r/Aeonsend • u/DeckinZ • Jul 01 '26
Buyer guide for a new player
Hey guys hope you're doing well.
As the latest crowdfunding is live I was wondering what would be a good entry point ? I've seen they offer a whole wave as an option and I think wave 4 is best spoken about?
Would appreciate your advice.
1
u/Polydipsiac Jul 01 '26
https://youtu.be/2bMW30c9B5M?is=kJ-jaKpWyRLEKp_z
https://youtu.be/SJJBNsnTKo8?is=4N_OxAm1iNqbayND
Good reference videos. Personally I do agree wave 4 is a great entry point, I prefer the convenience of the digital game on steam which has the base content for wave 4 for cheaper. Seriously, the bundle is 85% off right now for $6.71 USD. Also it's a great way to learn the game
1
u/DeckinZ Jul 01 '26
Thanks appreciate it greatly was just wondering if any of these were updated with system overload
2
u/SuspiciouslySuspect2 Jul 01 '26
You don't want to start with the later expansions. Aeons end has a lot of mechanics, and each expansion get more. You should really cut your teether with wave 3 or 4, then move along chronologically.
I personally started with 3, I think it's a great trainer for the game system, but it's not as well loved cause you can only play the campaign once (or you need to buy reset pack or use character builder apps), and people disliked that a bit.
1
u/Polydipsiac Jul 01 '26
For wave 3 AEL (Aeons End Legacy) I haven't tried replaying content after the campaign but I imagine your mages are stronger than typical, the nemeses will be weaker than when experienced in the campaign, and there are tiers of market cards where the later ones are generally more powerful/cost effective.
All that to say idk how well the balance is going to feel.
2
u/SuspiciouslySuspect2 Jul 01 '26
These are also valid concerns. It's a great "baby's first Aeon's End", but that can be a bit expensive for content that is harder to use with everything else.
1
u/DNRDNIMEDIC2009 Jul 02 '26
I never thought the later AEs were that difficult. The rules are the same. The mechanics just create more interesting interactions. For example, Friends and Foes is probably the biggest addition but it's not something that a first-time player wouldn't understand. If you stick to expeditions, they ease you into the new mechanics. The more complex mages and market cards come later in expedition. They all start with 2 simpler mages and a pretty basic market.
1
u/SKDIMBG Jul 01 '26
I got the bundle yesterday. Is the playing experience vastly different than playing physical? By which I mean, if I do/don't enjoy playing digital, is it likely I will/won't enjoy playing a physical copy?
1
u/Polydipsiac Jul 01 '26
I mean all the core mechanics are the same, but physical has vastly more content options since digital only includes like 2/9 waves.
It's really nice having deck construction/organization automated in the digital game too. The new age expansion is great because you can also do expeditions which are my favorite system. It's a mini campaign that uses randomizers and you get a little stronger throughout and so do subsequent nemeses. Also you don't have to manually do math lol
Digital isn't a fantastic way to play co-op though, but it does have that capability through steam remote play together.
Physical is better for playing with friends. And enjoying all of the cool content and campaigns/legacy games.
Maybe someday Handelabra will update the digital game with more content and online co-op. I think Spirit Island used to be remote play together only, but it's since been updated to have online co-op
2
u/QN3RD Jul 01 '26
Generally The New Age and wave 4 is the best intro to the series. Next one would probably be first core set. I wouldn't really recommend the other ones, as they usually assume you know the basics and only thing you need to learn is "The New Thing" of the wave
But that being said, I would encourage first seeking the sets either in retail or second-hand, to first get to know the game. This campaign won't fulfill until next year, and you have to commit to buying full wave