Base Set

The Base Set is a collection of eleven basic units that are always available in most Prismata game modes.

The other units are randomly selected from the Random Set.

Strategy in base set
Prismata is unlike chess in the way that every game of Prismata features different units and thus different strategies are available. Most random sets add one or more of the following:


 * Large absorbers (Energy Matrix, Centurion), which justify large economies since they can easily defeat rushes
 * Efficient attackers (Shadowfang, Cynestra), which generally lower the optimal economy size since Drones will be worse compared to attack, and also shorten the length of the game since it will take less time to get enough constant attack to win
 * Efficient soak units (Plexo Cell, Polywall), which slightly raise the optimal economy size since they make attackers worse and increase the length of the game
 * Powerful legendaries (Zemora Voidbringer, Tia Thurnax), which can enable unusual strategies or swing the game heavily in a single turn if one player doesn't anticipate them

However, sometimes you will get a set full of inconsequential units like Gauss Charge, Thermite Core and Blood Pact. In these sets you will be relying on the basic units and thus it is useful to know how to play base set.

In base set, Wall is the best defender (and the biggest absorber) and Tarsier is the best attacker, so the strategy revolves around those two units (although there are times to buy all the units). It is widely agreed that Player 2 wins in base set with optimal play from both sides, as after the following beginning:


 * 1) DD DD
 * 2) DD DA

Player 2 will be first to the Tarsiers without cutting so much econ that they will not be able to support a Blastforge for Walls when the time comes. Player 1 can answer it with an Animus of their own, which leads to a fairly close mirror, or can try a green-blue strategy (DDB or DDC and then next turn getting whichever attacker you can and the other tech building). The reason the green-blue strategy is viable even though it doesn't use the best attacker in the set is because getting an Animus leaves you slightly overteched in base set, as 13 Drones is enough for a Wall and two Tarsiers but once the time comes for Rhinos you will likely be wasting a red every turn. Additionally, having access to Forcefields instead of Rhinos helps with defense.