I am trying to decide my first buys (already have 2 core sets). I will take this list to a tourney in a few weeks, i am not expecting to win or anything, but atleast practice and learn, and in my experience, it is better to focus into one list while learning the basics of a game instead of switching lists around. Once you get the basics, list building comes natural.

So i need some help, i am thinking about a Tie swarm (mostly because i already own the two cores), and i want to choose between these two:

List 1

Darth Vader @ Swarm Tactics

Howlrunner @ Swarm Tactics

Academy pilot

Academy pilot

Academy pilot

Academy pilot

Total @ 99 points

List 2

Howlrunner @ Swarm Tactics

Mauler Mithel @ Swarm Tactics

Academy pilot

Academy pilot

Academy pilot

Academy pilot

Academy pilot

Total @ 99

Edit - Edited the format of the post.

Could you edit your post?

The size makes my eyes bleed.

re; list for a newb. A swarm is not very beginner friendly but it can be done.

There are roughly 2 ways; either cram in Howlrunner + as many ties as you can fit in. (6 more)

This leaves (6x12)+HR (18) = 90 pts spent or 10 for upgrades.

I myself prefer to run backstabber on a flank but Dark Curse is neat too.

The other way is having fewer Ties (mini swarm) plus something beefy/punchy.

(4-5 Tie incl HR)

Vader is (alas) not very good value for points. (IMO) Even if he is the best among the Advanced Ties.

Soontir Fel + PTL works far better for these points. Or perhaps a Phantom. But then you'd have to go as low as only 4x Tie.

Whatever you do; enjoy the flying casually.

I was thinking about Vader with swarm because of Echo mostly (having 2 pilots with PS 9 to shoot him before his +2 Evade gets into play). How would you deal with echo with the other lists ?

Yeah another option i was thinking was something like:

Echo @ Veteran Instintcs, Advanced cloaking device

Howlrunner @ Swarm Tactics, Stealth Device

Backstabber

Academy pilot

Academy pilot

Total @ 98 points

Echo/other Phantom works with mini swarm of 4 or 5 but Backstabber has no synergy.

You might be better off with Dark Curse joining the swarm.

Backstabber is superb as a flanker but if you already have a Phantom/inteceptor/whatnot this leaves not enough punch for the mini swarm. (IMO)

[edit; Echo/Phantom is rather hard for a beginner. So unless you are a natural; prepare yourself for some chastising until you 'get' it. ]

It of course depends a bit on your budget as well.

It seems you are very worried about Echo, but you also want a bit of a competitive list and make the most of the two coresets you have.

How about starting with Boba Fett and VI? That would make you more flexible in responding to Phantom shenanigans.

Thank you both for the answers. The problem that to get the most out of bobba fett i would need several other ships (like the crew cards, a navigator or recon specialist, right?), while it seems more "just right off the bat" to collect regular Tie Fighters and expand from there, that´s why i was thinking more on a swarm type of list (i want to play empire yes or yes ).

Anyways if you can point me to some fits as orientation when it comes to Boba Fett or the Firespray in general, i would be more than thankful!

I am leaning more towards right now.

Howlrunner @ Swarm Tactics, Stealth Device

Backstabber

Academy Pilot

Like what other people are saying, the TIE Swarm is not easy to fly as a beginner. If you're going to go that route, spend some time online watching videos and reading articles on how to move them around on the field. Formation flying is easy once you know the tricks, but when you're starting out, you'll make all kinds of crashes that will end your game fast.

Now, as far as an easy tournament list, take your 2 Cores, then go buy 2 X-Wing packs and run the following;

Luke w/R2D2

Biggs

Rookie Pilot x2

or

Luke

Garven

Biggs

Rookie Pilot

Both lists will serve you well. The first one sets Luke up to be a good closer for the final couple of rounds, the second one uses Garven to keep Biggs alive longer. Either way, there's not a lot to it, just move them all up together under Biggs' protection, start dropping bodies, and be prepared to change your plans as soon as Biggs gets killed.

This is as basic and cost-effective a tournament list you could make. If you're feeling bold, get a Falcon instead of the 2 X-Wing packs and make something with Han or Chewie, plus 2 X-Wings. Mess around with getting the points to make something that works for you, but a Falcon and 2 X-Wings can work as well.

I don't mind losing. I am aware that i will require time to learn, and most importantly, a lot of practice. I just want to focus into something that is effective, and doesn't require a big investment, even if it is not beginner friendly. I thought also about the 4 xwing, but i really want to play empire. Anyways, i will try out that one for sure later on, so thank you!

Also, is there any centralized any blog/youtube channel where to find tactics and good video batreps ?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8h1Li4Vq8lSbr09KnJAPJQ/videos

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmHifZPFC_JsBEgVfWv33crunrWJno7qw

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmHifZPFC_JvJQ7QZQIJ--1iQAopFvVpQ

http://teamcovenant.com/

http://www.afewmaneuvers.com/

http://www.themetalbikini.com/

http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/103885/star-wars-x-wing-miniatures-game

Thank you both for the answers. The problem that to get the most out of bobba fett i would need several other ships (like the crew cards, a navigator or recon specialist, right?), while it seems more "just right off the bat" to collect regular Tie Fighters and expand from there, that´s why i was thinking more on a swarm type of list (i want to play empire yes or yes ).

Well, Boba is not a beginner unfriendly ship, seeing as how you can correct your heading and that rear arc is glorious.

Now, let's say that the Firespray is the only ship you'll buy for now (I don't know your budget, don't want to run you into the red).

That could give you Boba + VI for 40 points, 4 academy pilots and 12 points for upgrades like bombs, or a gunner.

Or, you could buy a TIE fighter expansion as well and get access to Howlrunner. Now you have Boba + VI, Howlrunner + Swarm Tactics and 3 academies.

That gives you a mini swarm which isn't bad, and some oomph. That's 3 ships moving after Echo if you have initiative. Seeing as how you still have 4 points unspent, you could add a bomb or a copilot, but really? Don't, try this on first, get a handle on things and 4 points should see you as lowest points, meaning you get to decide who gets initiative. When facing a Phantom, always go last.

Maybe its just me, but I hate the "newbie friendly" approach of building or playing a list. I prefer to throw myself in the deep end and learn the REAL game as opposed to swimming in the kiddie pool first.

Let's face it, no matter what list you run at first, you are going to screw up. So screw up with a list that has a higher overall potential. My first real list I started playing was a BH, Interceptor and Shuttle list, all named pilots.

Did I screw up a ton? You better believe it. But it gave me insight on the entire game and meta as opposed to running a simple tie swarm. I learned about multiple ships, their dials, strengths, weaknesses, upgrades etc.

This is all just my opinion and Im sure I'm in the minority of that thought process.