So I am trying to build a list to introduce a friend to x-wing. I'm not a fan of the one in the core set as I find the ties almost always win. I'm going for thematic, balanced, and something that shows a little bit of everything this game is capable of.

Rebels:

Luke W/ R2D2

Blue squadron B-wing

Vs

Darth Vader w/ title and ATC

2 academy ties

I am just wondering if this looks pretty balanced (ie will one list dominate the other). I was a little worried about using the B-wing but considering its naked I figured it should work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I would recommend linking them this:

Then this:

Then show them your collection and ask them which ship they'd like to play.

So I am trying to build a list to introduce a friend to x-wing. I'm not a fan of the one in the core set as I find the ties almost always win. I'm going for thematic, balanced, and something that shows a little bit of everything this game is capable of.

Rebels:

Luke W/ R2D2

Blue squadron B-wing

Vs

Darth Vader w/ title and ATC

2 academy ties

I am just wondering if this looks pretty balanced (ie will one list dominate the other). I was a little worried about using the B-wing but considering its naked I figured it should work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Vader will wipe the floor with those other ships I think. Title is too good to bring in a beginner match.

I've found Luke with R2-D2 and two generic Tie Fighters....then fly badly so he wins. Or downgrade it to a Rookie (with no upgrades) if he wants to be Imperials.

It is often easier to start playing by flying a turret than to arc dodge three TIEs on a B-Wing. And the X-Wing isn't stellar at that either. But if Vader is there in the first game, so should be Luke and R2D2.

I'd give him a Y-Wing with Twin Laser Turret and R2 Astromech instead of the Blue. It doesn't require him to keep formation (even better if he doesn't) and it will be easier for him to land hits on your agility 3 ships without having to be perfect at guessing your maneuvers.

To even it up, give Vader the TIE Mark 2 mod and Squad Leader.

Oh, don't teach them with a turret. Teach them the fundamentals of the game and what makes it interesting. It's all about guessing your opponent and placement. Turrets are just easy mode. If someone starts that way, they won't ever want to go to regular ships.

EDIT: Turrets are easy mode for learning the game. I'm not saying they are easy mode for tournaments or that all fat turrets are easy to fly.

Yeah you start them with a turret they'll miss the importance of proper manoeuvring.

Oh, don't teach them with a turret. Teach them the fundamentals of the game and what makes it interesting. It's all about guessing your opponent and placement. Turrets are just easy mode. If someone starts that way, they won't ever want to go to regular ships.

EDIT: Turrets are easy mode for learning the game. I'm not saying they are easy mode for tournaments or that all fat turrets are easy to fly.

True. Better to introduce the game to a total beginner by handing them Echo.

A turret is fine. Show them that the game is fun. Let them decide how nuanced or not they want to get with the maneuvers. I don't think learning with a PWT has any bearing on whether or not they'll pick arc dodgers long term.

Oh, don't teach them with a turret. Teach them the fundamentals of the game and what makes it interesting. It's all about guessing your opponent and placement. Turrets are just easy mode. If someone starts that way, they won't ever want to go to regular ships.

EDIT: Turrets are easy mode for learning the game. I'm not saying they are easy mode for tournaments or that all fat turrets are easy to fly.

True. Better to introduce the game to a total beginner by handing them Echo.

That's the first ship one of my buddies learned on. Then decimator and interceptors... He is somewhat trained to find dials most people like as bad since he learned on really good dials...

Oh, don't teach them with a turret. Teach them the fundamentals of the game and what makes it interesting. It's all about guessing your opponent and placement. Turrets are just easy mode. If someone starts that way, they won't ever want to go to regular ships.

EDIT: Turrets are easy mode for learning the game. I'm not saying they are easy mode for tournaments or that all fat turrets are easy to fly.

True. Better to introduce the game to a total beginner by handing them Echo.

Not sure if sarcastic or just being facetious.

Turrets (and phantoms) aren't a great way to teach.

The core set is plenty to teach with, and is specifically aimed at new players. If you wanna beef it up, ignore point costs and build lists that seem fair. Sure, stick Vader in there (probably pre-fix). The Adv's problem was it was way too expensive. Ignore costs, no more problem. Keep upgrades limited when it comes to teaching new players. It can easily become too much to keep track of and overwhelm them

I agree. I think the Core set is what it should be. X-wings vs. Tie Fighters. You have the more maneuverable, yet fragile Tie Fighters vs. the heavily armed X-wing.

Just learn the basis of the game with the beginner ships. They are nicely suited to fight each other.

When I introduced my friend to the game we played with a stripped down ruleset of the newer TFA starter, no range bonuses, no target lock (I left focus and evade in however). And no upgrades, just bare pilots. I also didn't include any asteroids or obstacles. And after a few games I introduced more of that stuff into the game when he got a hang of it.

ATC is a bit complex for a starter game.

the new core seems fine for learning purposes

BB-8 on a PS 8 (with boost!) should alleviate any problems Luke might have had on his own against two lower PS ties

also, purely imo, but movement shenanigans are just more fun to play than stiff ole pilots

blue ace, bb-8, zeta ace; all are just hilarious fun