So, I've been trying to wade through the sequence of purchases to make certain DUST Tactics products usable starting with just the Revised Core Set because, honestly, it's a little confusing. With the knowledge that FFG has the rules from the expansions available as pdfs, and that the Upgrade Cards are largely an aesthetic formality, and that some units don't REQUIRE a Hero, I was still trying to sort out a rough heriarchy of expansion purchases to help myself remember, and maybe help others in the same situation.

Is there anything I'm missing that kinda requires something else to use effectively? Suggestions?

If FFG would like a suggestion from a new player's perspective (probably not!), including the Unit Upgrade Cards, even if they are just printed in the back of the rules, would both be very helpful for to have just for planning purchases, but as a reference when playing with others, and would also serve as a great advertisement for your other DUST products. Also, the included playmats just seem too incompatible with all the other expansions to really be combined, but it's pretty disheartening to purchase the Tile Set because its so much of the same terrain. I really do like the cheaper entry point for the product - the Revised Set is what finally prompted a purchase - but it really feels like I can't buy ANY of your other stuff until I buy the Upgrade Cards AND the Tile Set, which carries an MSRP of $45. If the original Core set is out of print (and $200-ish pretty much everywhere) Is it too much to hope for a late-adopter Operation Blue Thunder expansion that includes the original tiles, scenarios, errata-corrected Upgrade Cards, and the Heroes that came with it in one convenient essential-second-puchase package?

I am new to all this, like I said, and some of that stuff is as much about aesthetics as it not owning a printer, so your mileage may vary, but that's my take on it, and I thought I'd share!

Oh, and a post edit button would be great (or wider columns for images!)

LongDarkBlues said:

Ah, it's something that always stumps the newbies, but on the top right of your post, right next to the post date, there's an Edit button for a short while.

Some comments on your graph:

- I really don't see why the Card Pack would be part of anybody's required progression list.

- Zombies could be purchased before getting the Hero Pack, instead of the other way around as you indicated. While you shouldn't buy the Apes unless you already have Markus, the Zombies can do quite well on their own until they get a little help.

1st, if you get the Revised Core set i'd get the Terrain Tile pack with it. From there i'd play the hell out of it until I feel the need for something new…oppositely of what I did lol since I bought lots of stuff in under 2 months…

Then i'd start getting new squads in and surely 1 or 2 Medium Walkers for both factions.

The Unit card upgrade isn't really necessary if you're a bit of a manual worker. You could simply correct the old cards with the right unit points. Or do like I did and get it lol.

Maybe add Cerberus up the road for the cool Heroes (The Chef is really cool) and the 3D modular building!

Then, grab stuff as you feel like it!

Sorry double post…

Loophole Master said:

I purchased the apes for my gf so he would want to play a little more, She likes animals. I did not know that they work better with a certain hero. if that was stated on the box than I would have purchased it. (nudge nudge FFG!!)

Anyway what does Markus do to the apes?

Plenty, gives them 6 dice V A2, takes 6 hits and has charge, that makes a 3 square move and hit at the end of it - yeah, he does a lot

The apes on their own are not difficult to deal with. They only have C weapons, Move 1 and Fast. Usually you can get a shot at them before they pounce on you, with a good likelihood of wiping them out entirely before they get to punch anybody. Add Markus and it changes dramatically, with his 6 Health, his squad can shrug off a powerful attack and remain at full strength. And with the Charge ability, you're never safe from their fury. They dominate a HUGE 9 squares diameter area. And on top of that, Markus can deal a lot of hurt.

great!!! My opponent will be soooo happy lol

I just got a whole whack of stuff in today but i didn't realize that the models still come with the old unit cards!!

you pretty much have no choice but to buy the card upgrade pack or am i mistaken?

You can play perfectly well with the original cards. Just remember that knives are Range C, and print out the new Army Point costs.

ok i suppose that works.

just a kick in the nuts after spending $330 to find out that the cards in the box are the old ones. I send FFG an email because my Allied Mechanic's head was also glued on backwards I have little hope but you never know!

All the heads just pull of, I do it to a lot of mine just to make it easier to paint, they are all pretty much positioned wrong anyway. As for the costs on the cards, just write on the new cost if you need to as it makes no difference to the game. Does make you wonder though, that they haven't sold out of the origina run yet to be able to replace the cards.

yea it does make me wonder,

I'm not a huge gamer and it appears I'm the only one in Ottawa playing this game. I found another guy on the forums here but he doesn't seem to be coming on to check his messages.

I'm going to try and get some games going at the local game store using my factions which are almost complete except the heavy walkers and duplicates of the others, a few infantry units are missing but not many.

its an awesome game in my mind and i can see there are many players around the globe hopefully i can get a few people interested.

Major Mishap said:

It was glued in there pretty well. I had to use a micro screwdriver to pry it up but once i got the glue loosened it was straightforward from there.

Thanks!