Hi everyone. I really want to get into Wings of War, specifically starting with WWI and then adding on later with WW2. That said, what do I need to buy to start? I'm so confused. I know it started as a card game but I want to use the minis. Can I buy the card game and then a couple of the planes? I'm so confused. Nothing on either box says that they need or can use the other. And I also don't know witch one to buy if I did buy one. Any tips at all? Thanks so much!

-John

You need to start with the box. The minis are a nice add on, but aren't required to play. You DO need the rulebook, counters, range sticks, etc, that all come in the box.

-Salute

Pretty much what the fellow before me posted, but I'll expand on his reply a bit.

I would suggest that you get the Deluxe Set (if you can find one !), those come with the expanded miniatures rules and four aircraft models in addition to all the cards and counters etc you need to play including both A- and B- damage decks, which are otherwise not available in any one set (but methods for simulating the other type if you only have one are included in most rulebooks).

Failing that, I'd suggest picking up the Famous Aces set as it has everything a beginning player needs to get started. The expanded miniatures rules and the other rulebooks can be downloaded from the game's Support page on this site, but you'll still need the other materials in the box to play (even if you intend to use models).

The other two boxed sets are more specialised. Watch Your Back adds rules for two-seaters (also in the expanded miniatures rules) and includes the B-damage deck which is used for single-gun aircraft (none of which appear in Famous Aces). Burning Drachens adds rules for ground attack, balloon busting and altitude (rulebook can be downloaded, but additional cards and counters in the box are also required). The new Balloon Busters set covers this too, but in a simpler form geared more to the basic rules (and includes a balloon and an aircraft miniature).

The miniatures include a card deck (for movement) and a card with the aircraft's game information (duplicated on the base), so any of them can be used with any of the boxed sets.

I'd take a look at this site for more information: http://www.wingsofwar.org/

Hi, we recently got into WoW and purcahsed the FAMOUS ACES box (which miraculously was still on the shelf at the local FLGS) and played with the cardboard counters for several games. We liked it so much I went and bought out the remaining stock of WWI aircraft at the aforementioned FLGS (which included a DR.1!!!! Miracle of miracles) and we've been playing with the minis ever since.

If you want to play two-seaters (my favorite) you will need WATCH YOUR BACK for the appropriate "B" damage deck and the rules for same.

BY THE WAY, don't forget to look at the free downloads here on the FFG web-site. YOU can download the mini rulebook, burning drachens and balloon busters rules for free.

We've gone a bit crazy for the game. IT's simple, clean and lots of fun. I found I enjoyed the scenarios more than just dogfights. I was especially happy with the bomging scenario and the photograph scenario for the two-seaters. I'm looking forward to trying some balloon busting in the next couple of weeks.

The WWII variant is good as well.

With the release of the rules for the giant bombers I sure hope they release some models for them!

Find yourself a copy of FAMOUS ACES and play a few games. You can still find the deluxe set for WWI on Italian ebay now and then. Everything in the box is language neutral except the rulebook, WHICH you can download from FFG so no problemo. Don't forget FFG has the deluxe set for the WWII game with planes included.

Have fun

I had exactly the same question, but I'm still confused.

Can WWI and WWII sets be combined? AFAIK, WWII sets have damage tokens instead of cards, can those be used to play with the two-seat planes?

WWII sets are obviously easier to get, and there's a Deluxe set available; can I only play with WWII sets and not feel like I'm missing something (other than the cooler WWI planes)? Booster packs seem to be WWI-only, can I get the WWII Deluxe set and play with those?

To add to the confusion, a WWI expansion set was just released. And I really want those balloons.

Too many questions, but this just came under my radar and it seems I'm gonna love it.

Thanks!

I've written up a thread covering this very question on my Wings of War Aerodrome site. You can chec it out at:

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/showthread.php?t=602

Fly Safe,

Keith

Hi John

If you want to focus on playing with the miniatures then start by buying the delux set. This includes all that you need to get going.

The rule books from the four boxed sets including a useful FAQ can be downloaded from this site.

Regards

Matt

wickedwretch said:

No, the games cannot be combined, as they are made on different scales (particulary speed and damage)

There are a few booster packs for the WWII set as well.