The BLKOUT BADLANDS release is comprised of several key components:
- The new BUGGY Vehicle Model and Unit.
- The new Data Handler Model and Unit.
- BANAK BLKLIST Unit.
- SZABLA BLKLIST Unit.
- The BADLANDS PDF Expansion.
You can grab it all in the BADLANDS BUNDLE product here and get the exclusive DATA HANDLER Model!
Let's break each of these down in their own sections and what they mean for the game.
The BADLANDS EXPANSION is a large PDF rulebook that contains stories and information about the BLKOUT universe and background. These revolve around the BADLANDS areas in BLKOUT, a harsh environment full of destroyed ships from a massive orbital battle. These ships draw various parties for their equipment, technology, and secrets...
To represent this, the BADLANDS EXPANSION contains five new scenarios for players to play out the campaign. These are often smaller unit games with dynamic objectives, requiring players to move, cooperate with third-party forces, and even race each other to the objective!
In addition to these scenarios, players are given five new Units to comb through the Badlands with. The biggest of these are the BLKLIST forces.
The BLKLIST forces are available in the BADLANDS BUNDLE or by themselves in the BLKLIST force box. They include the high-speed and high-tech BANAK and the durable and defensive SZABLA. Each of these units will be able to replace any Unit in a player's normal force, giving them huge flexibility in how they approach their game.
BANAK:
BANAK consists of two grunts with average speed and light armor. They are very close-quarters oriented with Carbines, supported by a specialist with a Data Knife—the first in the game! Data knives are devices that allow models to destroy AI and powered enemies from a distance using destructive computer hacking.
If that's too fancy for you, BANAK also comes with their own inorganic combat unit! The fastest Infantry in the game with a powerful AP(2) Rifle. This beast is a huge threat on its own, able to take on isolated infantry units and go toe-to-toe with other inorganics.
SZABLA:
Where BANAK is fancy, SZABLA is simple. Two grunts with long-range rifles with optics (Medium special rule), and one specialist with a massive AP(4) rail rifle—the first of its kind in BLKOUT. To round out the team, SZABLA brings a jammer—a 12" bubble that nullifies the effects of Data Spikes and Knives. This makes SZABLA a great addition to any collection, as they can support and integrate into multiple different builds. (The writer loves SZABLA.)
The DATA HANDLER:
The Data Handler is the hotly anticipated fourth Handler in BLKOUT. She provides massive benefits at the cost of very little offensive power. With a short-range Smart Pistol and no jump abilities like the other Handlers have, she's limited in what she can kill. But her true power lies in her Jammer and Data Knife. She can quickly move and neutralize AI and powered assets while providing Jammer coverage to friendly Units. She's a huge force multiplier and, being only one model, very easy to hide until the right moment!
RANGER:
The Ranger is a BADLANDS-only profile and is AWESOME. Acing on 9's and 10's, the Ranger is ready with his lever-action rifle and offensive prowess. Lacking a jump, the Ranger is a strict gunfighter Handler, able to take on multiple opponents!
BUGGY:
The Buggy is the FIRST vehicle in BADLANDS. With two separate profiles on the back of the Unit card and an incredibly versatile and easy-to-assemble model, the Buggy is an excellent asset to add to your force. In the current rules, the Buggy is only available in friendly games, requiring players to agree on bringing one. What does it bring to the table? Speed! With a huge movement value and the ability to transport up to four models across the table, slower units like Manticvor can easily assume dominant positions. Meanwhile, the gun Buggy can transport two model units and still use an AP Machine Gun on the chassis!
Additional Rules:
BADLANDS also brings with it some excellent optional rules. These include melee weapons, using vehicles to insert into the battlefield, new cover mechanics, and more!
MATCHED PLAY:
As with all expansions to BLKOUT, certain aspects make it into our "recommended play" document called the BLKOUT Supplemental, which can be found in the rulebook download.
The BLKOUT Supplemental is intended to give players a document to use for matched play or organized gameplay. BADLANDS adds brand new powerful melee weapons to it, as well as some excellent new Cover Rules players are suggested to use to add a whole new level of tactics to their games.
While not required to be used, these are included free of charge outside of the expansion to give players the best gameplay experience possible!
Grab the BADLANDS BUNDLE TODAY to get the DATA HANDLER MODEL! She won't be available past 8/16!
