Hello, I am new to the game, just picked it up a week ago and I wanted to know if the Mercenaries can make a Skirmish faction on their own, in particular with the new Villain pack and the expansion coming. Thanks in advance.

Yes, the Mercenaries can make skirmish squads. The Elite Nexu seems to be a solid choice for many people, as do the Trandoshans (both Elite and Regular). IG-88 is pretty strong, but I think he doesn't have the support he needs to really shine. You can bring some Rebels into a Mercenary squad (via Temporary Alliance for 1 point), in which case using Gideon to give Focus and movement to IGGY is a pretty decent option.

However, up to this point no Mercenary squad has won a Regional. I expect that Mercs will likely become more competitive as they get more pieces over the next few sets.

I think, that the Hired Guns will make the difference ...

I did okay at Regionals with mercs. They definitely aren't top tier, but can catch people off guard.

My list:

2 Elite Trandos

2 Trandos

Elite Nexu

I've had moderate success with my team. Right now, the scenarios are stacked in favor of "fast" teams (i.e. troops with Officers to move crates quickly, etc...) but I think that will change. Once new scenarios are introduced I think they get stronger.

Maps are changing at the end of the month and the new missions are more scum friendly.

The new missions rely on control rather than interact so nexu's won't have a downside.

Got a win last week with them.

We played Darth Vader's Mission - side A (doesn't remember the name, sorry).

I had :

IG-88

Elite Trando

Trando

Elite Nexu

Nexu

Devious Scheme

Anything is possible, it all depends on your opponent and his strategy.