Just the Core ma'am, Working with just the core book. Options

[Androcomputus]

I was wondering what would be the best approach for building characters with just using the Core book.

So far, My friends and I look at sample characters and +/- things until we get what we want.

[Udoshi]

Well. There's not a lot of options with the core book. If I were in your position, i'd pick up Arsenal(because its useful for -everyone-, and being able to drive something beyond the same two cars is great), and the runner's companion(for the qualities section, because it adds -so- much flavor to get your players imagination going).


I'm not sure what you mean by 'best approach'. What exactly are you looking for? There's a whole section devoted to character creation - you should look at it. If you're looking for tips, tricks, builds, team roles, advice - speak up. Be specific. If you ask a general question, you're probably going to get a general answer.

[Saint Sithney]

Easy! Everyone plays a mage.
/jokes

But seriously, the only character types who aren't made significantly more playable by expansions are the magicians.
Magicians don't need help to be uber.

[DrZaius]

I was wondering what would be the best approach for building characters with just using the Core book.

So far, My friends and I look at sample characters and +/- things until we get what we want.

I for one try to only use the core book. I don't like spending extra money on books, and I dislike how most extra books add fluff without thought for balance. If you're putting a group together, you're going to want three things; someone to handle the astral, someone to handle the matrix, and someone to handle the physical. That means a mage, a hacker, and a samurai. That's just the basics; ask about a specific build, and you'll get plenty of advice on here.

-DrZaius

[Johnny Hammersti...]

You can also sub rigger/driver for Samurai, provided said character is good in combat, in some way shape or form

[Belvidere]

Or if you play like the group I'm in you get by with an infiltrator instead of a samurai, just when all hell starts breaking loose we run.