So, after you get the starter set, what are the next one or two ships to get for each side? I'll probably play Imps, but I like to keep an open mind. I was thinking a Gladiator class, and fighters for Imperials, but not sure about the Rebels. Thanks!

ISD, Assault Frigate, fighter packs.

Definitely get a fighter pack or two for each. My first Rebel pack beyond the squadrons was the Assault Frigate. Adds a measure of tankiness to your fleet, and the Gallant Hope title is one of my favorites. It also works very well with expansions you might pick up later like Home One with Ackbar.

It would seem from all of the meta discussion, the imps are currently screwed, but I really like the gladiator class. I may just have to go with what I like, and screw competitiveness.

Gladiator and ISD are deffinates, the VSD is a good ship, but it's a little slow and has a hard time keeping up. I actually have two of them. Get a couple raiders, and then you have a good set to build your fleets. Don't forget the squads.

Rebels, MC80 is the bomb, run it with ackbar and as long as you have initiative, you'll have a good fleet. As for the rest, MC30 is a good missle boat with a couple of corvettes. Get the scum and villainy squad, or two. Dash is a nightmare with the right upgrade and rolls, while a couple of extra regal squads will help incase of a tie swarm.

Have fun and good luck.

Imps are far from screwed. People just kvetch about everything.

For Imps, the ISD and GSD should be your first pickups - the ISD is iconic (and a good keystone to your fleet), and the GSD is just really, really good, especially with the Demolisher title.

Is the Victory class ok, or is it one of those "all you need is the one that comes in the starter" ships? I hate having to dump another $50 on the game, when I just dumped $100 for the starter set. I'll get one eventually, but probably not at the start. My budget is limited, so I'll probably get one Armada ship per month, two, if I get cheap $20 ones.

VSDs are good carriers. I think motti comes in the VSD expansion, he is a really good option for a commander.

So maybe a VSD, and a fighter pack, then.

So maybe a VSD, and a fighter pack, then.

Bigsirl makes good points.ISD,GSD then maybe another VSD. A good starter 400 point list:

ISD II (127 pts)

-Electronic Countermeasures

VSD I (77 pts)

-Boosted Comms

GSD I (66 pts)

-Demolisher

That's 270 points, leaves you with 130 points for commander, a few upgrades and fighters. Actually it's the same list i suggest to numerous starting players here. All three ships are set up with their arguably best upgrade.

I have the starter, and I just ordered a Home One. I'm hoping that this way I can do an intro game with my friend with two more similar sides. A victory 2 with a full compliment of fighters costs similar to an MC80 and a smaller fighter wing. Not exactly balanced but its a more forgiving setup for learning the game I think.

Well, I just ordered a VSD & a fighter pack. That'll get me to 300 points, and then I'll move up to 400 after i get a few games in.

Dang, late to the party.

Two VSDs and the start of a might TIE swarm is a solid way to go, be sure to use Chirpy and Mauler.

Next order you may want to get the Scum and Scum pack for intel. See if some Rebel scum would be willing to split on a pack. As for ships, get ether a ISD or one each of the GSD and Raider. I watched a Raider almost take out a VSD in two turns. Almost because Raider only lived one turn. ;(

Your third order, maybe get a second fighter pack and which ever ship or ships you didn't get in the second order.

After that.... branch out into target drones or stick with the good guys, let the dark side be your guide.