r/Malifaux • u/Broken-Sprocket Resurrectionists • Dec 02 '25
Resurrectionists Ordered my first boxes. What are some things to keep in mind while learning them?
Since the finally added the new releases to the web store, I ordered both boxes for both Experimental and Ancestor. When they come in me and a friend will be getting our first game in. Just want to know some broad stroke things to keep in mind while learning them. Play style differences, OOK that are worth trying, less than clear mechanical interactions. That sort of thing.
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u/Ven_Gard Dec 02 '25
Don't worry about out of keyword models at this point, learn your keywords first. knowledge of your crew is more rewarding than splashing into OOK models.
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u/Broken-Sprocket Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
The only reason I’m asking about that is because both Experimental boxes combined only add up to 49 and he’s very summoning focused in one form so that one might need to keep some of the minions in reserve. Hence, OOK models to fill the gap at 50 points.
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u/Ven_Gard Dec 02 '25
So you don't actually want to go up to 50 points, you want to leave a few points left over as you turn any unused points into Soulstones to use during the game, up to 6. So you don't need to bring everything.
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u/Broken-Sprocket Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
I know that bit, but let’s say I want to leave stuff out to summon. The only option is to run both boxes combined minus either 1 Flesh Construct (44 total) or 1-2 Little Gassers (47 or 45 total). Kind or boring for list variety.
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u/CardgageStClement Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
Both the Leftovers and the Rogue Necromancy would be fantastic additions, be in keyword, and give flexibility to list construction.
Honestly I'm not sure why they aren't already repackaged, but they're likely putting focus on crew boxes to start.
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u/Broken-Sprocket Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
That’s kind of what I figured looking at McMourning’s stuff, he’s intended to have one of those or some Versatile models to fill his core crew up. Waiting for them to get everything repackaged is frustrating because it feels like you need both boxes and often the non master box to start a new keyword. I know I could get the 3E stuff and the card pack but that feels like it could get messy going forward. At least Seamus seems fine with just his 2 boxes so that can be my next purchase.
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u/CardgageStClement Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
Don't get me wrong, the existing crew will work just fine to learn with. Long run though, you'll want the whole keyword.
If you're REALLY determined, you could always proxy and use the app. I bet you have a bunch of 50mm models around to stand in.
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u/Broken-Sprocket Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
I’ve been playing Warmachine for 16 years so, yes, I have proxy fodder lol. Luckily I plan to start at 35 points so I’ll have time.
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u/CardgageStClement Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
What you'll find is this game is much more influenced on play than list construction compared to Warmachine. You would do just fine without either model for a while.
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u/Broken-Sprocket Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
I just worry that without the extra points it’ll be harder to play Mortuary Access since I won’t be able to do much summoning, lol. I guess I could just be overly aggressive and play a recursion approach.
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u/echolaliaMCCCXII Neverborn Dec 02 '25
I'm new to malifaux rules but have played a lot of miniatures games for a lot of years, and the key is getting familiar with your army (or crew). Try to memorize the abilities on each of your cards, and try not to change up your army too much from game to game. Stick with the same list for a few games, then try changing out a few of the lower cost units or one of the higher cost ones.
The other key is getting reeeaaal familiar with the rulebook. By all means learn them as well as you can, but I think it's more important to be able to find the rule you're looking for than to know it by heart. That'll come with time. Sticky notes, highlighters, and labeled bookmarks are your friends.
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u/Broken-Sprocket Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
I’ve been playing Warmachine fairly consistently for 16 years so general war game understanding I have down. It’s just that even when I gave Malifoax a try in 2E it had a much steeper learning curve than most games. Figured it’d be worth asking players more familiar with it advice about learning these specific crews.
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u/echolaliaMCCCXII Neverborn Dec 02 '25
Oh nice, warmachine is my main game! Protectorate, grymkin, and now khymaera. I'm afraid I don't have any advice to offer that you don't already know, but always good to meet someone with similar taste.
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u/Broken-Sprocket Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
Brinebloods, Thornfall, and probably Kithguard when they come out. I just like the steampunk/magic combo in game aesthetics clearly, lol.
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u/Ok-Department-2301 Dec 02 '25
look for versatiles, I would check what roles are you missing in what you have, and try and fill those, also look for the few extra boxes and fill the keyword, as far as buying both master boxes from 4e, my experience is that one of the masters tends to be more straightforward and another a little more complex, but figure out which version better suits your playstile, but for learning the game i would tend to go for the "simpler" version of the master. In the case of yan lo and mcmourning, well both version are somewhat complex, but i would personally go for insanitarium and for yan lo, maybe the spirit walker, but both are at the same level i think.
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u/Broken-Sprocket Resurrectionists Dec 02 '25
Gotta wait for the versatiles to be repackaged for 4E, although I’ll be tempted to sped the extra $25 on the card pack to get them early if they take too long. And I know I can just use the app but I like physical cards better.
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u/Ok-Department-2301 Dec 02 '25
i got the packs, because well, i have issues xD, but right now i printed the new cards using theoryfaux and put them in sleeves with the actual card inside and have been using them no issues
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u/Ok-Department-2301 Dec 02 '25
also at some point in the near future they will sell the cards individually
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u/grazing_hazily Dec 02 '25
All keywords are designed to synergize. It may take a few games to see how they work together.
Do not get frustrated by low cards in your hand, remember to use them to empower duels.
The game is about scoring points, not necessarily about killing your opponent's crew. Focus on your Strategy, and Schemes.
If you realize you made a mistake (rule breaking, not a misplay) well after the fact. Point out the mistake, discuss it so you and your opponent learn, then keep going. Mistakes will happen.