So tomorrow I'm going to be picking up a Core from my buddy who wants to get rid of it ($40) and my other friend is buying the other Core he has and we're excited to play. I'm trading my Rebel stuff for his imperial ships and we're going to start by focusing on opposing sides. I just have a few questions to ask;

1) Imperial Fighter Squadrons Pack...can I get anywhere under $40-$70 dollars? Or do I have to wait until a reprint of them?

2) Purchase suggestions if I'm trying to stick with Imperial for now.

Thanks guys!

The fighter packs should be coming soon, I think they are on the boat right now.

You and your buddy should split at least one but probably two rogues and villains packs. Then get an ISD, GSD and a Raider, in that order if you are trying purchase slowly and not break the bank.

Honestly I rarely build lists with more than two of the same ship in them. If you are going to go all out squads are probably the place to do it. You can do some nasty things with four Firesprays for example.

1) Hold off on buying it for now until it's back down to MSRP prices ($20). You're still learning so there's no need to have absolutely everything all at once. The TIE Fighter squadrons from the core set should be sufficient for the short term. Add some Rogues and Villains to that if you would like to (split the cost with your friend if you both plan to be single-faction-only players).

2) 1-2 Gladiators + 1-2 Raiders + 1 Imperial Star Destroyer would be good starting compliments for your 2 VSDs. Once the Imperial squadrons are back in stock, I'd recommend 2-3 of those. Rogues and Villains to taste - at least 1, probably 2, and up to a possible 4 if you want to go nuts with the Rogues/Firesprays.

1) Hold off on buying it for now until it's back down to MSRP prices ($20). You're still learning so there's no need to have absolutely everything all at once. The TIE Fighter squadrons from the core set should be sufficient for the short term. Add some Rogues and Villains to that if you would like to (split the cost with your friend if you both plan to be single-faction-only players).

2) 1-2 Gladiators + 1-2 Raiders + 1 Imperial Star Destroyer would be good starting compliments for your 2 VSDs. Once the Imperial squadrons are back in stock, I'd recommend 2-3 of those. Rogues and Villains to taste - at least 1, probably 2, and up to a possible 4 if you want to go nuts with the Rogues/Firesprays.

I agree with this, but I will stress the fact that you shouldn't lock yourself down into specific factions in terms of buy order. The Neb B expansion is really good for both Rebels and Imperials for example.

Dont trade any cards until you both understand the different faction styles!

Pick up the fighter packs, but after that just get some games in and you will know what you want by then.

GSD ISD

Squadron packs seemed to have already come and gone with a few online retailers. I hope some more are in transit, otherwise that was a pretty tiny reprint and we're back to waiting.

*Update 1/6 - CSI got more in today.

Where are you located OP?

I'm not sure if its bad news for the size of the local player base around me but it seems I can walk into most local stores here and pick up a fighter pack for MSRP or online at 401 games

Northern NH onky me and my buddy will be playing around here as far as I can tell

Our LGS owner said hell only order what we specifically want cause no one else plays and he only has cores now.

Every LGS that I've visited near me recently has the squadron packs in stock. Call around your area and check with any shops within a reasonable proximity of your location. Otherwise, if all else fails, check at the usual online sources.

I imagine they'll get them soon.

Cool I feel a trip to Portland soon which is the closest area I know of to check ships which is still a little over an hour away.

Check out 401 games online store, they have a $10 flat rate shipping to the US, tend to stick to the minimum MSRP and have pretty high stock levels (keep in mind the prices will be in Canadian so you have serious exchange rate buying power!)

Looking like first order is;

ISD

Victory

Raider

Neb B

Imperial Fighters

Rogues x2

Thanks everyone!