Hi folks,

we started a few weeks ago to run random build squads. First the rules for the squad generation:

Decide on a faction (rebels or imperial, so far). Shuffle all your pilot cards for that faction into a single deck (I know, the nice sort order's gone then... pita afterwards, really :-) ); you can run with copies of your pilot cards if you like the format and don't want to mess your sort order.

Place the shuffled faction decks facedown on the table. Decide on a point value (we go with 100, but we also did 60s for fast games)

Now both players alternate in drawing the top card, reveal it and calculate you squad total so far. If drawing a card brings you over the point value for that duell discard the last card drawn; the remaining (so far drawn) ships/pilots will then be your squad, and you may use the difference between your match points value (100?) and the sum of your drawn pilots to obtain upgrades etc (normal rules apply here).

Two considerations: we always discard large ships and draw a new card for games with less then 75 points. Also, ignore a large ship drawn if the sum of the pilots drawn so far by you is over 50 already (in a 100 points game), as it will otherwise get you 60 points of ships with 40 points to spend on upgrades - but no/barely slots... (happened to me when we started the format, I "had" to load the bomber I've drawn then with max amount of secondary weapons...)

What this formats will do for you (and your gaming style)?

First, squad building is faster (especially with new guys that need forever to read through the cards).

Second, and much more important, you'll probably fly ships/pilots and combinations that you wouldn't use otherwise; you also have to make best use of the few points left over for your upgrades, that can be a very tricky part - how do you spend those 5 (or 3, or 7) points on your 4 ships :-)

Some "builds" will appear like sure losers after the draw (well, 3 HWK might even be), but you will be surprised how well some lesser loved ships can perform when you have nothing else - and the opponents squad isn't perfectly build either :-D

At least it will give you a new experience for your X-Wing games. Would love to hear some feedback after you tried it.

How about a draft style squadron game.

People get a choice of 3 pilot cards a pick till they get past 80 points then people get a choice of 3 upgrade a pick cards till they get past 96 points (be sure to take the upgrade cards that cannot be chosen with their squadron out such as sensors if they have no sensor upgrade bar on their ships.

How about use Voidstates squad builder and input your ships then hit, random list.. use 100 points, or more if you want.. then just build it and run..

Come to think about it a draft format store tournament would be interesting. Start out with say 1 package of either Aces or Large ship pack as the first draft pick for everyone. Each player picks 1 large pack in order of the number they drawn. That will determine if the participant is playing as Imperial or Rebel (or scum when it comes out). Then separate the participants into their affiliation groups and begin to randomly distribute 1 ship per participant in the group so they can all take turns (in reversing order so everyone has a far chance at the draft pick) selecting a pack. Then participants build a squadron out of their packs that they selected.

Maybe FFG could make a draft starter pack that has cards from the starter and/or epic packs (such as Jek Porkens or Mauler Mithel) for such occasions.

randomize option on this is plain nuts fun. dont give in to trying to change it! ... unless you get a naked HWK. That bird is not that cute defeathered.

Just for information you can do that using this : http://fabpsb.free.fr/gindex.php

Select the expansions you own and click on the "RANDOM" button.

I'm aware of the voidstat etc random builder function; how about not using any electronic device related stuff like online builders etc? We sit at the table, and we have cards in hands, no need to get any devices involved :-)