists, I'll offer you what I used for the Gen Con demo for Armada.

Core Set - You need to show them what comes in the core set, so have the WHOLE thing out.

Chimaera - This is an ISD, and also showcases a cool paint job. You can swap it for a regular ISD if you prefer. No upgrades though.

MC-75 - Less classicly iconic, but recognizable from Rogue One. It'll easily catch the eye of more fair-weather fans and people who only have a passing interest but have seen Rogue One.

Rogues and Villains - Ran the Gen Con Demo with just Han Solo, and Boba Fett from the rogues and villains pack. This is just to illustrate that there's more than JUST x-wings and TIE fighters, and also illustrates certain other mechanics like Rogue and Bomber (Since the Empire doesn't have any bombers, this way they at least get one).

I didn't run any upgrades, but did have the cards available in a pile to the side. The only small cards I had out were the Commanders. While I didn't USE the commanders, I did point out what Flagships were and that Commanders would affect your fleet, so this fleet under Tarkin, would behave differently if Vader were in command, or Thrawn, etc. I didn't actually use their abilities for the demo though. Just taught basic rules.

In terms of the cost, I would simply point out that you're looking at only 1 expansion a year to keep up with everything, which is FAR less than other games like X-Wing will cost you in the long run. Also, it might help to have a picture of the ISD model from Gen Con to have on your phone so you can point out that glory that is coming. I would tell my players that they are fortunate to be chosen to play the most wonderful game on earth - where a cinematic battle unfolds before your very eyes! Winning isn't the only highlight when you finish this game - every aspect of it, from deployment, to movement, to combat, to victory - every aspect is exhilarating!

I'm doing the same i'm looking at running demos at war gaming events and hobby stores just to show case the game. Try to use ships that people will know. I did that with the rebel assault frigate and people asked what was that same. there is only about 6 people i know that play in my area i'm also hoping to piggy back off another event so hall hire isn't an issue and run a friendly event. See if I can get an event pack from somewhere.

I've run several demos of Armada here in Portland to create player groups for a series Corellian Conflict campaigns, and I definitely agree with Crabbok's advice. Keep it simple, make it visually stunning and focus on the basics. A few other things you might add and/or be aware of:

1. Start with the miniatures.

As the person running the demo you're naturally going to be focused on explaining Armada's nuts and bolts — command dials, the movement tool, how to attack and a myriad of other complex rules. However, that's not what is going to draw people in and create an emotional connection to the game, a connection which in turn drives sales. It's the miniatures and the story.

Use the models as your initial hook. Talk them up and show them off. Describe how Armada captures the feel of their favorite space battles from Star Wars. Once they've played a game the rules will have them coming back for more, but opening with the ins and outs of Armada's mechanics won't get them to sit down and try it out. In other words, don't overlook that visceral response a Star Wars fan has upon first seeing a fully-painted ISD that's ready to play right out of the box.

2. Play on a nice mat.

A good-looking, appropriately themed playmat really makes the models pop. As the minis are your hook, I find it's important to have a nice backdrop to help show them off.

3. Have your demo tell a story.

I find Armada's objective system is one of its strongest mechanical selling points that sets it apart from other tabletop wargames. While there's no need to go into a full explanation of how objectives work, I would pick 1 objective ahead of time for the participants to use as opposed to just playing a "death match".

I would keep the objective simple and one that you can build an appropriately Star Wars-esque story around. This gives the battle context and helps bring the action to life. A good choice would be Most Wanted (Darth Vader is hunting Princess Leia's flagship, a CR90 Corvette, to capture the stolen Death Star plans) or Contested Outpost (Mon Mothma is raiding a military supply depot guarded by Grand Moff Tarkin's personal ISD).

Using an objective helps create a narrative for your demo and illustrates how Armada is more than just a headlong charge into battle. It can also serve to give the loser a moral victory as they may be able to complete at least part of the objective. And even if they get totally wiped out you can wrap up the story in a fun way that takes the sting out of losing (You won't be so lucky next time, Senator Mothma!)

2 hours ago, Rune Taq said:

Any and all suggestions are helpful. I really want to sell it hard so I can get a even just one or two to get into it. Big question how do I respond to the buy in price? I have no delusions that it's not expensive.

I don't know how many ships you have, but if you are buying stuff anyway and are going to be running demos, you can probably find one or two other players who would be interested in playing more than a demo. Then you just use your stuff. Minimal buy in on their part, if they want to use a ship they saw online and you don't own, well, they can buy that one, use it while you play, and then take it home. Use digital lists instead of laying out the physical cards in case you're shy an upgrade or two. The game is expensive if you aim to buy everything and sometimes in multiple copies, but you don't need to do that. Work towards making a community fleet pool that you guys can pick ships from until it picks up and everyone has what they want and always use. You can also sometimes pick up barebones ships without any upgrades on eBay for a good deal. If you're willing to not have the upgrade cards, like I mentioned above, this could help grow a quick fleet.

Also, I have to ask whenever I hear something like this, where are you located? Letting people know here and on places like boardgamegeek sometimes help you find a few other local players who already have bought in.

Just finished running multiple demos in my area. Just like @Crabbok stated, have iconic ships on the table that people watching will immediately connect with, but will also cause people passing to stop at your table ("That star destroyer looks awesome! What game is this?" was heard at least a dozen times). In my 300 point demos, I have an ISD-II, Arquitens Light Cruiser, Raider-II, and a Gozanti Assault Carriers for the Imperials and an MC75 Armored Cruiser, Neb-B Escort, CR90A, and a Hammerhead Scout for the Rebels, which are all ships that people will recognize from the movies (OT and RO), Rebels, and Battlefront 2. For squadrons, I only included the standard TIE Fighters and X-Wings so not to overwhelm them with squadron keywords, and it certainly makes the game look better if your squadrons are painted. Try to get your FLGS to post the event on social media, as well as try to post it on the local gaming group social media pages. After the demo, briefly explain what goes into a complete game of Armada, such as the addition of commanders, upgrades, obstacles, and objectives; like the squadron keywords, these tend to overwhelm people if included during the game.

Good luck and I hope you get more players in your area!

6 hours ago, SuperMarino said:

I don't know how many ships you have, but if you are buying stuff anyway and are going to be running demos, you can probably find one or two other players who would be interested in playing more than a demo. Then you just use your stuff. Minimal buy in on their part, if they want to use a ship they saw online and you don't own, well, they can buy that one, use it while you play, and then take it home. Use digital lists instead of laying out the physical cards in case you're shy an upgrade or two. The game is expensive if you aim to buy everything and sometimes in multiple copies, but you don't need to do that. Work towards making a community fleet pool that you guys can pick ships from until it picks up and everyone has what they want and always use. You can also sometimes pick up barebones ships without any upgrades on eBay for a good deal. If you're willing to not have the upgrade cards, like I mentioned above, this could help grow a quick fleet.

Also, I have to ask whenever I hear something like this, where are you located? Letting people know here and on places like boardgamegeek sometimes help you find a few other local players who already have bought in.

I have a ton of ships for both sides. Typically two of everything. 3 or 4 in some cases. No issue using just my stuff

Oh and I am in central Massachusetts. North of Worcester.

Thanks everyone. This helps a lot. And I'll go watch your video now @Crabbok.

@Crabbok watched the video, great advice. I'll have to set up a community page somewhere so I can tell them it's up and running at the demo and maybe get a couple Pepe to sign up. Left a comment so I have a chance to win that core set for a give away at the demo. Hope I win.

thanks for you previous input. my Armada demo is tomorrow. the owner said there should be a couple people that are coming. even if I just get one person interest in playing with just my stuff, it will be a good day for me.

If you have any last minute advice, shoot.

@Crabbok I didn't win your core set gift card but I picked up a used one for 40 bucks with a few missing tokens. Steel!!! Used my spare stuff to get it too 100%. Unfortunately the vsd had a broken and a missing antenna. I swapped it with a good one off mine then messaged FFG/ASMODEE and explain what I was doing. Asked for replacement antennas. They sent me a whole new VSD!!!!!

Let them play empire.

So I have a give away core set, is the short story. Haha

Just now, TallGiraffe said:

Let them play empire.

Second this, don't make the new guys play the bad guys.

9 minutes ago, TallGiraffe said:

Let them play empire.

If it goes the way I hope two attendees will play each other

On 8/27/2018 at 1:05 AM, Rune Taq said:

So I am literally the only player at my LGS... No, no, literally... I called to asked about playing a game there and introduced myself as "Bill.... The only guy that buys Star Wars Armada..." and the response was "Oohhh!!! Bill..... Yeah, how ya doing...?" haha anyway.

So here is my plan. I'm going to set up a demo. Show the ships, explain the basics, show off some cool upgrades, let people play with some basic builds (maybe 200 point game). Any and all suggestions are helpful. I really want to sell it hard so I can get a even just one or two to get into it. Big question how do I respond to the buy in price? I have no delusions that it's not expensive. The store does offer 20% off special orders but if they start stocking it regularly because I get a group buying stuff the only discounts they will get are pre-orders and pre-orders.

Feedback please.

Possible "teaching lists", things to discuss, anything you guys have for me.

I plan to do a demo in the fall and if I don't get a good turnout I will do another when the SSD releases. I'll probably get a few come that just want to see the monstrous thing and then I'll hook'em. Haha

Oh and P.S.

How do I build the community after I get some people interested?

1)Ask them what ship/Squadron(s) looks the coolest.

2)Round up to 200 or 300 using something simple from a category they didn’t pick (Squadron/small ship/large ship, etc)

3) Ignore upgrades

4) Run a basic fleet against theirs, don’t use veteran tricks unless you are going to make it a teaching moment.

5) don’t gloat if you win, don’t play to wipe them out...all of them.

6) Did they have fun? If yes...

7) ...introduce objectives, upgrades, etc.

Recruited 6 people this way in last 18 months.

Kind of on topic, we had been running 400 points locally and no one batted an eyelid, but once we did away with 400 and started putting 1000/200sq on the table suddenly people started spectating and asking questions about the game and threatening to get involved. Nothing like 4 Isd's heading off the rebellion advance to turn heads and get people talking.

On 10/20/2018 at 5:40 AM, Bakura83 said:

1)Ask them what ship/Squadron(s) looks the coolest.

2)Round up to 200 or 300 using something simple from a category they didn’t pick (Squadron/small ship/large ship, etc)

3) Ignore upgrades

4) Run a basic fleet against theirs, don’t use veteran tricks unless you are going to make it a teaching moment.

5) don’t gloat if you win, don’t play to wipe them out...all of them.

6) Did they have fun? If yes...

7) ...introduce objectives, upgrades, etc.

Recruited 6 people this way in last 18 months.

Thanks. I did the demo yesterday with 200 point fleets. No upgrades, commanders on table but we didn't use there abilities. The one attendee was slow to understand my intro explaination but caught on with the hands on portion. I had him play my bro in law. I referred and helped the new play learn the rules.

I had another guy who was interested and number he couldn't attend but was playing in a Destiny tournament so he couldn't attend. He had fun and was really interested but wasn't sure if he wanted to buy in yet. I had a give away and told him if he had fun and wants it, it's his. He wanted to get a better feel for the game and is coming to the next one and trying to get a couple buddy's to come that were busy yesterday.

I'm going to do another with the owners permission in early December. I was introduced to a facebook Gaming group for my area. I'm gonna post an event in there and get the word out better next time.

Overall it was a good start for me. I'm going to keep working at building this community up here. It's gonna be a lot of work and I get a little overwhelmed by the thought of building this Armada community single handed but it's worth the effort for me and I'm gonna keep doing all I can. I learned a few things also do I'll be better prepared for the next one. Like the guy that came for it didn't know me and my bro were the one doing it. I should have had a sign. "Armada Demo". Haha simple stupid things. He was a bit shy and introverted so he didn't ask. Me and my bro were about to just play a game and leave when he came over and said he was thinking about attending. I said hey I'm here if you want to do the demo. He did and it was a successful day.

Oh and he beat my bro. Obliterated his mc75 with multiple close range front act attacks from an imperial 1 class SD. One of his rolls was, 2 accuracies, 3 black hit crit combos and two other hits! Arquitens and Neb-b Didn't do much. Fighters got tangled up.

I find giving a brief explanation and the playing the first round is good teaching since you see how the game flows.

Yeah my explaination was a lot shorter than I thought it would be. Probably could have condensed it and gotten to the point even more. I realized he learned better by doing it so maybe I spend less time explaining.

12 hours ago, Rune Taq said:

Yeah my explaination was a lot shorter than I thought it would be. Probably could have condensed it and gotten to the point even more. I realized he learned better by doing it so maybe I spend less time explaining.

Well done all round, sounds like a great community building event. If they stick with it try CC, starting from 200pts instead of 400. Since I was introducing it to boardgamers who were skeptical of miniatures games, the CC added a level of strategy that made them enjoy the whole game even more.

Also the 200 start makes it more affordable/easier to get started.

12 hours ago, Bakura83 said:

Well done all round, sounds like a great community building event. If they stick with it try CC, starting from 200pts instead of 400. Since I was introducing it to boardgamers who were skeptical of miniatures games, the CC added a level of strategy that made them enjoy the whole game even more.

Also the 200 start makes it more affordable/easier to get started.

cool, I'll keep that in mind.