Hi, new to XWM, got a bunch of ships mostly because they look so cool on my desk, figured I'd better learn to play so the money isn't completely wasted

So I've started playing with my son and figured a good way to start would be some simple balanced one on one matches. Any suggestions?

We tried Solo vs. Boba Fett but the Falcon's primary weapon was too much of an advantage so it was pretty unbalanced (bear in mind we're very inexperienced.)

X-Wing vs. Tie Advanced?

Thanks!

1 Red Squadron X-Wing vs. 2 Academy TIE fighter Pilots

1 Red Squadron X-Wing vs. 2 Academy TIE fighter Pilots

Yeah we've done that a few times. Was looking for other options to make it more interesting. Also the rules are so insanely convoluted, managing TWO ships is mentally taxing. Was hoping to get good balanced 1v1 matches,

Thank you though.

What gave you picked up so far? The more we know the better we can help.

What gave you picked up so far? The more we know the better we can help.

Basic set, X-Wing xpac, Tie Fighter xpac, Tie Advanced xpac, E-Wing, Millenium Falcon, Slave 1, Tydirium Shuttle.

But don't let that restrict your suggestions. If you say Tie Interceptor vs B-Wing, I'll run out and buy them. Even now I'm resisting the siren call of them sitting on the shelf of my local Barnes & Noble, "Buy us! Buy us!"

TIE Interceptor vs B-Wing then!

TIE Interceptor vs B-Wing then!

This!

In my last match I ended up with a blue squadron B-Wing (with advanced sensors) going toe-to-toe with Soontir (with PtL, TC, RGP and stealth device) and it took 45 minutes of me and my opponent trying to outmaneuver each other before the match ended. We ended up exchanging shots and his evade dice didn't betray him so I ended up losing with Soontir down to one hull.

It was probably the funnest end-game I ever played.

How about Luke + Determination + R2D2 (or Engine) vs. Bounty Hunter? Also at 33 points you could have Wedge with any number of upgrades of which I kind of favor the Engine Upgrade.

To be honest a "balanced" one on one is hard to do because the only Imperial ships you have that I'd really consider using in a 1v1 situation are the Advance and Firespray and I'd be very cautious about using the Advanced.

Rookie Pilot vs Tempest Squadron Pilot. Of course some might say the Rookie will win. We can find out.

Rookie Pilot vs Tempest Squadron Pilot. Of course some might say the Rookie will win. We can find out.

Its not balanced. The rookie will win a HEAVILY considerable amount of the time.

I concur with B-wing vs Tie Interceptor. I would REALLY also urge you to get Imperial Aces next. Actually: I'd get Imperial Aces before the Tie Interceptor expansion, as the only cards that you really get out of that are the PS 1 and PS 3 generics and Soontir Fel.

24 Points with upgrades but no unique pilots is a VERY balanced format:

Blue B with Fire Control System

Dagger B

Saber Int w Push the Limit (Imperial aces)

Royal Guard with Targeting Computer

Royal Guard with Veteran Instincts

Avenger Int with Shield Upgrade

Avenger Int with Engine Upgrade

2 Academies

Rookie X with R7-T1

Rookie X with Hull Upgrade (Imperial aces)

Red X with R2 Astromech

--

Also:

Tie Advanced with Proton Rockets

HWK with Ion Cannon Turret and Moldy Crow

2 Zs

Grey Y with ICT and R2 astromech

Gamma Bomber with Concussion Missile and Seismic Charge/Flechette Torp

Gamma Bomber with 2 Flechette Torps and Munitions Failsafe

Scimitar bomber with 2 Flecette Torps, 1 Proximity Mine and Munitions Failsafe

None of the large ships are really usable. Nor the E-wing, at a minimum of 27 points. But being at 24 leaves all of the singularly strength things out: X with R2D2, Sigma Squadron Phantom. Royal Gaurd with PTL, these tend to NOT be balanced to the basic choices of 2 ties.

Rookie Pilot vs Tempest Squadron Pilot. Of course some might say the Rookie will win. We can find out.

Its not balanced. The rookie will win a HEAVILY considerable amount of the time.

I concur with B-wing vs Tie Interceptor. I would REALLY also urge you to get Imperial Aces next. Actually: I'd get Imperial Aces before the Tie Interceptor expansion, as the only cards that you really get out of that are the PS 1 and PS 3 generics and Soontir Fel.

24 Points with upgrades but no unique pilots is a VERY balanced format:

I'd say the B-wing will win. The B wing is really good at moving in tight spots where the Interceptor might try to close up. If a Tie tries to go behind the B wing the B wing will just 2K and get a range 1 shot on the Interceptor. 4 Attack dice will wreck it even with 3 defense dice.

Rookie Pilot vs Tempest Squadron Pilot. Of course some might say the Rookie will win. We can find out.

Its not balanced. The rookie will win a HEAVILY considerable amount of the time.

I concur with B-wing vs Tie Interceptor. I would REALLY also urge you to get Imperial Aces next. Actually: I'd get Imperial Aces before the Tie Interceptor expansion, as the only cards that you really get out of that are the PS 1 and PS 3 generics and Soontir Fel.

24 Points with upgrades but no unique pilots is a VERY balanced format:

I'd say the B-wing will win. The B wing is really good at moving in tight spots where the Interceptor might try to close up. If a Tie tries to go behind the B wing the B wing will just 2K and get a range 1 shot on the Interceptor. 4 Attack dice will wreck it even with 3 defense dice.

Saber with PTL has higher PS and Push the Limit for evade and focus. You wouldn't run head on with the Interceptor, but try and go in circles around the B. I'd vote on the Int, but I'd say its a fair fight.

You're gonna have to think about different maneuvers than simply moving towards each other. Also, use your asteroids for cover better. Or to block the B's moves. Since hte B also has only 1 K-turn, you can easily block it, and that sets them facing the wrong direction with a stress. You'll win that game.

Im surprised you find the rules 'insanely convoluted'

Having played wargames for the last 30 years I can tell you its probably one of the easiest wargames ever written to get your head around with absolutely minimal rules.

what are there, 9 pages of A5 and most of that is pictures?

You want to look at an 1980s GW 400 page a4 hardback with fairly small print

Im surprised you find the rules 'insanely convoluted'

Having played wargames for the last 30 years I can tell you its probably one of the easiest wargames ever written to get your head around with absolutely minimal rules.

what are there, 9 pages of A5 and most of that is pictures?

You want to look at an 1980s GW 400 page a4 hardback with fairly small print

Your problem is exactly that you have played these type of wargames before. You have mental exercise of this sort before. There's also a lot of common ground and concepts. Try teaching this to a group of girls who have never even CONSIDERED playing a wargame or table top game before. Heck, teach it to a bunch of football playing jocks. Even better: teach it to your grandmother and grandfather. THEN, you'll appreciate how many rules there are.

I don't find it THAT hard, but it took a few games to get right.

That said, I'm sure there are games with more convoluted rules, and harder games.

Also, FFG has had to reword and FAQ much of their stuff, and there's always more rules questions. Its also not as well worded of a rule system as it should be also.

I don't think i have a problem

You're assuming i havent taught someone how to play who has no prior wargames knowledge and i'm afraid this isnt the case.

I taught the game to my friend Simon and his wife *in the pub* after a few pints and neither of them are wargamers.

They had no problem getting the rules first go and simon bought the core game that week,

its honestly not even a remotely complicated game.

Its harder to teach someone to play chess

(and yes i've done that too, i used to run a chess club at high schools i've taught in)

Honestly, if you're looking to do 1v1, my first response would be to play the same faction. It can be difficult to make a fair 1v1 game even at the same cost if both factions are involved. The game isn't designed for that, and the Empire can find itself quite undergunned if you play that way. Empire ships are, in general, fragile and cheap, so you typically fit more into the same number of points than the Rebels. I feel like the upthread suggestion of 2 TIEs vs an X-wing is probably the best bet to really learn how the game plays. I would try A Red vs 2 Academies, or Luke with Determination+R2-D2 vs Mauler Mithel and Dark Curse.

tie defender vs Ewing would be kind of fun

I don't find the rules insanely convoluted at all I am by no means a veteran player I have played the game a grand total of 3 times and found after 1 game that it was easy to remember and retain how to play and havent needed the rule book since the first game.