I was recently introduced to X-Wing and am preparing to take the dive and start purchasing ships. As I will also need dice, templates, a damage deck, etc... I will of course need to start with a core set. Assuming that I have plans to use ships other than those included in the core sets, which one would be the better buy for me (included mods and what not). I've also read that the damage deck has been updated and I want to make sure that if I went with the original core set that I wouldn't then have to turn around and buy the new one to comply with current rules. Thank you all in advance for your input in answering my questions, and my apologies if I inadvertently posted this in the wrong subforum.

The new damage deck will be required for tournament play in 2016, if that helps!

If you can find new Cores, get two!

I would also recommend a new TFA core set, however I would only get two if you like the included ships or are trying to get supplies for more than one player. If you just want more dice but want to get into different ships, you can get a standalone dice pack. Also, if your community is large enough, some people may be willing to part with a few spare dice. It seems the longer you play, the more dice you end up with after all of the Core Sets, tournament prizes, etc. The new core set also has the most up to date rules at this time in the form of a quick reference rules book. It is much easier to learn the game using the most up to date info.

I would definitely get one original and one TFA core to start, You get more diverse ships, upgrades, asteroids, six of each dice, different missions. For initially taking the plunge the original core is still a deal, you just don't need more than one.

I would get the Force Awakens core set now, and then wait until the original set is reprinted with updated components (which I'm assuming will happen).

I would definitely get one original and one TFA core to start, You get more diverse ships, upgrades, asteroids, six of each dice, different missions. For initially taking the plunge the original core is still a deal, you just don't need more than one.

I agree with getting one of each for diversity of ships and components.

I'd get at least 1 of each. I just started playing a few weeks ago and although I knew TFA was coming out I still bought 2 original core sets. Even if you see yourself only wanting to fly T70 the original core set will get you R2D2 which will have value on the T70. I also wanted the original sets for nostalgic value. You get Biggs and Luke Skywalker in the original core set and I knew I had to be able to fly them in matches. When TFA came out I bought 1 for the new damage deck and the new ships but my plan now is to buy more T70 and Tie/FO expansions to fill out my swarms.

I would say go with the new one, due to the updated damage deck, actions, movement templates, etc. and the ships in that set are better with more shields, actions, and movements. But, the upgrade cards in the new core set are few and small, so getting the old one is better for those. You get all the required pieces in each of course, so it is really up to you. Get both is possible, but if you can't then get the new one.