Gameplay DiscussionThe Blog

Meta Reimagined

How we play is how we learn. Sometimes it is easier to go about the learning process by playing with people who have skill level at the same or lower set as we do. When we get into games like this we feel more confident and better prepared for what may come.

Winning

Just like in life, we cannot continue to do this. We cannot continue to play competition that is on the same level as we are and assume that we are going to get better. We, at some point, must start taking steps to get better at building decks, at creating strategies for tournaments, and at teching against certain decks while making a deck that is strong enough to play against multiple players.

In the Meta where we live now we have the power to tech against certain characters; but first we have to ask ourselves “are we ready to grow up?” A strange question but a necessary one. Growing up means that we may need to actually play people that are better than us. It may also mean that we have to play characters, supports or even downgrades that we aren’t normally use to playing with.

Growing up Meta

Snoke (WF4) has been a big deal, to the point where people are asking that he is banned. That is one way to view it but what about using the tools we have to combat this dastardly problem? The use of the downgrade Mind Extraction (CV5), for example, to battle against it. Sure it may only work for a turn or two but when your opponent chooses to exhausts and not roll him out, that could be a turning point.  Not being able to get that 2-Focus side could be a huge turn stopper.

What A Meta with you?

Meta playing is something that a lot of people strive against. It is something that we do at my LGS, Card Table Republic in Davison, MI. We have people that play Palpatine (CV2)/Watto (CV38) but others that will throw a curve by playing Palpatine (CV2) with double Enfy’s Marauder (CV142), a 3-die start. How about a Wullf (AG21)/Iden (AG18) team up?

Sometimes thinking outside the box can be just fun. What’s more fun than thinking outside the box and finding something that does work. But in all honesty, these decks don’t work all the time.
So where do we go from there? Do we continue to work on decks that are outside the box or do we submit to the Meta driven format? Do we jump on the database to download the latest and greatest?

Solving the Problem

I say there is a middle ground.  Start watching videos, if you don’t already, and look at what works. Start watching what random people put out and maybe something will catch your eye.  Then you can use that idea and expound upon it. There is a lot of good tech now, swap out a few cards that suit your play style better.   In doing this you are making it your own which is important.

There are a lot of great content providers out there and learning deck analysis from them is extremely helpful. Not only that, you can also learn thought processes that will help your critical thinking. Find people out there that aren’t afraid of showing their losses along with their victories. You learn as much, if not more, from a loss than a victory. “What could have I done differently?” “Oh, I forgot that trigger there.” These are all things that a good content creator will talk about in their videos.

How to Get Better

Play tougher opponents. Yes, it will be difficult, however when you start beating them it will be that much more gratifying. Also those tougher people will teach you how to deal with adversity, like when your deck doesn’t run the way you thought it should. Tougher opponents also cause you to achieve things that you would never thought possible. I started playing more analytical players and have been able to turn that into a top 4 in a Store Championship. Then I was able to take the lessons I learned there and parlay that into a Top 8 cut in a Regional.

Read articles. Sometimes that is difficult, but push through. Learn to glean what you can from all those that are taking time to give helpful advice. You won’t connect with all writers but find ones that you do and stick with them. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to these people if you have questions.  Sure you may not always get a return message but in my experience the Star Wars Destiny community is a giving one. You see, in the end that is what we are. A community of people that want this game to become something more. Something that we can pass on to friends, children and anyone else that has ever wanted to play a game that takes them back to “….a galaxy far, far away.”

I hope this helps you, from the Outer Rims to Jakku. And from Theed to the Mean Streets. Remember that we all want to win; getting to the point of winning may take us out of our comfort zones though. Push yourself to find that right mix of passion and practice, desire and luck, and then we grow so those tough games become a little easier.


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