USA or Russia in Broken Arrow? A Beginner's Faction Guide
USA versus Russia in Broken Arrow, explained for new players: how the two factions differ in playstyle, strengths and weaknesses, and which side is friendlier to learn on.
The short answer
Both factions are viable and roughly balanced — you won't lose because you picked the 'wrong' side, you'll lose because of decisions in the match. Pick the one whose toys you find cooler; motivation to learn beats a small statistical edge.
That said, they play differently, and the difference is worth understanding before you commit a doctrine choice and start grinding one side.
How the USA plays
The USA leans on quality, optics and air power. Its recon and thermals tend to spot first, its aircraft and precision munitions are excellent, and its infantry doctrines (Marines, Airborne, SOF) are flexible. The trade-off is cost: American units are often pricier per card, so you field fewer of them and must trade efficiently.
It's a good side for players who like seeing first, striking precisely and playing a measured, information-driven game.
How Russia plays
Russia leans on mass, armor and cost-efficiency. Its tanks and mechanized doctrines put a lot of hardware on the field for the points, and heavy vehicles with reactive armor can bully head-on. The trade-off is that individual units are often less refined in optics and precision, so you win by pressure and numbers rather than picking perfect fights.
It's a good side for players who like rolling armor forward, holding ground and overwhelming with volume.
Which is easier to learn on?
Russia is slightly more forgiving for a first faction: cheaper units mean each mistake costs fewer points, and an armor-forward game plan is simpler to execute than a precision optics-and-air style. But the gap is small.
Whichever you choose, the fundamentals are identical — recon first, bring anti-air, keep logistics flowing, and don't overspend. Those decide matches far more than the flag on your units.
Do I have to stick with one?
No. A deck is single-faction, but you can build and save decks for both and switch between matches. Many players main one side to learn its doctrines deeply, then branch out. Browse both rosters in the unit database, compare specific matchups like Abrams vs T-90M, and check the live Meta page to see what each side is winning with right now.