Post by Gamingdevil on Jun 24, 2019 10:07:15 GMT
So, for those that missed it, Privateer Press has announced changes to how theme forces work. Instead of requiring X points invested in Y models, you will instead acquire 1 Requisition Point per 25 points of game size. So, at 75 points you would get 3 free slots, as most themes/builds turn out at present as well. The usage of these points will range from "1 good solo", "1 Command Attachment", "2-3 of cheap support model", etc.
They've also announced that some themes will be reworked. Cryx, for instance, will see the merger of Infernal Machines and Black Industries.
They've also hinted at generic balance changes such as changes to Lord of the Feast.
So let's build up some hype/speculation!
This "new" way of doing themes will completely change how jack/beast themes are defined. Since you are not longer limited to specific model types to unlock free points, we'll easily be able to build a heavy jack list in any theme. For instance, SFR could be extremely battle group heavy with someone like Rahera or Aiakos and just take a couple of token units to trigger Gang Fighter.
It will also ease the inclusion of certain Mercenaries, so I expect a resurgence of such models as Wrong Eye & Snapjaw, which are still good, but often too expensive to include.
In terms of being a jack theme, Infernal Machines and Black Industries have always been very close. Indeed, IM was the first attempt at giving us a jack theme, but it didn't work out because of the weak theme bonuses and because the theme rewarded taking infantry rather than jacks. To me it makes a lot of sense to merge them, as the theme can basically have two modes where one takes a lot of infantry and the other just takes jacks and uses the free slots on Warwitch Sirens.
They haven't said a lot about how this would affect (existing) theme bonuses, but many people appear to assume that it would cost us Carapace on the heavies. Personally, I hope this isn't the case as it's the one thing that really sets BI apart and allows us to deliver our heavies. Sure we get Shield Guard on Brute Thralls, but those actually still cost a lot of points, with 2 minimum squads of Brutes costing 24 points already, and would detract from the possibility of playing a pure jack list. I think it's a very strong rule, but it's only really overbearing against a pure gunline and I have personally never had it be a massive issue, as most of our jacks are still made of paper when they get to melee.
That being said, I do think it will kill off the "free light jacks" option, as it was likely only there to differentiate it from Infernal Machines in the first place, where you could already take Necrotechs and Warwitch Sirens.
In light of the other balance speculation, I do hope they also use this chance to tweak (old) Infernal Machines a bit, because as it is now, I don't see anyone using it for anything but a jack theme still. Most models could just use a small nudge, mostly in point cost to be viable. Since they're changing things already, it would be nice if they brushed up a few things in general.
How does everyone think this will affect list building? Any new things you're already excited to try?
They've also announced that some themes will be reworked. Cryx, for instance, will see the merger of Infernal Machines and Black Industries.
They've also hinted at generic balance changes such as changes to Lord of the Feast.
So let's build up some hype/speculation!
This "new" way of doing themes will completely change how jack/beast themes are defined. Since you are not longer limited to specific model types to unlock free points, we'll easily be able to build a heavy jack list in any theme. For instance, SFR could be extremely battle group heavy with someone like Rahera or Aiakos and just take a couple of token units to trigger Gang Fighter.
It will also ease the inclusion of certain Mercenaries, so I expect a resurgence of such models as Wrong Eye & Snapjaw, which are still good, but often too expensive to include.
In terms of being a jack theme, Infernal Machines and Black Industries have always been very close. Indeed, IM was the first attempt at giving us a jack theme, but it didn't work out because of the weak theme bonuses and because the theme rewarded taking infantry rather than jacks. To me it makes a lot of sense to merge them, as the theme can basically have two modes where one takes a lot of infantry and the other just takes jacks and uses the free slots on Warwitch Sirens.
They haven't said a lot about how this would affect (existing) theme bonuses, but many people appear to assume that it would cost us Carapace on the heavies. Personally, I hope this isn't the case as it's the one thing that really sets BI apart and allows us to deliver our heavies. Sure we get Shield Guard on Brute Thralls, but those actually still cost a lot of points, with 2 minimum squads of Brutes costing 24 points already, and would detract from the possibility of playing a pure jack list. I think it's a very strong rule, but it's only really overbearing against a pure gunline and I have personally never had it be a massive issue, as most of our jacks are still made of paper when they get to melee.
That being said, I do think it will kill off the "free light jacks" option, as it was likely only there to differentiate it from Infernal Machines in the first place, where you could already take Necrotechs and Warwitch Sirens.
In light of the other balance speculation, I do hope they also use this chance to tweak (old) Infernal Machines a bit, because as it is now, I don't see anyone using it for anything but a jack theme still. Most models could just use a small nudge, mostly in point cost to be viable. Since they're changing things already, it would be nice if they brushed up a few things in general.
How does everyone think this will affect list building? Any new things you're already excited to try?
