I took the plunge and bought Imperial Assault this weekend. I was going to ask for some starting advice, but I found a lot of threads on the subject. I am posting my results in hope that other new players may find is useful.

Interested in Starting Imperial Assault

Just starting out, lots of questions!

New to the game any tips from experienced players?

New player first expansions suggestions.

Basic purchases for starting the game

Imperial Assault for Kids

Solitaire Play

Getting started. . . What do I need?

Board Game Geek (lots of good info)

Perhaps we could do a FAQ for new players and get it stickied.

FAQ

(Work In Progress)

1. Now that I own the core game, what should be my next purchase?

For Campaign play, the boxed expansions (Twin Shadows and Return to Hoth) add the most value for the money, with new figures/characters, new map tiles, and new scenarios. For Skirmish play, adding a second core set seems to be the best buy. After that, it depends on the faction you wish to play most and the figures that you like most.

2.

I took the plunge and bought Imperial Assault this weekend. I was going to ask for some starting advice, but I found a lot of threads on the subject. I am postingmy results in hope that other new players may find is useful.

Interested in Starting Imperial Assault

Just starting out, lots of questions!

New to the game any tips from experienced players?

New player first expansions suggestions.

Basic purchases for starting the game

Imperial Assault for Kids

Solitaire Play

Getting started. . . What do I need?

Board Game Geek (lots of good info)

Perhaps we could do a FAQ for new players and get it stickied.

Can you please fix "Imperial Assault for Kids" link?

Can you please fix "Imperial Assault for Kids" link?

Fixed. Thank you for pointing it out.

The most FAQ I've seen concerns what one should purchase beyond the core set. The answers seem to say that initially nothing else is needed. There is a lot in the core box. Beyond that, it comes down to whether you prefer Campaign play or Skirmish play.

For Campaign play, the boxed expansions (Twin Shadows and Return to Hoth) add the most value for the money, with new figures/characters, new map tiles, and new scenarios.

For Skirmish play, adding a second core set seems to be the best buy. After that, it depends on the faction you wish to play most.

Does that seem right?

That sounds very reasonable. I would add from the home skirmish player point of view (and personal preference) is to play characters which interest you. I know a lot of meta players don't like Han Solo. But I can't see my collection for home games without him. I like to mix it up and try different combinations, so I started buying a variety and will add slowly. I only buy when I finish painting each group. That keeps my back log and wallet in good order. I know that Return to Hoth expansion is in the near future and Boba Fett.

FAQ

(Work In Progress)

1. Now that I own the core game, what should be my next purchase?

I bought one of all 3 expansions, and one of each ally/villain pack apart from Han, Chewie and Boba which are sold out. I was unboxing stuff for an entire afternoon..... **** this game has a lot of stuff.

As far as campaign play and expansions goes, there are so many threads about this and new ones pop up daily, but I would say there is something about playing in chronological order, at least the first time, that makes a difference.

My group wanted to play the core through a few times before moving on, so I expanded my AVP's first over TS. Now we are ready to tackle TS, so I picked up a few AVP's in advance and now have the TS x pac ready to go. Some people will advise to just grab all the big box expansions and start mix and matching campaigns, but I would suggest the opposite if you want to really get the full effect of the content in chronological order.

After you've played through it all a few times then ya, mix and matching heroes and villains and side quests from all the campaigns is a great idea, although at times may seem anti-thematic.