Hello,

I'm a big fan of FFG's LOTR LCG, so also loving Star Wars, this X-Wings game was a no-brainer.

I've gotten the core set and had fun playing with my kids. They picked it up quickly and we've played through the scenarios.

Honestly though, I'm just not really feeling it. I just got the A-WIng to add a little something to it, but after playing through the scenarios, I'm kind of lost as to what to do next. I'd like more strategy over dog-fighting.

So I thought that I would drop a note on here and see what I could do to really get into it without dropping $200. Is there some fun scenarios out there or included with other ships? Is the Falcon really worth getting? Should I snag another core set? Help!

Seems like you might want to create your own scenarios if you dont enjoy the dogfighting.

I'm new myself still so sorry I can't offer much help to you. I hear FFG is starting to create new game types that are more based on missions instead of dogfights. The Transport ship should open up scenarios for you to play.

Although you might want to get a decent little force together before getting the transport ship. But the real question is: do you enjoy the game enough to want to spend more money to see if things get more enjoyable with more ships?

Good luck to you.

If it is more scenarios you are after, there are quite a few online. Look on the forum afewmaneuvers.com.

Mainly new scenarios are included with new ships, but FF has released them online. Look for the Millenium Falcon, Lambda Shuttle, and Slave I rulebooks and you can find a few.

The new Huge Ships are going to introduce a cinematic game mode as well.

The falcon really changes things up and is very fun, as does the Slave I and Lambda.

Honestly though, at its core this is a tactical game, not a strategic one. There is some real depth to creating lists, and scenarios (both official and home grown) can add a lot, but it is definitely built on top of a tactical game.

Another option I've started recently is to combine it with Edge of the Empire, the role-playing game. They mesh well and you can tweak the skills and such to fit with characters. Of course you would need a group and interest in running a table-top RPG, but that's how I'm scratching my strategic itch with this game.

Thanks. Don't get me wrong - I love the tactical feel, I just tire of run & gun dog fighting. A purpose behind the fighting is much more fun to me.

I'd like to get the Falcon, but then feel like I need to even it out with some more Imperial ships... any suggestions?

If you are wanting to round things out, go for a second core set. It's a great deal. Three ships + dice + blah blah blah for the price of two ships (assuming you can find it for ~30$). Tie fighters form a great core for any number of Imperial lists.

From there Tie Interceptors are very fun to fly and very dangerous. Slave I and Lambda both open up a huge variety of playstyles since they can cost anywhere from as much as a cheap X-wing to 75 points while remaining useful. They have lots of crew, modifications, systems, etc. available to them that open up interesting synergies.

Tie Bombers are very useful, but I don't think they add as much variety as the others.

Imperial Aces should be coming out within the next few weeks. It comes with two Tie Interceptors and some new pilots and cards.

To expand your mission options, papercraft, or just printing things out can go a long way. Lots of people have made their own asteroids, installations, objectives and such out of lava rock and such for very cheap.

SOme of us like to make our own playfields with stars and such. If you like that kind of thing, there are lots of tutorials out there.

It's becoming and increasingly large hobby.

The truth about this game is you are going to spend some cash on it if you want to keep playing.

It really finds its own when you get into the 4 on 5, or more ships on each side.

The more you play, the deeper the strategy gets, but it is a different type of strategy, and sometimes is not

readily understood if you are just starting out.

Personally, I love the way it plays, trying to guess what my opponent will do, and block, and counter move.

You start thinking 2 or 3 moves ahead like chess, but with random dice thrown in.

Hope you find a way to love it like we all do.

Thanks. Don't get me wrong - I love the tactical feel, I just tire of run & gun dog fighting. A purpose behind the fighting is much more fun to me.

I'd like to get the Falcon, but then feel like I need to even it out with some more Imperial ships... any suggestions?

Buy the Falcon and Buy the Imperial shuttle. Both come with great missions and cool tokens to use in those (and home-brewed) missions.

Awesome suggestions. Can I throw in something else? How about $50. What would take the game to the next level for us for $50 ?

(keep in mind that I will surly keep expanding - let's just start with this as I'm also building up my LOTR collection.)

Same answer I think. A second starter set and one large ship (Falcon's probably your best bet). You should be able to get that for around 50$ if you look around online. Remember, don't pay full price. You should be able to get the starter set for around 30$ and the Falcon for around 20$.

Same answer I think. A second starter set and one large ship (Falcon's probably your best bet). You should be able to get that for around 50$ if you look around online. Remember, don't pay full price. You should be able to get the starter set for around 30$ and the Falcon for around 20$.

Thanks, I kinda like where you're going with this.

Ahem,

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=4666

This article was written specifically for newer players, like yourself, and hopefully will answer some of your questions.

That's a good read. Thanks.

Think I'll grab another Core for sure - especially for the dice and templates (we always play at least 3 players).

www.coolstuffinc.com

This site will save you money. =)

sounds to me like there is another Rebel scum on the rise? All the posts have been buy this rebel ship, or this one. The Emperor is not a forgiving man!

I'd also suggest (if you like scenarios) to start a campaign sort of game, with 15-20 planets or so, and you can really make it into an awesome long term game with lots of little (60 v 60- 150 v 150) fights. I think if you play around with that you can have alot of fun - it's my favorite way to play the game.

sounds to me like there is another Rebel scum on the rise? All the posts have been buy this rebel ship, or this one. The Emperor is not a forgiving man!

I don't think so. I think it's just the practical way to grow a fleet when you have to field both sides. The Core box is usually recommended first and comes with 2 tie fighters. From there the Falcon is a reasonable next step as it adds the most variety to the game, both in terms of lists, but also the types of scenarios you can play. After the core set it is just one of the best ways to improve the game, at least when you're fielding both sides.

sounds to me like there is another Rebel scum on the rise? All the posts have been buy this rebel ship, or this one. The Emperor is not a forgiving man!

I don't think so. I think it's just the practical way to grow a fleet when you have to field both sides. The Core box is usually recommended first and comes with 2 tie fighters. From there the Falcon is a reasonable next step as it adds the most variety to the game, both in terms of lists, but also the types of scenarios you can play. After the core set it is just one of the best ways to improve the game, at least when you're fielding both sides.

And as I stated, the Lambda is the best big ship in the game when you consider its squad building potential AND scenario/mission potential.

I can see arguing they are equal, though I'm not sure what would make the Lambda better. The YT1300 also brings lots of scenario/mission potential, which is why I recommend it.

And this is just personal, but to me I would recommend the YT1300 over the Lambda to someone just building his fleet because a) more people have an attachment to the ship and b) it's much easier to fly. The second one is pretty big to me. The Lambda, while incredibly powerful, takes some real skill to use, and lots of new players just find them to be slow and boring since (if you don't know what you're doing) you basically get one pass at the enemy and then get to spend the next several turns trying to come around, likely being forced to use red maneuvers to avoid going off the board. The Lambda is just more dependent on skilled flying and a clever build than the YT1300. I love the Lambda, and use it all the time in my lists, and recommend it wholeheartedly. But when someone new to the game is asking what to expand into, I will typically recommend the YT1300. I think if you don't have any special preference towards the Lambda, the Falcon is going to add more to gaming potential.

I'm one of the largest proponents of the Lambda and I've done extensive work on refining the craft and the tactics around it. It's a wonderful ship and can be brutal and terrifying in the right hooves.

However, I don't recommend it to new players. With no upgrades, it is very rough to play with. The next step is usually to pile on the upgrades, making it a huge point sink. By then, most players are turned off to the whole idea and the craft languishes unloved in their collection.

The shuttle that I recommend people start with is always:

Omicron Group Pilot + Fire Control System + Gunner + Engine Upgrade

This can be a brutal combo. The problem is, none of those upgrades come with the craft. FCS comes from the B-Wing which is a fun craft by itself. Gunner comes from the Firespray. Engine Upgrade comes from the YT-1300. New players would have to buy four ships to even run this thing in ideal configuration. Then it takes a lot of skill to fly the thing after upgrades to make sure you can bring it to bear.

No, this craft is powerful and rewarding, but it takes a lot of skill and a large collection to play. I always recommend the following:

2x Core Set

TIE Fighter Expansion

X-Wing Expansion

YT-1300

Firespray

This gives you two awesome large ships, a host of X-Wings and TIE Fighters and all the pilots you need with them. From there, you can easily expand.

I would second SableGryphon's recommendation. It's worth noting that you don't get all the cards for the X-Wing and Tie Fighter in the core set, so if you want to get your full use out of your X-Wings and Tie's you need at least one of those expansions.

The Lambda really is a blast, I just don't think it's a great ship for someone who is just building their collection. From there the Firespray will help you mix up your Imperial lists while not requiring tons of finesse and upgrades to be useful.

I have to agree with two cores, 1 x-wing 1 tie and the falcon and slave 1. As you are able I would recommend getting a bomber or two, some interceptors and a and b wings, but then you are basically buying everything. For $50 a core set, Xwing tie and one more small base ship. The problem is your empire ships will be all ties, and too few for a proper swarm. That makes the empire side kind of dull.

I had a lot of fun adding bombers and interceptors. If you use a site like cool stuff or miniature market you can get a much better variety and free shipping if you get to $99 and that will allow small base ships for $10 and large for $20.

So thanks again for your suggestions - I picked up a second core set the other night and it really helped. Just having enough dice and templates made a big difference. I'm leaning toward getting a Falcon this week and seeing where that takes us.

Follow Up: As a bunch of you agreed on - I went with another Core Set and the M.F. and it's gotten way better.

You can really do some damage with 4 TIEs so long as you keep them together and focused on a single target.

Thanks for the input.