Dropfleet Weekend Part 1: Fleet Manoeuvres
October 30, 2015 by warzan
Welcome to the first of three Dropfleet Commander videos we'll be doing this weekend. In this first episode Warren is joined by Simon of Hawk Wargames to have a look at how you'll begin your games, activation and moving your battlegroups around the tabletop.
Check Out The Dropfleet Commander Kickstarter
We also take a look at how to lay out the perfect table for the game and more.
Keep an eye out for more videos this weekend:
- Fri: Dropfleet Weekend Part 1 - Fleet Manoeuvres
- Sat: Dropfleet Weekend Part 2 - Weapons Free!
- Sun: Dropfleet Weekend Part 3 - Orbital Assault
Have you backed the game yet?
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Boo…..Creeping up behind you is the word Carrier..!!!! and you said Cruiser…Giggles
This is a terrific prize and yet more fantastic coverage of a game I am so very excited to back. I look forward to seeing what Dave and the rest of the guys at Hawk are able to accomplish with Dropfleet Commander (and more with Dropzone). Now, open the KickStarter and take my money!!!!
Cheers!
Woot! Backed!!!!
Kickstarter is go, baby!
And they are racing towards the funding goal!
Well I went to the kickstarter page, and it was about £1k under the target, but by the time I scrolled down to the bottom and then went back to the top, it had gone 5k over (and it is still shooting up).
So congrats on the KS!
It’ll be interesting to see the other 2 fleets.
Edit; having a closer look, it is pretty obvious that it got funded by that old Andy Chambers pic. I’m reasonably sure it was in the first WD I ever got, which involved an Eldar vs Marines battle report.
So happy to see this fund so quickly! Bodes so well for the future of the game, and the appreciation for the uniqueness of this space combat game (based around planetary objectives, not simple space battles).
I’m really eager to see more of these videos over the weekend: the game-play seems great: it’s both really familiar (there’s mechanics we’ve seen before and can understand) but has some neat new takes on things.
Just backed it, so looking forward to seeing this develop.
Dropfleet Bootcamp next year anyone?
Both my grandson & I would be up for a Dropfleet Bootcamp.
Will have to ask the guys if theirs a minium age for the Bootcamps.
I’d love a bootcamp for this, right around the game’s launch, as long as it avoids the 30th of July, as my Mother has reserved that day for her 60th birthday, and English members have some football related thing…
I would be so up for a drop fleet bootcamp:-)
DFC Bootcamp sounds like a good idea. But in that case I might just want to bring along my pledge reward instead of paying for another box of models. Between this kickstarter and a few others I have plenty to build and paint until the year 2020. (And that’s an optimistic guess.)
…done!
I am SO excited about Dropfleet Commander, I love the mechanics of DzC and I was crazy for BFG back in the day.
This looks soooo good. I think this may be my first kickstarter.
Was funded almost immediately, absolutely incredible stuff. I am waiting to pledge until the Shaltari are unlocked which of course they will be
those scourge ships look sexy
Looking good – pledged Captain and waiting for bolt ons
I’m really really really looking forward to this game! Did i mention that i’m reeeeeeaaaalllyyyy looking forward to this?
I love fleet games and this one looks very promising rules wise and with the minis!
I was never that interested in dropzone commander. I think what turned me off was the 15mm scale and the look of the minis just didn’t click with me.
Having said that, this looks really cool. Those UCM ships look incredible!
DZC is in 10mn
Backed already. Looks amazing!
SO EXCITED.
I really hope this game will fill hole left by Battlefleet Gothic.
Well pissed off, have been checking my phone all day to pledge for Admiral, leave work only to find out when I got home 40 mins later its made its target and all Admiral slots are taken 🙂
know that feeling
Nice ship Will make a cool extra
Man, I can see power gamers arguing about ship placement: measure and move ship, pick up the ship to move the power spike/orbit layer base, and put it back down on the table. Probably players should declare actions, modify the base, then measure and move the ship on the table.
Backed and ready for some stretch goals!
Backed and as i type this is nearing 200% already! Really looking forward to this it sounds amazing!
Nice, looking forward for some serious high orbit combats.
This whole Dropfleet Commander thing is never going to make it…oh wait… 😉
Well, they got me. I’ve been watching all the Dropship Commander and Hawk coverage on Beasts of war, but have never really been interested in picking it up. I found the game play and setting interesting, and anything with Dave is worth watching just to see his enthusiasm for his game, but it just wasn’t my thing. Then the info about Dropfleet starting coming in…this just looked too interesting and different to ignore. It has all the coolness of Dropship along with some unique gameplay. Well played, Hawk, well played.
this is very exciting. I love the idea of fighting above a planet and taking objectives on the planet.
Those UCM-ships are pretty!
well I’ve backed the kickstarter looks like this is going to be as good as DZC
and we are in need of a decent spacefleet based game
and god did those admiral levels go fast
now the really unbearable task of waiting for the release begins
So, the kickstarter funded within about 15-20 minutes, before Hawk even had a chance to announce that the kickstarter was open to the mailing list. I hope they’ve thought up plenty of stretch goals! 😉
DropZone not DropSHIP Commander. I shouldn’t try to post while working,
They better get some stretch goals up before we blast through them all!
I’ve been so excited for this to launch!
i’ve backed for a 2player starter set i don’t know if doubling it or waiting for phr!^^
OMG! I play scourge and frigate carrier prize would be awesome to get! It would be great to add with my Gen ucm strike carrier. I am already in at the Captain level pledge. Thank you for the great video update!
if only i had the money to pledge
Definately a kickstarter to back up!
Yes was waiting all day for the kick starter to go live
Nice intro to the game, but I can’t wait to see more ships(unlocks, etc)…
must…have…it! this game sounds absolutely amazing and will probably be the first one I will back on kickstarter
oooh what a tease, cant wait to see WEAPONS FREE and the carnage that it brings (on both sides)
now im off to back this
Game looks super, will be pledging.
I’ve bought in to the kickstarter and I’m a scourge player. I’d love me some limited edition freebies to play with.
Backed and impatiently waiting for the stretch goals
even though it is still early, it looks very nice. has great potential. (still a little clunky at the moment)
So looking forward to this
Great looking minis, sensible rules and the ‘weapons free’ option. I am in Heaven.
Backed, really looking forward this game 🙂
More videos please!
Man, that looks like such an interesting take on space battles. I guess..orbital battles rather, but the point stands. Could be the next BFG.
Call me Cap’n 😛
Looks like a great game
Looks great.
wow there’s so many excellent kickstarters out recently!
GO go go Hawk, you have my pledge!!
Dropfleet! Music to my ears and eyes……
A space game with logic and a little submarine warfare thrown in.
Yes please
Tempting, I may have to back this.
Hawk Wargames, you have my wallet!
I want to have a chance to win this limited edition beauty.
Colour me intrigued 🙂
Gratulation to this Amazon Kickstarter too. So After this Video i’ll go back and Check the status.
cant wait to get my hands on this. looking forward to some PHR.
Very happy to see the Kickstarter surging forward, and looking forward to getting more info on it all as it continues to come out!
Not sure about the flight stands: I think having different heights would look fare more interesting (and obvious) on the table than having these colors on the base.
Variety on those spruces is awesome. Bring on the Shaltari!
Liking the look of this game. Can’t wait to get it onto my table!
been really looking forward to this top work BOW 🙂
BFG v2.0
What could be better than this?
I’ve put my pledge in. The missus will kill me but I’ve 6 months to prepare! Dropzone it’s a fantastic game and Dropfleet looks like it’s shaping up for more of the same! I can’t wait for my toys to arrive!!!!
Amazing models. May have to invest.
Really liking all I have heard about Dropfleet, there been thought put in about the continuity of the rules which looks interesting.
Can’t wait for the final version. Already loving this and it’s only movement.
I’ve already pledged 😀 You’re the reason no-one’s getting any christmas presents this year 😉
will back tomorrow and i love it!
Exciting, waiting for more info before joining the Kickstarter… 🙂
Sweet!!
Im really looking forward to this, have my pledge in so seeing the game is great
Just pledged! It’s crazy that the top level reward is already sold out. Way to go!
Hooked, Backed, and loving it!
Surprised that the movement of the battle groups is so large for a 4×3 (?) table. I expected more time or moves to gain tactical positions. I would also like to see entry points on 3 or 4 sides of the table to give a less linear feel to the game as you would not know where your enemy would be jumping to and you would need to consider 360 degree defensive strategy.
Maybe beacons could be dropped by ‘scout’ ships to guide reserves into key areas?
Will you be producing objective markers like mining towns, ground command centres etc. and ground defenses like ion cannons?
Great kickstarter first day and video – looking forward to the weekend.
This is the first spaceship war game I have really wanted to get into. I can’t wait.
The ships move soooo fast! This game can get really quickly into the fighting stage.
Everyone loves spaceships!
Pledged, ready to add on as they get released 🙂
Keep the videos coming!
Well damn. There goes my Night Shift bonus….
Looks like a good game to play. So @warzan are/will you be getting a fleet of ST Petersburg cruisers?
That’s rhetorical isn’t it?
well he has played the game he may only get half a fleet of them?
Cant wait to see the vid tomorrow.
So far i like the mechanic very much.
The mechanics look superb. The models look outstanding. I’m very tempted.
I’ve already got my pledge in 🙂
I’d love this mini to coincide with my ucm exclusive ;P
well… this could easily de-throne DZC ^^
well i have backed this as I always knew that I would I love DZC and at the moment the total sits at just below the 150k mark in less that 12 hours which is totally awesome. I just cannot wait and see how this turns aout and what extra stuff they can do with the money (apart from opening that extra bottle of bubbly)
I’m in. This will be one of the biggest KS pledges I’ve ever made.
DZC has a decent following who I’d have thought would make up a large chunk of the people who are going to back this, so I think they really need to do a 2 player set with PHR and Shaltari as well to cover all bases. Or perhaps have it as a kickstart exclusive where you can pick which two factions you want at the 2 player set pledge, I’d give them my money right now if that was an option.
Me aswell, a chance to pick and mix the forces you get in a 2 player set could bring in alot more pledges. I personally am after the PHR as they are my Dropzone force.
I backed the kickstarter and I’m excited about it
I’m a backer. Can’t you make a game appear unappealing for once?
Can’t wait, Can’t Wait, CAN”T WAIT.
This game already has my pledge. I like how modular the ships are. It allows to build a varied fleet quickly. And nice to see the game in action. Looking forward to the other videos.
Probably the last Kickstarter I am backing this year…but hey its a great one to end on!
This just might be the first Kickstarter I back.
This got me all excited! I play scourge, but wow those UCM ships are hot. I just can’t wait.
Sold I want this game
Already backed. It’s been an interesting ride so far.
Drop fleet looks great, my pledge is in. Can’t wait.
I have a sneaky feeling I’m going to be revisiting these videos
Looking forward to where this will go, love the idea of orbital combat.
I was backer number 5 😀 wish i could have afforded the admiral pledge but just out of my price range, once the PHR ships are unlocked (hopefully soon) I will be uping the pledge a bit to add a couple sets of those.
So KS is finally on. At 2pm i was refreshing KS page like a madman. Now its well funded and around 155K it was funded in less than 15 minutes and im so happy its finally happening. I must i love good space combat game, but for years it was Full Thrust and niw i have high hopes for DFC. My only concern is Hawk is again putting whole ramybook into a main rulebook and therir not planing pdf .. jezz.. i hope its gonna change but from DZC experience i thing not… so in my opinion they should make statcards for models as its so much easier to develop and make changes to units than orinting whole new book.. and about pdf.. i dont know if its me but i prefer to use my tablet when im playing than the book.. but overall minis are great, mr Andy Chambers is on the board so i think game is gonna be fun to play. Thanks BoW for 1ep and i cant wait for new one. Cheers
Can’t wait for part 2!
Very nice, fantastic flow between Dropzone and Dropfleet! Almost 400% now! Waiting through winter and spring for arrival of fleets is going to be rough!
The orbits remind me of Star Trek Space Chess…multiplanar gaming
Game looks interresting.
Amazing first day! Hell, an amazing first 15 minutes! Now just settle in and watch the goodness unfold.
OMG! I love that prize! I play scourge and that frigate would be great to have with my ucm strike carrier model from Gencon. Already joined the kickstarter at captain level. This by far the best looking kickstarter I have ever seen. Thanks for rules video, love it!
comment, comment, comment!
This is looking very shiney indeed, had to wear my sunnies to even watch the vid!
they need to take paypal so i can back it
Battlegroup activation and orders will be such an important tactical aspect of the game.
This looks so exciting 🙂
This looks truly amazing.
Really excited for this game. I truly hope it’s as good as it looks like and that people won’t be disappointed in the rules / game mechnic.
Soo excited. I can’t wait for next June! This looks awesome.
Took me a night to decide to pledge for it at Kickstarter.
What a fantastic looking game
Im must admit this does look very nice Not played any of the dropfleet stuff, but those human ships appeal to my sci fi side.
I am incredibly excited about this game. It’s been a while since I’ve been this pumped, but there’s something about this game that has me more than intrigued. I certainly love the aesthetics (the UCM look brilliant, and the Scourge look brilliant to destroy) so I’m definitely going to look into this one. I’m planning to wait on viewing all the videos before I decide how far I want to go in Pledge Levels, but I’m definitely going to back this one!
The ships are incredible! I love the fact that they aren’t even remotely stereotypical starships, very cool.
So keen for Dropfleet. the sculpts, the rules, they’re all amazing.
love it love it love it 🙂 iv gone in on the kick starter and cant wait to get my hands on this the moddles are a dream and the rules are the best rule set iv seen in a while
really looking forward to this game hoping to back the kickstarter
With all the ships suddenly popping up like that, i get the “target the reavers! Target the reavers! …SOMEBODY FIRE!” Moment.
Feel a little let down that there no PHR on kickstarter
I love the look and game dynamics of this.
So glad the kickstarter is going well, I have been eagerly awaiting this for some time!
System looks great and the kickstarter looks to be doing better that Hawk expected ( there are worst problems to have). I am looking forward to seeing what the PHR ships look like and what else will get unlocked.
I am very curious to see more about this game. I really like the design of the Human ships, but also the fact that battle happens over land, not in the middle of space. Very Hard SciFi! Well done guys!!!!
Really tempted with this. Wanted to get into drop zone but couldn’t afford it. This however…
Hope they manage to unlock the phr on the kickstarter. All the races look really cool and the variable range due to sensors and energy spikes is very clever and a great rule mechanic.
Dropzone is fantastic, Hawk’s pedigree would indicate this will be also!
I would agree with comments above about starter box choice; if we could pick which two fleets I think it would draw more players and result in a more eclectic mix of forces to play against on release?
We’ll have to see what happens as stretch goals are unlocked…
Very taken with the UCM stuff, more than a hint of Solaco about the design, love it:)
The models look nice but as always more about interested in the rules. Watched the video of the manuveres section and nothing to ground shaking there in originality.
I shall wait for it to be published then have look.
Very excited about the game, just hope the guys at hawk recuperate from the shock fast and start communicating
These videos are very cool. I’m really excited about using the multiple atmospheres towards unique strategies!. I really want to see close range fire fights. Are their gonna be boarding parties?
Definitely backing this game!
This game is looking better every minute. I am really curious about how to integrate it with a DZC game. I can see my gaming group running an invasion mega game/mini-campaign.
I really get the idea from this that Andy Chambers loves Submarine movies and Babylon 5, this is going to be sucj a cool game to play, it may even drag me into Dropzone Commander if it looks like it links well for a campaign.
I really like the activation mechanic.
Im in for captain
Looking great. Really enjoying the videos.
The game looks great!
Quite interesting. Must watch the next video!
Will we see a dropfleet bootcamp any time in 2016?
been looking for a fleet style game….think I found it 🙂
Super excited for Dropfleet Commander – Whole gaming club is getting in on the KS! Can’t wait! Keep it coming Hawk!
The game looks great, but I think those bases could get better. It would make far more sense to have two different dials and to be able to switch them independently. This is nothing new, as Heroclics already does that.
Also I´d have loved to see the Scourge frigates, as I particulary like the model.
I am still curious what the table mats are going to look like. I imagine mostly/half space and the other portion a part of the planet. It would seem strange to just be looking at the planet even if at low orbit.
kickstarter backed in our house looking forward to playing it in the future
I love the Scourge ships so much!
Much Excite- I have space mats already done up with planets viewed from high orbit!
cool game
Looking good. Count me in.
looking good, and plastic would be nice 🙂
It would be great if they had a £1 pledge level just to get the add-ons. I just want a Moscow heavy cruiser to paint up and chase the fiance around the house going PEW PEW PEW!
Backed it and looking forward to more videos
Looking forward to the game, great video as well thanks for this guys
Yup, I am so in this kickstarter. I am not sure what I want to play, as my DZC army is Resistance, and it wouldn’t make much sense to have them as a fleet. Hopefully they get to the PHR as that was always going to be my second army.
The fact that this game takes in different 3d aspect of space combat makes me beyond happy! Better yet I can’t wait to build a campaign between DFC and DZC. Awesome stuff!
Hawk wargame is awesome. love everything they do 8).
Is it july 2016 yet?
this is so amazing!
I’m going to back it right now !
I’m in for two boxes… so far. Whereas DZC didn’t quite do it for me this looks much more interesting. Compared to most space games that occur in 2D, the orbital setting makes much more sense in what I guess is a 2.5D abstraction.
So excited for this! Been looking forward to DFC since I heard about it, and I’m so glad it’s finally here!
wow i want it
Very cool , love it so far. Keep it coming.
I made my pledge and looking forward to the game.
Backed and ready for the stretches..!
Well that convinced me . Kickstarter pledge just committed.
Really excited for this game. Great to see some of the mechanics ahead of time. Any plans on doing a full demo game?
Backed and looking forward to June ’16
Dropfleet had me with the miniatures alone. But maybe I will play the game as well. 😉
Brilliant video
Can’t wait for the sunday big battle
Can’t wait for Sunday and the full on big battle.
Looking great
Have always been tempted by Drop Zone, and it’s the same with Drop Fleet! Can’t hold out any longer so will have to back this. The only problem will be choosing which fleets as they all look amazing. The unlocked Shaltari ships are stunning!
Painting some scourge models for DzC at the moment and watching the stuff about Dropfleet. Hawk Wargames is doing a great job expanding their universe! I think we’re going to plan a campaign with DzC and DfC mixed up.
Is it summer 2016 already? 😀
A intro about maneuvers but no indication of how ships actually maneuver?
Me likey spaceships!
Pledged, now just need to decide about bolt ons
Thanks for the videos. They give a good idea of how game is going to play. Jumped on this Kickstarter when it opened the first day. Can’t wait to create some campaigns having games of Dropfleet lead into games of Dropzone.
Looking good, they already got my money 🙂
Would love to see a bigger game to ascertain if I like the rules, so far they seem pretty good
Very interesting, already following the kickstarter to see how it progresses!
Just catching up with these videos, I like that it isnt the same Space battle game we have seen before, has some good innovation.
This game looks really interesting – and again congrats on a great video demo.
I’m on board, I like the concept of having near orbit battles, makes more sense than battles in random portions of the vastness of space
I really ust say I am impressed… Keeping an eye on the kickstarter and this sort of things is going to mean I might not be be to stop myself from pleging!!
The game looks very promissing. I really want to see the Shaltari an PHR ships!
Missed the boat on BFG… been thinking about playing a space battle game for years…
Can’t wait for this game!! However my UCM camo scheme I don’t think will work on the ships….
Commenting for the possibility of a limited ship! 😀
Well I must say I like what I saw. Have no fear UCM the PHR are here, so look out Scourge.
they picked the perfect starting armies for this. love the llok and feel.
Great to get a look at the game. Jumped in as backer #6! Looking forward to seeing how the KS plays out 🙂
With each of these I’ve watched Im more and more gutted that i missed out on the top pledge level, but so glad I’ve backed this game. Im unbelievably excited to get playing it!
This will probably be the longest KS ever as far as I’m concerned, does anyone have a Dylorian I can borrow ?
Can’t wait already pledged 250
I love the concept of this new game. I jumped in on the Captain’s pledge as soon as I could.
Got my kickstarter down! Can’t wait..
Pledged straight out the gate on this one. Initially the scourge ships pulled me in but the more I look at the UCM, the more I love them. Definitely like a Bootcamp for this one next summer!
Very smart looking game
Interested to find out how fighters etc. work I hope it’s similar to the old bfg way. I found that one of the most interesting ways of representing it.
Can’t wait to see the PHR ships
This is going to be my first space combat game (ever) After having missed BFG in its prime. DropFleet Commander has my attention for a few reasons, firstly because it looks amazing and secondly because a few of us around Melbourne are keen for it so it means I’ll have a community to play with
Looking good and the shooting hasn’t even started yet!
Love the look of the UCM ships! Can’t wait to get them in my hands next year when the kickstarter delivers!
I have not been interested in a new space game for some time, even though I’m a big fan of the genre. This one has caught my attention!
Will there be official rules for approaching asteroids, derelicts, space stations, and the like or will those be something people will need to houserule?
I like the turn mechanic. I am guessing that if you have uneven command groups the one with the most just takes extra turns at the end?
I can’t get over how lovely those Scourge ships look.
So sorry I missed the Admiral pledge – can’t wait to try this game!
This is making me think real hard about jumping in on this.
I don’t have the cash this close to Christmas but, as I’m just getting into how good dropzone is, and as a fan of the scourge ships (reminds me of the shadow in Babylon 5!) I’ll be getting this at retail I think.
Looking forward to finding out more
So excited about Dropfleet, all the ships so far look absolutely awesome. Definitely gonna go for my Dropzone races, Scourge and PHR on the Kickstarter but it’ll be hard to skip UCM.
Quite curious the layer system for 3D enviorment, hawk has done it again and turn a bit the bolt of gameplay.
But seems the randomness of activatoon of units and Player can slow the game for sure, also dont understand why on a spcaship game that maybe Range for a mother ship main gun can be 100s kmtrs or even lightyears has to shrink to 10-20 inchs (donot know yet Nothing about weaponry Hope im wrong) i expect ranges of 24-36-48 but with several bufs, debufs for acuracy.
Looking good so far, minis are great. Can’t wait for the PHR 🙂
This is another Kickstarter I will have to back!
Yup. I’m in. nuff said
Elevation rules are interesting.
Thanks for the video 🙂 It was interesting
I can’t wait to see more
Oh my this is a beauty of a game. I really want to get in on this Kickstarter. Too bad I swore to take a break from Kickstarter for a while.
Looks like a cool game!
Never tried fleet games but it looks exciting!
I am all over this! Can anyone else see a massive game at a convention where you have multiple tables that are DZC ground sites from a bigger DFC table where you get reinforcements on each site depending on what happens in the DFC table.
It would need some careful coordination but could be really cool!
Really looking forward to this. looks like the space game I’ve been waiting for!!! 🙂
Looks exciting!
Sounds fun!
Nice ships!
I tried BFG once but I hope this game will feel more like a space combat
Good start!
I’d love to see some introductory play video about this, to understand it through examples
Backed and excited for the release, now ive seen they have additional fighter and bomber squadrons im just counting down the days. How on earth do you paint models this small?
Free stuff! It’s a carrier
Dropfleet Commander looks interesting!
well after video 1.. I’d say it has potential
I like Andy Chambers games 🙂
The models look fantastic, but I don’t think my painting would do them justice.
Nice videoseries as always!
Just awesome – can’t wait to get the KS stuff…my wallet is already screaming!
Nice orbital combat!
If I had Dropfleet, I would like to maneuver my fleets 🙂
The UCM look absolutely awesome! Really glad I chose the Captain pledge looking forward to seeing the UCM Atlantis up close and personal.
I only watched the series last weekend, but Warren said its not to late to comment for the win, so here I am.
Dropfleet is cool!
I loved the Dropfleet Weekend!
looks cool