"Nerf-ing" ships; history and opinions

[clanofwolves 4,215]

As I increase my interest and knowledge in this fantastic game, I find some topics/phrases that are casually utilized in forums generate questions for me. So, ignoring my naivety, I have two questions about "nerf-ing." 1) What specifically is "nerf-ing", and 2) What ships have been "nerf-ed"?

Thanks guys!!

[AEIllingworth 1,135]

Nerf started out in computer games, it was making something into the "Nerf Gun" version, where it shoots foam darts instead of bullets.  It means taking something too strong and bringing it back down.

 

I think there has only technically been one "nerf" in x-wing, and it was a change to the way decloak works.  TIE Phantoms were brutal when the decloak happened directly before the maneuver, so it got switched to decloaking is after dials are picked, but before anyone moved.

 

 

In every other case, they have "buffed" underperforming ships or released counters, instead of resorting to nerfs.

 

 

"Nerf" is a thing in computer games where they can update code and stats, it makes a lot less sense in a game with physical printed materials.  They would need to reprint things and release an "errata" list of things that are different from their printed value, which FFG is trying very hard to avoid.

Edited May 16, 2016 by AEIllingworth

[Piney Tinecones 12]

"...it makes a lot less sense in a game with physical printed materials.  They would need to reprint things and release an "errata" list of things that are different from their printed value, which FFG is trying very hard to avoid."

*cough* Games Workshop *cough*