New Breachstorm Rules Update - v1.0 Changelog
What's up Breachstormers!? It's been a while since our last post; but as we've been previewing in our Patreon devlogs... we've been hard at work developing tons of new updates for the game; including new units, upgrades, optional core rules, and an overhaul to its Covert Ops cooperative play system. All of these rules are available NOW on the rules page.
Core Rules Updates
Game Formats and Setup Sequence
While most of the game's core rules have not changed; we have overhauled how games are set up and how the system treats its various game modes. Now the first step to playing a game of Breachstorm is selecting one of its 3 play modes (Covert Ops, Cyclic Ops, or Tactical Ops). Unique rules for each are included in the addendum pages at the end of the rulebook document, which have their own setup procedure and may apply modifications to the normal round structure (such as in the case of Cyclic Ops' cycling initiative mechanic).
New Terrain Types
Several new terrain template types have been included in the core rules; these don't currently have corresponding templates in any operational theaters (but we plan to in the near future) however in the meantime you can feel free to use these mechanics in your own games.
Hazardous Terrain: Areas that inflict a small amount of damage when being repositioned over.
Void Terrain: Deep water, open space, or bottomless pits that will swallow whole units falling into them.
New Optional Terrain Rules
In order to better fit Breachstorm's mechanics with existing miniature terrain collections, and encourage creativity when constructing terrain, we have spelled out some recommended optional rules that adapt the basic terrain mechanics. This focuses heavily on structures and building terrain; and includes rules for vertically ascending and interacting with multi-level terrain, as well as breaching and entering structures with modelled interiors. While we will continue to playtest and balance based on the core terrain rules; these will allow for much more thematic gameplay for cooperative or multiplayer games.
Tactical Ops Update
During team recruitment for TacticalOps games, players now select two of each objective type rather than one.
At the beginning of the game, the attacker will choose one of their two attack objectives to play, followed by a selection from the defender from their defense objectives.
One interaction we have noticed in the past is some faction or unit matchups to swing the score-ability of some objectives, and hope this will give players more control over when that happens, as well as providing the defender a small bonus when it comes to dictating the mission and setup.
Covert Ops Update
The injury mechanic has been entirely overhauled to a new system of 26 injury cards that can incur temporary or lasting penalties for units being incapacitated or being left in the casualty zone at the end of missions.
Injury decks will be included in the Covert Ops expansion set in the future, and are available to players who already have a Covert Ops set with this update pack.
Ativari Conclave Updates
Precari Adept: Disorient ability replaced with Cryptaesthetic Mark.
We found teams focusing on multiple Precari Adepts were capable of an overwhelmingly powerful amount of board control. This change hopes to alleviate that, while placing the Adept in a more supportive role.
Praetorian Interdictor: Graviton Impactor weapon range reduced to 5".
We found that the Interdictor was able to attack too often with its AOE weapon with impunity at its longer range.
Prelator Optius: COST Reduced to 18.
Prelator Optius: Combat Synchronicity specifies that the assigned Adaptation token is not removed at the start of the target's activation.
With few advantages over a Prelator Vanguard, we found it difficult to justify the Optius' place in most teams when compared to officers with more unique skillsets, and hope that a lower cost will help incentivize its play.
New card background and unit art.
New units added: Precari Vortex, Prelator Supplicius, Evocatus Helcia.
Volucrid Host Updates
New card background and unit art.
New units added: Volgox Razorback, Epulex Harvester
Upgrade Card Updates
New upgrades added: Breaching Specialist, Combat Engineer, Field Medic, Hacking Specialist, Investigator, Natural Leader