What about basing?

[wellspring]

I'm very new to epic (presumably I'm getting in way too late) and have a couple questions. First, it seems like bases don't matter in the most recent version... however, people still prefer the strip bases for infantry. Is this for aesthetic reasons only, or are there in-game benefits? I'm not a fan of the strip bases myself, but if there's a gaming reason for it then that might be a different story.

[Geep]

I'm not too experienced at Epic yet, but I've found larger bases can cause difficulties with transport vehicles and finding cover.

I base my models on Warmaster bases (2cmx4cm) rather than the strip bases (1cmx4cm), and it's the convention within the group I play with that an entire stand must be within 5cm of the transport it is deploying from. For vehicles with a large transport capacity (eg. Thunderhawks, Landas and Vampires) getting all 8+ stands to stay completely within a 5cm bubble is almost impossible (I always take some jump infantry, as their 15cm disembarking really helps).

With cover most opponents can fit in twice as many stands as I can. That's both good and bad though- a bit of artillery often makes them less enthusiastic to take advantage of this.

I've seen armies mounted on round bases which look really good, but round bases really hamper combat armies. Trying to get two round-based units to touch each enemy stand is usually not possible, so expect to rely on Fire Fight rolls. It can also cause problems with transports, as the models must touch the transport to embark and this can make things really tight around high transport capacity vehicles.

Some people I know base their armies on the 2cmx2cm squares so that their army is valid for both Epic: Armageddon and Epic 40K.

I think one reason for the strip bases is simply that most 'current' epic models come with them. All of the main plastic boxes contain/ed 1x4 strip bases.

[kyussinchains]

I base mine mainly on strips as they're easier to paint than the old square bases, they have their advantages (stringing out to cover more ground) and in the UK tournament scene we play that part of the base has to be within 5cm of a transport rather than the entire base

honestly I can't say it causes many problems, I've faced armies based on circular bases which win tournaments regularly, as well as other strip bases and square bases, there are advantages to either style (small compact bases can huddle behind cover, strips can string out to cover more ground)

mostly these days it's purely aesthetic, as long as you obey the general rules (minimum 20mm in one direction, maximum 40mm) you're fine

[wellspring]

Cool thanks for the answers!

[Irisado]

I play with mixed square and strip bases.  Apart from sometimes having a few fun and games fitting my few mixed base infantry formations into the old second edition buildings, there really is no problem.  There's not a huge advantage/disadvantage to either, assuming you're using the standard rules.

[wellspring]

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm actually considering using my Warmaster bases (40mm x 20mm) for this. I'm not a fan of the strip bases because they look too artificial, and besides I have tons of the bases laying around. As long as I'm not giving myself an undue advantage/disadvantage, I'm happy.

[kyussinchains]

While wm bases are legal in the rules, depending on the army you use, they may not be the best option..... You can get less infantry in contact with vehicles and terrain as well as combat, for an army like tyranids, orks or krieg this can cause problems when trying to get loads of infantry into base contact, as they end up bottlenecking each other

[wellspring]

While wm bases are legal in the rules, depending on the army you use, they may not be the best option..... You can get less infantry in contact with vehicles and terrain as well as combat, for an army like tyranids, orks or krieg this can cause problems when trying to get loads of infantry into base contact, as they end up bottlenecking each other

That's good to know. What do you think about doing this w/ Biel Tan eldar?

[kyussinchains]

it depends how you play them I guess, as you're likely to be using aspects and mounted guardians as your main assault formations, you run the risk of bottlenecking them and reducing your ability to carry out really effective clipping assaults, also your scorpions/banshees may struggle to all get into contact due to blocking each others way and the 5cm dismount from an aircraft

if it were me I'd stick with strips, but it certainly won't turn your winning army into a losing one if you play to your strengths!

[Stormwind]

I'm basing all my infantry with the newer "strip" bases simply because it's easier to paint. For gamplay purposes I felt like the square ones made more sense but I find them really fiddly and they don't look as cool.

However for Eldar jetbikes I am going to mount them on flat 25mm round bases - my dreadnoughts and vypers are on the 25mm square bases.

[kyussinchains]

whatever works for you

I have my infantry on strips, Steel Legion vehicles on warmaster bases, marine vehicles on FoW bases and smaller single models like dreadnoughts and sentinels on 1p coins, the penny coins are also a good size for mounted infantry, all my rough riders, jetbikes and similar will be on 1p coins

[Jimmy Zimms]

I use FoW small bases for chimeras and rhino based vehicles and medium for stuff like Land Raiders.