Little Newbie Advice

By Karliki, in X-Wing

I really fancy getting into X-Wing but am a little unsure of what to get. I'll really only be playing against my son and possibly a few bigger boys at some beer centric gatherings. I know I need to pick up the core set but what other ships should I pick up? I know it all depends on how I equip them but what would you recommend as a nice starter selection of ships that would add to the 2x Tie's and X-Wing I get with the core.

Thanks for reading and apologises if you get this question all the time!

We do get that question a lot, but it's all good (and I remember asking it myself...). Common answers to your question are:

- Another starter set! (that's what I did - good for extra minis dice etc), then;

- Either the TIE or X-Wing expansion pack depending on your preference (or both!)

Edited by Imagined Realms

We do get that question a lot, but it's all good (and I remember asking it myself...). Common answers to your question are:

- Another starter set! (that's what I did - good for extra minis dice etc), then;

- Either the TIE or X-Wing expansion pack depending on your preference (or both!)

As a newbie recently asking this very question Imagined Realms has nailed it. Get used to what those two ships can do first and then down the line open it up. I've been playing nearly 2 months and only bought a Y-Wing on Saturday!

Edited by BCooper85

Thank you both for the speedy. It's pretty much what I expected but it's nice to have confirmation :)

If you really want to do some research before buying anything extra, you could go and get the Vassal version of X-Wing (Vassal is a boardgame/wargame emulator - there are links on this forum somewhere or just google it) and have a play around with all the ships. Do that as well as plus play around with an army builder and see what sort of squads appeal to you.

Ideally, before you buy anything else, try and determine what type of ships you think you'd like to fly - what's your play style?

Large heavy hitters? Swarms? Sleek hard to hit glass cannon types?

It's all part of the fun.

Edited by Imagined Realms

As I'm totally new to it all I'm really unsure what ships or tactics I'd prefer. I'll probably learn more towards Imp so I can relive my glory days of being an Ace interceptor pilot on X-Wing Vs Tie Fighter

If you really want to do some research before buying anything extra, you could go and get the Vassal version of X-Wing (Vassal is a boardgame/wargame emulator - there are links on this forum somewhere or just google it) and have a play around with all the ships. Do that as well as plus play around with an army builder and see what sort of squads appeal to you.

Ideally, before you buy anything else, try and determine what type of ships you think you'd like to fly - what's your play style?

Large heavy hitters? Swarms? Sleek hard to hit glass cannon types?

It's all part of the fun.

I'll echo the standard advice, start with 2 core sets, and one each of x-wing and tie fighter.

For running interceptors, the imperial aces pack is the way to go (for PTL), but the standard interceptor has Soontir Fel (who also needs a PTL from somewhere).

Most important, resign yourself to the fate that you will 'buy all of the things'. Probably more than once.

PTL: Push the limit- 2 actions for the price of 1 and a stress. Makes interceptors shine.

Edited by winterdyne

If you want to add some more "man this feels soooo Star Wars-y!" feels, then get a Y-Wing and a TIE bomber/Interceptor. That way you and whoever you're playing with can get some more classic ships in there, and they both offer their respective factions a very different feel so the TIE/X-Wing doesn't get monotonous.

If you want to add some more "man this feels soooo Star Wars-y!" feels, then get a Y-Wing and a TIE bomber/Interceptor. That way you and whoever you're playing with can get some more classic ships in there, and they both offer their respective factions a very different feel so the TIE/X-Wing doesn't get monotonous.

Actually this makes sense, a little variety whilst I learn the game and having a few different ships will allow me to try out what I do and don't like. Thanks

One of my go-to resources is X-wing Strategy Tips . There you will find his tips on flying in formation, asteroid placement, and how best to position your squad at the start of a match to name a few.

Oh! And welcome to the game. Good luck.

Seconded on X-wing Strategy Tips. I watched and downloaded all his videos, and they helped TREMENDOUSLY on knowing how to maneuver properly and other strategies.

Yeah. Before X-wing Strategy Tips, my maneuvering skills were just north of horrendous. Now, I'm getting better at maneuvering with each match. I also watch them if ever I need a refresher on stuff -- say (optimal) Asteroid placement for squads I might come up against in an event I'm attending.

If you are getting ships for both sides then I would suggest picking up paired ships in the following format:

Tie Interceptor/A-wing (fast moving flankers)

Flacon/Firespray (large durable tanky ships)

Y-wing/ Tie Advanced (turrets and Vader)

B-wing/ TIe Bomber (bombers and big ship killers)

This will add different elements to each side while opening up playing opportunites with the dynamics that the new ships bring.

Okay, I know this is a common theme, but I TOTALLY recommend against two core sets and THEN the TIE and X-Wing expansion. Why spend all that money and have all identical flying ships? If you really want to try the couple of flyers included in the expansions and don't intend on playing competitively (as you stated in your OP) I would recommend AGAINST the expansions and instead just print out the cards you want to try.

I would instead buy a Y-Wing (so you get a more tank-like, less agile rebel ship with a turret, which is fun) for the Rebels and an Interceptor for the imperials, so you can have fun with an insanely agile ship.

It is a lot more fun to have a little variety, IMO, than have a fleet of all identical ships.

Okay, I know this is a common theme, but I TOTALLY recommend against two core sets and THEN the TIE and X-Wing expansion. Why spend all that money and have all identical flying ships? If you really want to try the couple of flyers included in the expansions and don't intend on playing competitively (as you stated in your OP) I would recommend AGAINST the expansions and instead just print out the cards you want to try.

I would instead buy a Y-Wing (so you get a more tank-like, less agile rebel ship with a turret, which is fun) for the Rebels and an Interceptor for the imperials, so you can have fun with an insanely agile ship.

It is a lot more fun to have a little variety, IMO, than have a fleet of all identical ships.

At the moment it would all be about having fun. Nothing too serious, especially as I'd be learning. The game would be there as an excuse for a few guys to meet up have a few beers, chat and pretend we're Vader, Luke and Biggs (but not Porkins).

I'll give the same answer I always give... Hopefully there's a local game shop near you that has an X-Wing day/night. If there is, go there and talk to other players, maybe they'll even let you play a few matches there and loan you some ships to do so. That's the best way to figure things out. Vassal is good once you've got a bit of a grounding in the game, but it can be a bit daunting for a new player.