Startup Plus
Do you know and enjoy NSG's Startup format? Would you like to start taking your first steps into the Standard format? Startup Plus could be the format for you!
Keep reading to learn more about Startup Plus - a custom meta online event series for the card game Netrunner, as it is continuously developed by Null Signal Games (NSG, formerly known as NISEI).
The Format
The card pool follows the NISEI Startup format guidelines with the following modifications:
Each deck can contain a non-Startup & Standard-legal ID (both for Corp and Runner) and a single playset of a non-Startup & Standard-legal card (both for Corp and Runner).
Startup Plus 1.0 uses the first Startup card pool (System Gateway, System Update 2021, Ashes: Downfall, Ashes: Uprising).
Startup Plus 1.1 uses the second Startup card pool (System Gateway, System Update 2021, Ashes: Downfall, Ashes: Uprising, Borealis: Midnight Sun).
Deck Ideas (Startup Plus 1.0)
No idea where to get started with the decks? Here are some example decks on NRDB courtesy of the one-and-only Larrea and an additional little extra package by the inimitable Dunsch! [alternative spreadsheet link]
Signing Up & Event List
Each Game Day will be announced on a separate alwaysberunning.net page.
Startup Plus League Season 1: Game Day 3 - TBA
Startup Plus League Season 1: Game Day 4 - TBA
Startup Plus League Season 1: Game Day 5 - TBA
Startup Plus League Season 1: Game Day 6 - TBA
Startup Plus League Season 1: Game Day 7 - TBA
Startup Plus League Season 1: Game Day 8 - TBA
There will also be a Startup Plus League event group on ABR, where all the past (and some upcoming) events will be listed. You can find this on the right side panel for each event.
Event Structure & Requirements
Startup Plus will premiere as a LEAGUE event:
The season will consist of eight (8) Game Days, announced on alwaysberunning.net.
Each Game Day will consist of four (4) rounds of Swiss and no Top Cut.
Each participant will have their Final Score calculated from their five (5) best Game Days. If a participant plays in fewer than five (5) Game Days, their Final Score will be calculated from all of their Game Days.
Additional regulations:
Players are allowed to change their decks and IDs from one Game Day to another.
Each round is 60 minutes long and features regular matches, where each player plays both sides (Corp and Runner).
The deck lists for this event will not be public. Players will be encouraged to share their decks and strategies afterwards.
Startup Plus FAQ
Q: What are the legal Startup cards?
A: Startup Plus 1.0 uses the first Startup card pool (System Gateway, System Update 2021, Ashes: Downfall, Ashes: Uprising). The Midnight Sun Booster Pack is legal as well. Startup Plus 1.1 uses the second Startup card pool (System Gateway, System Update 2021, Ashes: Downfall, Ashes: Uprising, Borealis: Midnight Sun).
Q: I feel the compulsive hacking need to play Adam. What happens with the directive cards?
A: You start the game with 3 different directive cards installed (these cards are not considered part of your deck). You still have 1 slot for a Standard-legal playset of cards in your Runner deck.
Q: I'd like to use DJ Fenris and Rebirth. What can I use them with?
A: Any ID that's legal for Startup or any ID that's legal for Standard. Yes, this means you can use them with an additional Standard ID, if you chose one for your initial deckbuilding. (Please note: this interaction/rule might be subject to change at TO's discretion, depending on observed player experience.)
Q: When Startup cards change due to rotation, what will happen with the ongoing Startup Plus League?
A: A Startup Plus League will play all Game Days with the same card pool. Therefore, no updates or changes to the card pool are expected. This includes SBL changes. The organizer reserves the right to change this, depending on participant feedback.
Q: Do I need to have my decks ready when I sign up?
A: No! You will be asked to submit your deck lists only when you are confirmed as a participant, until 24 hours before the event.
Got more questions? Contact me.
Prize Support
The Startup Plus League is a series sponsored by the community and there are no entry fees associated with it.
You can see a list of its supporters on the Fans <3 page.
Each participant gets immortal glory & streamed games with commentary as a bonus.
The physical prize pool depends on the amount in the tip jar.
Donations are entirely optional and not required for the event to take place.
Live Streams & Recordings
Community Hotspots
Netrunner Resources
NSG Resources