With the introduction of a third faction, X-wing just became a little bit less approachable for new players and possibly a bit overwhelming. Let's revisit our advise for what new players to the game should buy first.

Here is the premise: Players are not interested in tournament play YET. They will be playing friendly games with a SINGLE faction. (This means miss-matched faction dials would be OK) The new player has a $100 budget and MUST buy a core set. (I will be using CSI prices)

That being said, here are my thoughts:

Rebel Player:
Core $27.50

Y-wing $9.99

E-wing $9.99
Rebel Aces: $19.99

Falcon: $24.49

Total: $91.96

If you are going for one faction, it would be difficult to Get Rebel Pilot cards and bases as Most Wanted doesn't come with anything Rebel (aside from the physical models). I would instead suggest an X-wing expansion and a Z-95 expansion. I'm not familiar with CSI's prices but if it is like MM, I would also get an A-wing expansion as well.

That would be 2 A-wings, 1 B-wing, 2 X-wings, 1 Z-95, and the YT-1300.

And two very lonely TIE Fighters.

If you are going for one faction, it would be difficult to use Rebel Pilots with Scum Bases/PilotCards as Most Wanted doesn't come with anything Rebel (aside from the physical models). I would instead suggest an X-wing expansion and a Z-95 expansion. I'm not familiar with CSI's prices but if it is like MM, I would also get an A-wing expansion as well.

That would be 2 A-wings, 1 B-wing, 2 X-wings, 1 Z-95, and the YT-1300.

And two very lonely TIE Fighters.

They still wouldn't be able to use the y or z's since they won't have the rebel pilots. If a new player wants to play rebel or imperial nothing changes much but for scum the core set doesn't really provide ships they can use. Maybe buying acrylic templates, dice and acrylic asteroids(they exist!) in addition to the most wanted expansion, a firespray and either a hawk, starviper, scyk or y wing. They can download the rule book online I think. That way it might be possible for the more crafty new players to play the game without the core set. Or did I forget an essential component of the game that is provided in the Core?

Damage deck

Also the most wanted is worthless for player just wanting to play rebel, the ship tiles and cards on the generics are wrong for the z-95s

Rebel player:

Core Set

Core Set

X-Wing

B-Wing

B-Wing

A-Wing

A-Wing

A bit over 100 dollars, so if it's a hard limit, drop an A-Wing.

A solid base to start out on, where you can build several styles of lists to fit different personal preferences. Next, two Y-Wings, then one each of the large bases (but who are we kidding, everybody wants the Falcon asap ).

Imperial Player:

Core Set

Core Set

TIE Fighter

TIE Interceptor

Imperial Aces

A solid base for a swarm, all the Interceptor pilots and preferred upgrades. Next, I'd suggest a Shuttle, a Firespray and a couple of Defenders.

If you are going for one faction, it would be difficult to use Rebel Pilots with Scum Bases/PilotCards as Most Wanted doesn't come with anything Rebel (aside from the physical models). I would instead suggest an X-wing expansion and a Z-95 expansion. I'm not familiar with CSI's prices but if it is like MM, I would also get an A-wing expansion as well.

That would be 2 A-wings, 1 B-wing, 2 X-wings, 1 Z-95, and the YT-1300.

And two very lonely TIE Fighters.

Dangit... this is why you shouldn't post BEFORE coffee.... lol

edit needed.

Empire

Core: $27.50

Slave 1: $20.50

Interceptor: $11.99

Decimator: $27.50

Tie Fighter: $9.99

Total: $97.48

If a new player was interested in starting the game with an $100 investment (using a US-FLGS prices), then they really would need to choose one faction so:

Rebel:

Starter ($40)

Rebel Aces ($30)

X-Wing ($15)

& either A-Wing or B-Wing ($15)

This gives 2 X-wings and 2 of the A or B & 1 of the other (easily making an 100 pt force)

Empire:

Starter ($40)

Imperial Aces ($30)

TIE-Fighter ($15)

TIE-Interceptor/Bomber/Defender/Phantom ($15) (depends on personal tastes)

This gives 3 TIE-Fighters, at least 2 TIE-Interceptors, and one more TIE to tastes (I wouldn't recommend the Phantom to brand new players, but they are not that much different than Interceptors in flight skills needed).

Scum:

Starter ($40)

Most Wanted ($40)

Slave-1 ($30)

Y-Wing, HWK, or M3-A ($15)

So, to start brand new will cost more for Scum players, because they do not get any ships out of the starter. Maybe a Scum (exclusive?!?) player can sell off the other faction ships & cards to recoup some of the cost of the starter

Rebel player:

Core Set

Core Set

X-Wing

B-Wing

B-Wing

A-Wing

A-Wing

A bit over 100 dollars, so if it's a hard limit, drop an A-Wing.

A solid base to start out on, where you can build several styles of lists to fit different personal preferences. Next, two Y-Wings, then one each of the large bases (but who are we kidding, everybody wants the Falcon asap ).

Imperial Player:

Core Set

Core Set

TIE Fighter

TIE Interceptor

Imperial Aces

A solid base for a swarm, all the Interceptor pilots and preferred upgrades. Next, I'd suggest a Shuttle, a Firespray and a couple of Defenders.

I think this is a solid suggestion, but would be still suggest two Cores for a friendly player just getting into the game? I'm not so sure I would anymore. MAYBE for an Imperial player because it comes with two Ties, but I don't think I would for a new Rebel player.

If you are going for one faction, it would be difficult to use Rebel Pilots with Scum Bases/PilotCards as Most Wanted doesn't come with anything Rebel (aside from the physical models). I would instead suggest an X-wing expansion and a Z-95 expansion. I'm not familiar with CSI's prices but if it is like MM, I would also get an A-wing expansion as well.

That would be 2 A-wings, 1 B-wing, 2 X-wings, 1 Z-95, and the YT-1300.

And two very lonely TIE Fighters.

Dangit... this is why you shouldn't post BEFORE coffee.... lol

edit needed.

Edit: Whoops, totally saw what you meant LOL. It's still early and I don't drink coffee. Unfortunately.

I think this is a solid suggestion, but would be still suggest two Cores for a friendly player just getting into the game? I'm not so sure I would anymore. MAYBE for an Imperial player because it comes with two Ties, but I don't think I would for a new Rebel player.

The reasoning behind two Core Sets is still solid though. Not only do you get 6 ships total, you also get another set of dice (and three of each is really not enough), another set of templates which helps speed things along and another damage deck. Playing with two damage decks is a good habit to get into even if you don't play tournaments. An extra set of dice and an X-Wing expansion and you're nearly at the price of the core set.

Instead of using Rebel Aces I suggest two B's and two A's because of the upgrades. You might not get all the pilots or Chardaan Refits, but a beginning player will find more use for two PtL's, FCS and Ion Cannons than for Keyan and Test Pilot.

I think the "you need two Cores" argument should be re-evaluated. Let's step away from tournament mentality here for a second. You NEED one Core to play the game. Buying a second honestly creates a lot of waste for the casual player. Yes, the extra die are nice, but not needed. If a player is looking to build up on faction early, they will be left with 2 to 4 miniatures they will not be using. Honestly, at this point, I wouldn't suggest two Cores for a new player. They can pick one up later if they feel like getting into the Tournament scene. I think the new player would rather have the diversity of ships in their chosen faction from the start.

The reasoning behind two Core Sets is still solid though.

Two core sets is not a great deal for someone who will only play rebels and doesn't need to provide parts for anyone else.

Sure 3 dice is a pain, but the biggest value of the 2nd core set is really the ships and extra stuff, stuff someone who doesn't provide parts and only plays Rebels don't really need.

For $23 (dice pack and X-Wing) you get everything you really need that you'll get with a $40 core set. Plus that X-Wing comes with Wedge which is way more useful than a 2nd set of Luke and Biggs you get with the core set.

I think a 2nd core set is a great value, but not so great if you're rebel only and don't supply other people stuff.

I don't see many reason to get 2 core sets as single new player.

Yes, you get 6 ships but you are still far from making a playable list. You would still be stuck with 4 or 2 copies of the same ship having spent 80$ without even getting the most used cards.

For 10 less buck an Imperial player would be better of getting a Slave-1 or an Imperial Aces pack, either of them will add variety, much needed cards and, added to the 2 TIE from the core would make a more interesting "basic" list than just 4 TIE.

And from there, with just 5 more dollars than what you would have paid 2 useless core sets, you could get a single ship pack like the Phantom, the TIE-Fighter or the Interceptor ending up with 4-5 ships that would offer a way more fun experience to play than the 4 basic TIE.

To summerize:

40$ Core Set (2 TIE and all the stuff needed to play)

30$ Imperial Aces Pack (2 TIE-Interceptors, some important cards) or Slave-1 Pack (1 Firespray, some other important cards)

15$ Phantom Pack (1 TIE-Phantom) or TIE-Fighter (1 TIE with the card and pilot needed to run a nice swarm)

85$ of more than playable ships against 80$ of 4 boring vanilla TIE which are almost unplayble as they are. Oh but you get and 6 more dice, rejoyce! Did I tell you that you are perfectly fine even without those extra?

A similar thing happens if you prefer going Rebels. It's probably even worse to get 2 core packs as a new rebel player than it was for the imperial, since he's basically spending 80 bucks for 2 ships.

A rebel fan should get 1 core set, 1 falcon and 1 anything else and he's way better set than wasting his money on 2 pointless and expansive sets.

Obviously getting 2 core makes sense if a new player is planning to start x-wing with a friend, but in the end it would still be 1 core set for each other, just with the right ships on the right hands

PS

I listed the prices as officials FFG list, obviously everyone could alwasy get better deals

this makes me think a new starter set that contains JUST rules/deck/tokens/markers might be a good idea.

(or sell the needed pieces separately)

note: Star trek and D&D have Many many factions and the starters only have 3 factions.

For $23 (dice pack and X-Wing) you get everything you really need that you'll get with a $40 core set. Plus that X-Wing comes with Wedge which is way more useful than a 2nd set of Luke and Biggs you get with the core set.

But we were going with CSI prices

Core Set $27.50

Dice pack $6

X-Wing expansion $10

(and I suggested 2 sets and an X-Wing expansion in the $100 initial purchase )

So for 10 dollars more you get: 2 TIE Fighters, a set of maneuver templates, the second damage deck, a second range ruler (which many have taken to split into two parts for easier close in range checking) and a whole bunch of extra tokens.

I think most people would consider that a good trade off .

B > E

So for 10 dollars more you get: 2 TIE Fighters, a set of maneuver templates, the second damage deck, a second range ruler (which many have taken to split into two parts for easier close in range checking) and a whole bunch of extra tokens.

Of that, most of those are completely worthless to someone who is only playing Rebels.

They don't need 2 Ties, a second set of templates, second damage deck, or the extra tokens. So they're paying $10 for a 2nd range ruler. Hardly a great deal for someone on a budget.

If you're building lists for both factions which most do. Then yes the second core set is a great value. It's even good for someone just flying Imp's, because you really want 4-5 Tie Fighters.

this makes me think a new starter set that contains JUST rules/deck/tokens/markers might be a good idea.

(or sell the needed pieces separately)

note: Star trek and D&D have Many many factions and the starters only have 3 factions.

Definitly, but I don't think they will since as it stands right now I bet FFG can get way more money selling you a must have overpriced pack (it's overpriced in the sense that if you want to play in the 100 points "deathmatch" format, you will most likely not need or underuse the ships coming with the core set)

However, the only thing you can't get in other way than the core set is the damage deck. Right now a new player like myself he's basically paying around 20-30$ (in my case, in € which is even worse) for 33 cards

For $23 (dice pack and X-Wing) you get everything you really need that you'll get with a $40 core set. Plus that X-Wing comes with Wedge which is way more useful than a 2nd set of Luke and Biggs you get with the core set.

But we were going with CSI prices

Core Set $27.50

Dice pack $6

X-Wing expansion $10

(and I suggested 2 sets and an X-Wing expansion in the $100 initial purchase )

So for 10 dollars more you get: 2 TIE Fighters, a set of maneuver templates, the second damage deck, a second range ruler (which many have taken to split into two parts for easier close in range checking) and a whole bunch of extra tokens.

I think most people would consider that a good trade off .

Even if a core set is 27,50, you'd better off getting just 1 and spend those money in other packs.

Even if a core set is 27,50, you'd better off getting just 1 and spend those money in other packs.

Ok, let's say you go with only one core set, I'd still suggest a Dice Pack, so that's $20 left over. I'd also still suggest getting a third X-Wing, so that's 10 left over for a single ship extra.

Okay, a Y-Wing it is.

Based off of FFG product prices and the cheapest way to make a decent tournament list, $40 for Core Set $30 for Falcon $15 X wing Expansion and you could add another Expansion of your chose based on how you want to get out Han, Chewie, Lando.

For Imperials $40 Core 1$5 Tie Expansion $15 Interceptor Expansion $30 Firespray. 3 ties 1 Int and a FS.

Scums a little More Difficult because you probably want Most Wanted which is $40 plus $40 core and enough for a HWK expansion and go voer with a y wing exp or Z-95.

Ok, let's say you go with only one core set, I'd still suggest a Dice Pack, so that's $20 left over. I'd also still suggest getting a third X-Wing, so that's 10 left over for a single ship extra.

Okay, a Y-Wing it is.

Why woudl you suggest a dice pack? You will always play against people who owns a core set and 6 dice on their own. 6 reds and 6 greens should be enough, how often do you happen to roll more than 6 dice at once? I don't think a new player might have any interest in more dice (unless he's playing always with a friend who doesn't own a core set, but that would be the case in which 2 core sets should be recomanded)

Which ship is more worth getting after the core set is debateble, if I'd chose to ge rebel I would have get a Falcon since it comes with some really needed cards and coupled with the xwing of the core set is enough to play in a 100 points envirement, but while this could be discussed I don't think that anyone should suggest a new player to spend on anything different than ship packs.

PS could you link or PM me this CSI you are all talking about?

For Imperials $40 Core 1$5 Tie Expansion $15 Interceptor Expansion $30 Firespray. 3 ties 1 Int and a FS.

I'd argue that getting the Interceptor pack without having at least one push the limit card to properly play as Soontir Fell is a bit of a waste.

Phantom pack would be better since it synergize better with the Slave-1 (veteran istinct)

Why woudl you suggest a dice pack? You will always play against people who owns a core set and 6 dice on their own.

Not everyone is going to be willing to let someone else use their dice. Since you often roll 4 dice in a game, it's useful to have 4+ of them.

PS could you link or PM me this CSI you are all talking about?

CoolStuff Inc and Miniature Market are online retailers you can get X-Wing stuff from fairly cheaply.

All Imperial players need to buy at least 1 Shuttle for the crew and system cards that come with it, if not for the ship itself.

Rebel Captive and Darth Vader are solid enough cards that I think every player needs a copy, and should be suggested by all!

All Imperial players need to buy at least 1 Shuttle for the crew and system cards that come with it, if not for the ship itself.

Rebel Captive and Darth Vader are solid enough cards that I think every player needs a copy, and should be suggested by all!

For tournament play, I can't argue with that logic. For friendly play, I think there is more bang for your buck elsewhere. I'd suggest the Firespray and the Decimator before the Shuttle.