So I found this tabletop society that meets on Sundays to have a few games. X-Wing is one that they play. I've decided to teach myself maneuvers and basic strategy on my own when I (hopefully) become a member. I don't want to be tournament player just competent enough to hold my own.

After spending quite a bit of money on the large game systems, FW was my crack. So I'd I want to really go minimalistic to begind with for X-Wing, but I need an elite pilot, a "ringer" if you will. The meta may start to move away from arc dodgers because of the K-Wing and it's Imperial counterpart (whose name escapes me now). But I really want to try a hammer & anvil approach. My shopping list determines my squad list.

Imperials it's easy 2 x Box Sets +1 individual Tie for Howlrunner. Pretty standard. Now I can take Vader, or Soontir, or Juno, just whatever strikes my fancy.

The Rebels are harder. 3 X-Wings include Wedge of course, Biggs to perform what Black Squadron Pilot does, but I don't have a speedy killer. I know Wedge is infamous for being formidable but I want an arc dodger, not a jouster. The more practice I have with different types of ships the better I'll be. I would buy the Rebel Aces pack, but I just want one ship now. The A-wing looks..not so cool, and the E-Wing, well to be honest I never gave it much thought. It's not an attractive ship and screams EU (not that I totally hate EU I just dig on OT stuff), and I think I'll stay away from the YT-1300 right now. So any suggestions?

Oh and any little tips and tricks some of you may have found to make solo games more exciting please share.

Arc Dodging Rebels you say? SuperDash would like a word (YT-2400 - Dash Rendar: Kyle Katarn, Engine Upgrade, Push The Limit, Heavy Laser Cannon, Outrider)

Also you might as well get the YT-1300 because currently it is the only ship that comes with the coveted engine upgrade card (fantastic upgrade)

Yeah, unfortunately rebels are primarily a jousting faction. Han and Dash are the only real arc-dodgers, and that is only because of what engine upgrade does for a large base and high PS.

If you want arc-dodging kicks, imperial is the way to go (scum have some too, primarily in the form of the named star vipers but that's EU stuff so might not interest you).

I personally love arc-dodging lists so I principally fly imperial for that reason (although I am really digging the star viper atm) and I only fly rebels for a change of pace.

Arc Dodging Rebels you say? SuperDash would like a word (YT-2400 - Dash Rendar: Kyle Katarn, Engine Upgrade, Push The Limit, Heavy Laser Cannon, Outrider)

Also you might as well get the YT-1300 because currently it is the only ship that comes with the coveted engine upgrade card (fantastic upgrade)

I plan on eventually getting all the ships, but my cards will sometimes be copies. Noway I'm buying 4 Falcons for four engine upgrades. If my opponent has a problem with it..well oh well.

Why would you need 4 copies of engine upgrade? I've never heard of a squad that needs to run 4 ships with EU. At most you'd need is two copies.

You really only need the cards in a tournament setting. Any casual setting I'm sure your opponent won't mind you proxying the cards. Be sure you print something out with the proxies, otherwise you'll likely forget your upgrades.

One of the best arc-dogers in the games is Jake Ferrel, A-wing pilot. Unfortunately, the A-wing doesn't have the greatest offense, but it can be tough to hit and quite dangerous with Proton Rockets.

The falcon comes with 2 engine upgrade cards and you will never need more than 2 in a squad.

Yes the falcon has 2 EU which is nice

I did forget Jake. He's a rebel arc-dodger and isn't terribly expensive. Push the limit, proton rockets and autothrusters puts you at 32 pts and with the title, you can take veteran instincts for PS9 or outmanoeuvre for more damage potential.

Tycho is also cool, although I don't count him strictly as an arc-dodger, but technically he is with Daredevil + experimental interface and the obligatory push the limit. Daredevil makes it easy to get proton rockets into someone's rear end too.

Why would you need 4 copies of engine upgrade? I've never heard of a squad that needs to run 4 ships with EU. At most you'd need is two copies.

You really only need the cards in a tournament setting. Any casual setting I'm sure your opponent won't mind you proxying the cards. Be sure you print something out with the proxies, otherwise you'll likely forget your upgrades.

One of the best arc-dogers in the games is Jake Ferrel, A-wing pilot. Unfortunately, the A-wing doesn't have the greatest offense, but it can be tough to hit and quite dangerous with Proton Rockets.

Because my brother also plays. He is just busy with a career and a new child on the way. I have to have cards for the both of us.

Yes the falcon has 2 EU which is nice

I did forget Jake. He's a rebel arc-dodger and isn't terribly expensive. Push the limit, proton rockets and autothrusters puts you at 32 pts and with the title, you can take veteran instincts for PS9 or outmanoeuvre for more damage potential.

Tycho is also cool, although I don't count him strictly as an arc-dodger, but technically he is with Daredevil + experimental interface and the obligatory push the limit. Daredevil makes it easy to get proton rockets into someone's rear end too.

Thanks for the advice. I'll look into them!

I know you didn't want to get one right away but I think you should reconsider rebel aces. I've been facing rebels quite a bit lately and the A-wings really impress me.

I would also say that the B-wing can be a pretty good hammer for a small ship too.

Also, single upgrade cards can be had online from eBay and team covenant, etc...

I know you didn't want to get one right away but I think you should reconsider rebel aces. I've been facing rebels quite a bit lately and the A-wings really impress me.

I would also say that the B-wing can be a pretty good hammer for a small ship too.

Also, single upgrade cards can be had online from eBay and team covenant, etc...

To answer you guy's questions/concerns/disdain perhaps(?) about me not using official X-wing cards let me explain. I've found a joy in making custom cards. To me it seems like a cool part of the hobby. My aim truly isn't to "cheat" FFG out of money but to explore new facets of the game. I admit I was upset at first when I realized that you couldn't just buy the upgrade cards individually directly from FFG but I always have E-bay and that's cool. I plan on buying all of the miniatures for the Rebel and Imperial factions eventually (not S&V not my style). If I decide to give tournament play a shot I'll have all of the proper cards (minus the Scum cards and I'll just pick them up off E-bay). So no harm no foul. I need some sort of creative outlet with my hobbies and after ten+ years I want to put the brush down (well maybe I'll paint some engine glow and black bases lol). Making cards is a fun way to pass the time. You should try it if you have the time, even if you don't use them. I'd show you my Juno but she might be too risque for an official FFG forum.

Back to Squad lists:

Angerland I did want to get a B-Wing & A-Wing. Still they cost the same as the YT-1300 and I've been gnashing my teeth over including that in my first purchase.

I suppose I can play around with my shopping list a bit but these items are non negotiable: 1 (2nd) Starter Set, I individual X-wing and 1 individual TIE/ln.

so 5 TIEs and 3 X-wings.

If you guys were going to expand on those lists by 1 fighter each what would they be? Taking into account that we're just having a good time not crushing our enemies and hearing the lamentations of their women. lol

And I'll be frank (you can be Joe) I have 20 more dollars I want to spend on this order and that's it. Miniature Market has some cool deals man. Sure I can spend it all on the Rebels and get the Aces expansion or even the Falcon. But 5 of the same ship for the Imps might seem kinda dull and I want anyone I play with, no matter what faction they choose, to above all have a good time.

So please take bare in mind these are your two beginner collections. You're gonna use one as much as the other and more importantly your opponent is gonna use one as much as the other. You wanna mix it up and make it exciting as possible right? Other expansions will come every month for as long as I have someone to play with and my interest and enthusiasm for the game remains solid.

Oh by the way old wise ones. Which Boba is better, Imperial or Scum? I know I can't use Scum Boba it's purely an academic question.

Thanks again for your help and suggestions.

I've seen a good 5 TIE fighter 1 Interceptor list so that might be my first choice for the Imperial. Plus squnits are just plain cool looking. As to what to add to a e x-wing list, maybe a Z95, Airen Cracken specifically. That's another list I've seen flown in my local group.

I do like scum and Villany so I prefer Scum Boba. Just my preference. Have fun list building and shopping!

Oh by the way old wise ones. Which Boba is better, Imperial or Scum? I know I can't use Scum Boba it's purely an academic question.

Thanks again for your help and suggestions.

I don't know about being wise, but I think scum Boba is better. Imperial boba's ability is hard to get good use out of (navigator helps but then you kind of need predator to keep his damage output at a decent level and you miss out on some of the other useful crew options).

Plus Imperial Kath got a lot better with mangler showing up so that now, if you plan on running an imperial named firespray, she's kind of the best choice.