Upstalk AstroBiotics

nydnarb 16

1 comments
24 Jul 2014 nydnarb

This deck excels for many reason.

First, the influence affords a third Biotic Labor, which increases the consistency of drawing it early game. Get your AstroTrain running ASAP.

Second, NBN doesn't have to be played broke. I'm new to NBN, but from what I gather, players often pilot this archetype with very little cash. The economy assets in this deck won't make you rich, but when playing, I feel very comfortable. The ID is what makes this play possible. There is almost no drawback to laying down an economy asset in a new remote. You get to draw a new card and you are set up to start making money. Because of the insane card advantage, I've noticed two things: a) you have a surplus of clicks, which makes Marked Accounts very playable, and b) you are likely to draw into more economy (making you more money... it snowballs). You will also draw into agendas faster than usual, speeding up an already quick archetype.

Third, getting rid of any of the economy assets or upgrades is painfully taxing for the runner. Also, stealing NAPD Contract is another tax. If the (non-Whizzard) runner decides to aggressively trash all of the economic assets and SanSan City Grids, he will be broke. You will be short on cash too, but NBN can get by with little to no funds.

Fourth, it's NBN FA/NA/Rush deck. It's already a strong archetype.

There are some drawbacks to this id. The ability is not optional! You must draw a card if you create a new server. Keep this in mind and don't let the card draw get out of control. It is necessary to play three Jackson Howards to help with the possibility of getting agenda flooded. (Note: you will almost never click JH to draw to cards.)

There are a couple of problems with this specific build though. First, my ice isn't very strong. I deliberately nerfed my ice on first build because I wanted to keep things cheap. After play testing, I think better, more expensive ice is certainly affordable. This will help against Account Siphons. Second, the Shipments from SanSan might need to be reconsidered. Like I said, the economy is pretty good. Other cards might fit better. Third, I'm not sure if I'd rather have Hedge Funds or Sweeps Week. What are your thoughts?

Lastly, some tips:

1) You can create a new server with a piece of ice. You don't need an asset. Think long term when doing so. Think about what you'll put behind that ice later. Also, sometimes you need to install an asset (or upgrade) but you don't want to create a new server. Having a lingering piece of ice for it to go behind is nice. Not because it'll be protected, but because that won't trigger the ID's ability.

2) Fast Track is soooooo good. Fast Track with a Biotic Labor is great for scoring a Breaking News out of R&D. Add in an Astro Token or a rezzed SanSan City Grid, and you can score a Breaking News or another AstroScript from R&D.

3) Playing two Biotic Labors from hand with a Fast Track to score a 3/2 agenda out of R&D is expensive. There are times when it is worth it but carefully consider the tempo hit. The economy in this deck is good, not great. Above average for NBN, but not HB or Weyland style.