So. Totally new to X-wing.

I want to play Imperial. Ideally Ties. Specificly, Vader. Interceptors. Fighters, and Bombers. (Attempting to stay somewhat "movie legal" at least at first).

Probably mostly at 100pts.

I'm aware that certain upgrades/character cards are seen as very important, possibly even mandatory.

I have no idea what exists, or in which ships I'd find each things.

Would anyone be kind enough to let me know which cards I may want (an explination of why would be great too) and which ships I'd find the cards in?

Alternatively, if theres a guide somewhere that I could look through, I'm totally up for the teach a man to fish approach. (I did a quick google but couldn't see much.)

Many thanks to anyone who can help.

This isn't totally up to date but should help you get started on recognizing builds and card synergy.

https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/131310-new-player-quick-start-list-guide/

The tough thing about collecting one faction and cards is certain cards will come from other factions and some of those cards are "must haves". But you can buy cards individually on Ebay. There's also a Facebook group formed around trading, buying, and selling upgrade cards.

That guide should give you a decent idea of where to start. Just ignore all the house rule stuff in it for now.

Once you find some builds that you'd like to try take a look at this squad builder. It tells you which expansions each card comes with.

Thankyou. Thats a huge help.

Specifically, you'll want the Imperial Aces expansion - 2 TIE Interceptors with nice pilot abilities and the Royal Guard TIE and Push the Limit cards that fit so well with them. Honestly, you'll also want the Autothrusters modification, but it currently only comes with the StarViper Scum and Villainy ship.

Lone Wolf upgrade, from Hound's Tooth Expansion Pack or YT-2400 Freighter Expansion Pack

Also, if you want to get certain cards without buying the ships, check E-Bay.

If you plan on flying a TIE swarm, you don't need much by the way of upgrade cards. Academy Pilots are there to die in a blaze of glory for the Emperor. Interceptors do need a bunch of upgrades to reach maximum effectiveness. These include Autothrusters, Push the Limit, Stealth Device, and Predator are common upgrades. If you want to run the TIE Advanced a lot, you will need a Raider for the Title. It is almost mandatory to be competitive. Extra Munitions is becoming a thing if you want to run Bombers or Punishers with ordnance.

Generally speaking, the Empire relies on quantity being led by quality. I suggest running TIE-type ships at the generic pilot skill and naked first to get a sense of how the ship flies and what it can do and then start tweaking. Then you find yourself with a common dilemma. Do I want upgrades or more ships on the table?

Then you find yourself with a common dilemma. Do I want upgrades or more ships on the table?

UPGRADES!!!! Unless I'm flying a TIE Fighter Swarm, I usually deck out three aces with lots of upgrades; see below for a sample list requiring Imperial Aces, TIE Interceptor, Firespray-31, and StarViper packs. These packs will also land you with four Imperial ships and one Scum and Villainy.

Then you find yourself with a common dilemma. Do I want upgrades or more ships on the table?

UPGRADES!!!! Unless I'm flying a TIE Fighter Swarm, I usually deck out three aces with lots of upgrades; see below for a sample list requiring Imperial Aces, TIE Interceptor, Firespray-31, and StarViper packs. These packs will also land you with four Imperial ships and one Scum and Villainy.

Soontir Fel (27)

Push the Limit (3)

Autothrusters (2)

Stealth Device (3)

Royal Guard TIE (0)

Carnor Jax (26)

Push the Limit (3)

Stealth Device (3)

Hull Upgrade (3)

Royal Guard TIE (0)

Royal Guard Pilot (22)

Push the Limit (3)

Autothrusters (2)

Stealth Device (3)

Royal Guard TIE (0)

Total: 100

There are a few Imperial ships where upgrades are practically mandatory (as opposed to Rebels where every ship needs upgrades) and they are the Interceptor, TIE Advanced, Decimator, Phantom, Bomber and Punisher. The Bomber and Punisher upgrades are mostly ordnance so I don't know if that counts. I find that TIEs, TIE f/o, Firespray, Defender, and Shuttle (as mostly a Vader or Emperor chariot) don't need a whole lot of upgrades.

Then again, I tend towards generic, stripped-down ships versus upgrade-heavy ships. This is mostly due to the general lack of durability on the Empire side. It takes a lot of guts to spend 30+ points on a ship with 3 HP (I'm looking at you Baron Fel) that can be vaporized on a bad defensive roll. But it is fun.

Bomber is best Naked, actually.
Most survivable ship for its cost.