Main Page/Outsider Republican
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A deck for the republican that doesn't support the entrenched establishment and looks to shake things up. |
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The Outsider Deck is the perfect set of cards for anyone that is looking to build an extensive ground game that put enthusiasm and outreach first, with smaller forms of cash drives, as well as the ability to meet the temperament of antiquated politicking second.
This card set was introduced as part of the original playtest alongside several other essential card sets on February 21st, 2024 (see: Patch Notes).
Introduction
 The Outsider Republican is an appealing choice for those that want to have a plentiful ground game, and keep their opponents on the edge.
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Card Types
Issue Cards
One of the most expensive cards that can be played in the Outsider Republican deck is the Social Network Showdown card. Not only will it spread the issue drastically towards just one state, but it will affect adjacent states as well, influencing the preferred candidate of choice's issue score, and the voter's too. Giving the user lots of creative liberties in how they want to affect the map. Combine this with states that may take such issues highly into consideration, then there will be potent combos for single-handily affecting the outcomes of entire political races.
Enthusiasm
Unlike other decks which focus on raising enthusiasm, the Outsider Deck particularly comes equipped with only 1 celebrity endorsement, and no cheerleaders. However unlike every other deck, the player will have 4 intimidators to play with. Combine these Intimidator tactics with Petition Teams to raise and take away awareness, Party Radicals to create a run-off intimidation effect in near-by states, and Call Out Hypocrisies to produce an offensive awareness game that will have your opponent campaigning more than usual. Not only will an opponent need to generate 5% enthusiasm per turn to overcome an Expert Intimidator, but it will require significant stamina and money to counteract its effects, making them one of the most powerful cards in the Outsider's arsenal. Petition Teams in particular act like better intimidators and are a surefire way to allow for passive campaigning on the trail.
Defense
When it comes to countering problematic cards, getting a lock on the situation with Fixers and Maverick Reformers is pertinent to curbing your opponent's most valuable tools. The Bodyguard is one of the most important factors to prevent unwanted Political Capital or Enthusiasm loss throughout the campaign. Keep note of how many Fixers and Maverick Reformers that may have been expended, as it will be important to space (or bait) them out should opponents use it as an opening to plop down endorsements, or other powerful cards that may give them a crucial opening.
Offense
Introduced as part of the Outsider Deck's arsenal are the Call Out Hypocrisy and Integrity Audits. When timed well, they can deny the opponent crucial time and stamina that would've been used to otherwise to cement their lead, turning the tables into catch-up. Alternatively to radicalizing your followers, players that use this deck can indulge in dedicated supporters to immediately add 2 points of stamina to get the lead, and get additional actions early on. Adding onto this array are the protesters, a disruptive key-factor to target swing and primary states to mitigate the power of opponent's speeches.
Operatives
The operatives from the classic Political Machine series are here! Similarly to other decks in the game, the Outsider Deck in particular has a preferential focus on attacking the opponent through Smear Merchants. But that's not all, the Republican Hardliner card in particular is one of the most powerful cards in the game, capable of taking states such as Michigan and Illinois, or turning the most purple states into red states. Because of its power to single-handily change the fate of elections, the opponent may opt to remove it on sight, savor it wisely!
Speeches
When it comes to getting the most out of your speeches, you have 2 Stump Speech Experts to get the ball rolling. When played well, it can be used to increase your speed effectiveness by 50%. If you're a candidate with particularly problematic charisma such as Andrew Yang, this is an effective way to make up for a lack of charisma should the opportunity ever arise.
Endorsements
When it comes to getting a boost across the map and bringing important issues to the top of the state table, with strong issue scores to boot, then these issue Endorsements will be your most crucial step towards affecting the state of the race. Opponents, players and AI included, will make high priority of these cards, so secure and time them wisely!
Particularly problematic to the deck may be the tackling of certain tough issues. When it comes to being an outsider, tough positions and stakes may be made. Which include tackling difficult issues such as abortion, and anti-unions. While they may help you in certain states, keep note as this temporary boost can turn into a long-term impasse as anti-Union positions can hurt the player in important states such as Ohio.
Political Capital
Contrary to most decks in the game, the Outsider decks have the weakest Political Capital gain in the entire game. With only one Lobbyist, the chances of behind behind an opponent in Political Capital rises exponentially, especially when faced against Establishment decks. To counteract this, use candidates to build Headquarters to avert this weakness immediately. Like any outsider, building a campaign from the ground-up is key to becoming elected.
Cash
When it comes to raising cash, 2 Event Coordinators will be the strongest tools in any Outsider's kit when it comes to getting the most out of your fundraisers. Stack it with a Consulting Offices should you land one of these cards early in the game, to raise quick amounts of cash when combined with the Event Coordinator. Alternatively Donation Drives exist to give quick cash infusions, allowing campaign mobility no matter the trail.
Update History
- Deck introduced into the game
