For the first time since the launch of Arena back in May 2018, we have repeated a format. But this repeat has new cards, so it isn’t the same thing again. But there are lessons to take from the last time we danced. Let’s do this!

Format Rules and Technical Data

The scenario rule for Rushed Defenses completely changes the flow of the game.

Bases go directly into play when acquired, and are scrapped when destroyed.

We’re playing with the Core Set starter, along with Promo Pack 1 and Crisis: Fleets and Fortresses. Trade decks begin with 107 cards this week.

Just like last week, the base-heavy theme of Promo Pack 1 heavily incentivises buying bases. The scenario rule pushes that through the roof!

The beginning of the game is now completely different.

If you can acquire a base within the first two turns of the game, you should. With bases now providing immediate benefit, they can’t be ignored. And depending on the state of the trade row, your purchase can sometimes force your opponent’s next move — and in my experience, doing that is a key way to win in this format.

Veterans of this format know that turn one or turn two bases are key. This time, there are many more than before. Here are the bases that are in the format that will survive your opponent’s starting deck:

Base Cost Faction Defense Rarity Trading Post 3 (net 2) Trade Federation 4 Outpost uncommon Blob Wheel 3 (net 0 if scrapped) Blob 5 common Battle Station 3 Machine Cult 5 Outpost uncommon Fortress Oblivion 3 Machine Cult 4 Outpost uncommon Space Station 4 (net 0 if scrapped) Star Empire 4 Outpost uncommon Recycling Station 4 Star Empire 4 Outpost uncommon Barter World 4 (net 2) Trade Federation 4 uncommon Border Fort 4 (net 3) Machine Cult 5 Outpost rare Breeding Site 4 Blob 7 rare Starbase Omega 4 Star Empire 6 uncommon Starmarket 4 (net 1) Trade Federation 6 uncommon War World 5 Star Empire 4 Outpost rare The Hive 5 Blob 5 rare Mech World 5 Machine Cult 6 Outpost rare Defense Center 5 Trade Federation 5 Outpost rare

If you can acquire Starmarket, Barter World, Space Station, or Blob Wheel, you have the potential of purchasing very, very expensive cards right away. So do so, if you can!