FFH2 for Dummies

[Gaspar]

Hey, just a quick question.

I keep seeing so much FFH2 stuff pop up around here that I feel I've been a bit remiss in sussing the game out. I've played maybe a half dozen times, but there's just too much stuff and I get really bogged down in it, get frustrated, quit.

Is there somewhere that someone can point me to that has a bit of a walkthrough game where basic strategy is explained or something? I know the wiki exists, but that really doesn't help me at my level of mis-understanding.

Thanks!

[darrelljs]

The best introduction I am aware of are the PBEM1 threads. Early on most players described the game mechanics, and there are some descriptions in the lurker thread as well.

Darrell

[Mardoc]

There's also a manual here. Its first few pages contains a new player's guide, with both recommendations for easy civs to start with and fairly decent explanations of the mechanics.

The downside is, it's a few versions out of date and not complete, but it's a heck of a lot better than reading the wiki or civilopedia.

[Bobchillingworth]

Several of the official scenarios that come with the mod exist to give you a feel for game mechanics. The one with Dain covers magic & item use, Falamar's first scenario is about capturing animals, and the initial Decius scenario introduces basic combat, empire-building, and religion, as well as a few random game mechanics (like fear). Most of the scenarios a pretty fun, some bordering on outright epic, so I'd give em' a shot. To play them chose under SP to load a scenario, then select "FFH Scenarios" from the large list, and chose your mission from the FFH scenario menu once it loads (some will initially be locked).



Might be neat to also run a FFH Newbies PBEM game here if there's enough interest. I'd love to lurk something like that, either as a dedicated lurker or to just toss out general comments to whoever. I think there just about enough unused leaders left to finally show off everything, too

[Cyneheard]

The scenarios can be helpful sandboxes, as well.

The Grand Menagerie is a tutorial-type, with very much step-by-step instructions, and isn't a bad thing for a first-timer to do (and to unlock better scenarios).

If you're interested in learning how magical combat works, play the Momus (unlocked by beating Grand Menagerie), because it's a relatively easy quasi-AW game, and Cultists are absurdly rigged on that map (so use Octopus Overlords as your religion in that one). Just remember that the Infernals get stronger when people die (so kill them quickly), and you might want to leave the Luchiurp (spelling?) for last: they give you an event that will let you include the Luchiurp in a later mission.

Also, if the Scenario Loader is bugged and crashes for you constantly, go to Mods\Fall From Heaven 2\Assets\XML\Scenarios, and load the Scenario directly.

[Square Leg]

Also, if the Scenario Loader is bugged and crashes for you constantly, go to Mods\Fall From Heaven 2\Assets\XML\Scenarios, and load the Scenario directly.

I have this problem sometimes but I found that persistence works!

The important thing the remember in ffh is to not try lots of different Civ's at the start. They don't play that similarly and everyone has a completely different tech path beyond basic worker techs. Pick someone and learn them first - have a read about their play style in the manual Mardoc linked above and choose someone you like.

[Man Behind the Mask]

There's also a manual here. Its first few pages contains a new player's guide, with both recommendations for easy civs to start with and fairly decent explanations of the mechanics.

The downside is, it's a few versions out of date and not complete, but it's a heck of a lot better than reading the wiki or civilopedia.

Just as frustratingly, internet searches don't actually help because there seems to be a high probability that you'll be reading something out of date. I found something where a group of people discussed delaying improvements as elves until after you've "Bloomed" a tile, but it turns out you can now make new forests on top of anything if your ears are pointy enough.

I am in completely the same situation as Gaspar, but have attempted even fewer games. I'm pretty sure it will be good fun once I work out what I'm supposed to be doing.

Thanks for the advice about the scenarios!

[Square Leg]

Just as frustratingly, internet searches don't actually help because there seems to be a high probability that you'll be reading something out of date. I found something where a group of people discussed delaying improvements as elves until after you've "Bloomed" a tile, but it turns out you can now make new forests on top of anything if your ears are pointy enough.

I am in completely the same situation as Gaspar, but have attempted even fewer games. I'm pretty sure it will be good fun once I work out what I'm supposed to be doing.

Thanks for the advice about the scenarios!

Talking about the elves (and other civs). You cannot build a lumbermill on an ancient forest, but a lumbermilled forest will turn ancient. Solution: Build your lumbermills first!

[Gaspar]

Thanks for the advice guys. The scenarios are indeed fun even if I do sort of suck at them. The manual was helpful as well. Much obliged all.

I am still completely bogged down, but I'm trying to find a way to muddle through. Leaving so many techs on the board unresearched is tough to adjust to.

[Tatan]

Yeah, it takes some getting used to. When I first started I found that playing a somewhat restrictive civilization helped in getting used to specialized teching [i.e. the Khazad, who have no higher magic units, or the Grigori, who cannot adopt a religion].

Don't worry about sucking at the scenarios, or at least The Momus. Despite what Cyneheard said, I actually think that it's a pretty difficult scenario for beginners; I have not-fond memories of playing it and getting crushed in my very third game of FFH. Of course, if you use Octopus Overlords as your religion it basically cuts the difficulty in half.