Questions on creating a buying guide

By Lyraeus, in Star Wars: Armada

So working on a buying guide but I have never built one of these before.

What should I add in for a video based guide?

Thanks for the assistance!

1. I think a big turn-off for some people is the price, so any advice to cut costs.

For example, I play rebels only and split my Core Set with a friend who plays Imps only - we didn't buy any Wave 1 expansions and printed proxies of cards we didn't get - this pretty much halved the entry cost and we were able to play 300 pt games from the start (well after a couple of learning games). Obviously, for tournaments we have to borrow the proper cards if we want them but its not been an issue thus far (in fact I'll prob be looking for some singles on eBay). For wave two, we are splitting the Rogues & Villains.

2. Buy at least 1 of everything.

At least for your main faction (if focusing on one). Having at least 1 of each ship gives you so many more options when fleet building, plus you get new upgrade cards. For smaller ships (e.g. Gladiator) its worth considering a second.

3. Rules (this is not really 'buying advice', but an important note for beginners).

After playing the ltP, its really worth reading through the rules reference. 99% of the rules questions asked on these forums are written quite plainly in the RR, if people only took the time to read them. A better understanding of the game also helps with future buying choices.

This is what I do:

Step 1: Plan on buying 1 of everything.

Step 2: Realize 1 isn't enough to build the lists I want.

Step 3: Order 2 of everything.

Step 4: Order some extra stuff (I don't really need) online (when bored) or at the local game shop (ostensibly to support the store, but we all know the real reason).

Step 5: Put most of the ships in the basement.

Repeat steps 4-5 as needed.

This is what I do:

Step 1: Plan on buying 1 of everything.

Step 2: Realize 1 isn't enough to build the lists I want.

Step 3: Order 2 of everything.

Step 4: Order some extra stuff (I don't really need) online (when bored) or at the local game shop (ostensibly to support the store, but we all know the real reason).

Step 5: Put most of the ships in the basement.

Repeat steps 4-5 as needed.

My collection exists on the merits of over 100 meticulously created, but unplayed, lists. I have made purchases based off 'Impulse' list ideas...that evaporate soon after I hit the 'Confirm Purchase' button on [insert Online Toy Store Here]. /momentofsilence

@Lyr Players coming in should realize that they probably shouldn't come in thinking they are only going to have to buy for one faction alone. You will eventually want to play both...and you will eventually want to use the upgrade cards from the other faction ship expansions.

Target in on the Upgrade Cards being only a necessity for participation in strictly sanctioned tourney play. If you are playing casually with 2-3 other buds, pool your cards and find a color copy machine.

Initial Imperial Purchase should be the Gladiator.

Initial Rebel purchase should be Assault Frigate.

With these you have all the ships minus the Upgrade Cards (but you can play/test with internet photocopies).

Optional is Squadrons. The box has a good amount. This purchase will be based off taste/want/need/obsessivecompulsion/analretentivity/OMFGSTAAAHWOOOAAAAAAAHS!

That's all I got for now.

My guide.... At the bare minimum, there need to have at least 2 copy of everything except the large ships.

Come on... It's weird to have a GSD sortie by itself right... Or is that my division OCD talking?

This is what I do:

Step 1: Plan on buying 1 of everything.

Step 2: Realize 1 isn't enough to build the lists I want.

Step 3: Order 2 of everything.

Step 4: Order some extra stuff (I don't really need) online (when bored) or at the local game shop (ostensibly to support the store, but we all know the real reason).

Step 5: Put most of the ships in the basement.

Repeat steps 4-5 as needed.

My collection exists on the merits of over 100 meticulously created, but unplayed, lists. I have made purchases based off 'Impulse' list ideas...that evaporate soon after I hit the 'Confirm Purchase' button on [insert Online Toy Store Here]. /momentofsilence

@Lyr Players coming in should realize that they probably shouldn't come in thinking they are only going to have to buy for one faction alone. You will eventually want to play both...and you will eventually want to use the upgrade cards from the other faction ship expansions.

Target in on the Upgrade Cards being only a necessity for participation in strictly sanctioned tourney play. If you are playing casually with 2-3 other buds, pool your cards and find a color copy machine.

Initial Imperial Purchase should be the Gladiator.

Initial Rebel purchase should be Assault Frigate.

With these you have all the ships minus the Upgrade Cards (but you can play/test with internet photocopies).

Optional is Squadrons. The box has a good amount. This purchase will be based off taste/want/need/obsessivecompulsion/analretentivity/OMFGSTAAAHWOOOAAAAAAAHS!

That's all I got for now.

Space guppy works well in pairs? I know GSD works wonders in pairs so much that my entire fleet has them as the primary unit. VSD is there just as a secondary.

Keep them coming!

Someone in the play group needs to buy bombers. Either B-wings, Y-wings, TIE Bombers, H-6s or Firesprays. They need to get 4-6 of their chosen squadron to make an impact on the meta to keep all-ship lists in check. Not needed if joining a larger meta, but it's clear to me FFG designed the game with bombers needing to be a threat. Unfortunately a single pack of rebel or imperial fighter just isn't enough.

Trust me... I've ripped through so many twin guppy lists, that it's still not as ridiculous as how many twin Victory Lists that I've torn through.

CR-90's my friend. Best ship in the game. (If you take the time to learn how to fly them.)

Aside from the Nebulon (2), It's the only ship that I have multiples of (4).

Honestly I have 1 of each expansion, 2 of each squadron expansion and that was enough to make balanced competitive lists. I picked up a second GSD in my travels to play around with but honestly Haven't fielded more than one in competitive play.

It comes down to the players but what I tell people is to get a core and one of each expansion to start. Some people swear they will only play X or Y faction but in my experience they will get board and want to switch.

Buy the bare minimum you need for the first few entertaining games. Coreset only will probably not be enough, but one or two additional ships for each faction should suffice and keep your wallet happy. Proxy cards - to get a fealing of the game one needs options, and having each available upgrade to your disposal greatly help to make the limited number of models you will start with more interesting. Once you had a few games and are developing a feeling for ships you like or dislike, buy additionals..

GET A SQUADRONS PACK, seriously. They are a cheap addition to your game and add a lot of variety. If you decide to play single faction you will sure find someone to trade one half of the pack with you.. and once released grab rogues and villains, its the cheapest way to add something new and entertaining to your fleet.

Keep them coming!

In the video, you might want to split it up into three scenarios:

  • For people with a fixed budget, who want to tentatively (Tantively?) try stuff out without going all-in.
  • For people who want to just play one faction at minimal cost
  • For people who plan to go whole-hog, but can only do so step-by-step.

Maybe make a cost analysis of how much money they will need to spend to play at the 400 point level under each of these. That way people know the damage they're going to be in for.

It might be good to make three short videos addressing each of these. Also remember that this will become obsolete the moment Wave 3 hits, but also as you learn more about what's good/bad.

Keep them coming!

In the video, you might want to split it up into three scenarios:

  • For people with a fixed budget, who want to tentatively (Tantively?) try stuff out without going all-in.
  • For people who want to just play one faction at minimal cost
  • For people who plan to go whole-hog, but can only do so step-by-step.
Maybe make a cost analysis of how much money they will need to spend to play at the 400 point level under each of these. That way people know the damage they're going to be in for.

It might be good to make three short videos addressing each of these. Also remember that this will become obsolete the moment Wave 3 hits, but also as you learn more about what's good/bad.

Agreed. I will work in this Saturday and Sunday since cell it seems I have little going in then