While you have a valid point the Gladiator and the Space Whale are only "diet" versions of their counterparts.

The Space Whale does not have the one hit wonder power that the VSD has and the Gladiator is not like a Nebulon-B or CR90 in that it requires you to play it closet for attacks vs a Nebulon-B's long range front arc.

In order to really get a representation of this amazing game one should play both sides.

While you have a valid point the Gladiator and the Space Whale are only "diet" versions of their counterparts.

The Space Whale does not have the one hit wonder power that the VSD has and the Gladiator is not like a Nebulon-B or CR90 in that it requires you to play it closet for attacks vs a Nebulon-B's long range front arc.

In order to really get a representation of this amazing game one should play both sides.

I wouldn't want it any other way. The sides should be asymmetric to represent the flavor of each faction. The worst thing they could have done would be to simply make each side a re-theme of the other.

Well it all depends on what you want to play.

As with all miniature games the starter set is never enough to start playing the standard format.

If your goal is just to get enough to play standard format then it can be estimated that the core set and 4 medium ship expansions or 2 large ship expansions should be enough to get your collection to play standard format for both sides. So lets say you get 2 medium ships (Nebulon-B, Corvette,GSD) and 1 large ship (Mk II, VSD) you should have enough for 300 points of both Imperial and Rebel factions. When wave 2 you will need another expansion pack for each to get to 400 point so that will be the 2 large packs.

So for wave 2 Core set 2 medium 1 large + 2 wave 2 large = $260

Now if you are playing competitively that is a whole another level. As of now it has yet to be determine what list is a competitive so that forces players to shoot for versatility which is more of a collection style instead of just finding what is needed to be competitive.

So for now competitive players have more of a experimentation play where they have to get at least 1 of each in order to see what works and may often pick up 2 of each. Once people figure out which is competitive then people wont be doubling up on non competitive ships (i.e. TIE Advanced in X-wing) and pick up only ships that work competitively.

so when i started, i got my friend into it as well. we decided that he would buy the empire and i would buy for the rebellion, and we would trade off so we could both have necessary upgrades and ships. we also agreed to buy collections enough to have a mirror match (at least 300 points) so we could in theroy go play a 2v2 1k point match. (they are so much fun!!!)

thatr said we each bought a core set. this was enough for us to play and get a feel for the game

in total we have:

2 core sets

2 vic star expansions

2 gladiator expansions

2 imp fighter expansions

4 Assault frigate expansions

1 neb b expansion

1 cr 90 expansions

2 reb fighter expansions

and 2 dice packs

we both have wave 2 pre-ordered also

3 imp stars (i think he wants one for his desk)

2 imp raiders

4 hero and villain expansions

4 MC 30 expansions

2 MC 80 expansions

we play every week, so we dont mind putting real money into the game (also we have been looking for a game like this for a while)

if you can find a friend to split the entry cost with you are much better off

Buy one core set first. Don't just rush in to enter a miniatures game. Play both factions then try making simple 180-point fleets. Decide if it's fun enough to be worth sinking money into.

If you liked what you experienced, get one each of the Gladiator, Assault Frigate and fighter expansions to have immediate variety.

At this point, you might be feeling competitive so buy more of the expansions that appeal to you and your play style.

The important thing is to actually take the time to try everything that the game has to offer first. You will have more opportunities to buy later. As long as the game is selling the way it is right now, FFG will continue making reprints. Like in X-wing, pace yourself and learn to use each ship as you buy them. You'll enjoy the game all the more.

I would start with just the core set. Play it 2 times and see if you like it.That' what I did (*)

I fel that playing with just the core set was sufficient to see whether I liked the game of not. This way, the investment lost is minimal....

* (hint: I did like it, hence 2 core + 3 AF + 3 Glad + 1 Vic + 1 Neb + 1 CR90 + 3 reb sqn + 3 imp sqd + dice pack)

Hey guys, this is a great topic !

I just got into Armada and I'm loving it so far, but due to no regular gaming group in my area (yet ) the FLGS is willing to help me set up Armada Gaming Nights for introductory games and to start building a community around the game. Right now I have my box, the store has one opened starter set that they're willing to let me use. Would buying the GSD, the MK2 and one of each squadron allow for different varied build when paired with the two starter boxes so that I can draw people in in your opinion ? Obviously we'd lack the Vette, Neb and Victory expansion upgrade cards in the beginning but that could be arranged later on.

Cheers !

Would buying the GSD, the MK2 and one of each squadron allow for different varied build when paired with the two starter boxes so that I can draw people in in your opinion ?

That would give you a great amount of variety in ships to build lists from. Sure you'd be missing some upgrades but upgrades aren't what will attract people to the table.

To clarify, you're not looking to 'be competitive' you're looking to get enough to 'see what the game is like'.

To me, that means you need to see the versatility offered in fleet design.

With that in mind, really, aside from the core, you only need one additional capital ship for each side since all the title cards in the expansions are distinct from the core set.

Additionally, from a versatility standpoint, the fighter packs offer a ton of different options for your fleets.

Personally, I'd recommend:

Core Set

Gladiator OR Victory

AFMkII OR Neb-B OR CR90

Imp Fighter Pack

Reb Fighter Pack

I feel like even that's a bit of overkill. Once Wave II comes out, the Imperials could swap the Gladiator/Vic for the Raider Corvette.

This will give you varied fleet options and a feel for the various aspects of the game.

I know a bunch of people have been saying the MkII is a requirement, but I disagree. I think it's better to see how the different Core ships behave VERY differently with different titles: Dodonna's Pride is a boxer, while Tantive IV is a support craft, and Jaina's Light is a picket/harrier.

@Vanor : Cheers man ! I personally don't enjoy running too many repetition in my miniature armies so I'm glad to hear that it's great as an intro haha

@Jimmy : This is a good point too and I definitely agree that the MK2 isn't mandatory, and that running different ships is interesting as well.

Are 300 points Rebel lists feasible using only 2 Vettes + 1 Neb or 2 Nebs and 1 Vette ? Would cut down on the investment as well.

Are 300 points Rebel lists feasible using only 2 Vettes + 1 Neb or 2 Nebs and 1 Vette ? Would cut down on the investment as well.

Assuming you also have a fighter pack, yes.

2 Nebs and 1 Vette is easy. Two CR90s and one Neb is a little tougher and you don't have as many Squadron commands to use but you can do it.

Yeah, I'm going to get a fighter pack for each faction and I definitely can see how 2 Nebs and 1 Vette can fit easily and be efficient with squadron support. The question for the Vette was because I feel having 2 admirals is good to give people options (and I so hope many admirals will come out in the future, they truly bring out the game imho), so right now the choice is between Bel Iblis and Mon Mothma as an alternative to Dodonna.