I know variations of this question have been asked many times but I am still torn so any advice is always appreciated. Let me lay it out:

• I currently own only the TFA Core Set
• While I'm always thinking about tournament, league and store play that is not my main focus at this point
• Now that I've played several beginner games; my next goal is 100pt. squads for both Reb and Imps.
• Most of the time I will be supplying all the components for the casual games I play with family and friends

With those parameters in mind, I've been leaning towards adding a Red Core set and then eventually 1 T70 x-pak and 1 TIE/fo x-pak. This would give me enough for a basic (although far from optimal) 100pt on either side, although I think the Imps might be a little behind with only 5 ships total.

Lately I been thinking of changing my purchase order and going with only the singe Core I have plus both Aces packs plus an extra set of dice. This would give me some great upgrades like PtL, but miss out on others like Juke/Comms which have been awesome in some proxy games I tried. Likewise, no R2-D2, Biggs, or IA. But my fleet would gain Interceptors, A-wing and B-wing. While I would end up with 7 ships total instead of the 8 in option A, I would end up with more variety; (5 ship types vs. 4). Of course this now means 4-ship Imp lists which I'm not sure I like while still missing some critical pilots and upgrades.

Finally, as with everything, Family, rent, food, utilities all have to be taken care of first. I can justify spending roughly US$ 100.00 - 120.00 on a game for casual play. Unless/until I start playing much more regularly my collection probably won't grow much more. I want to avoid the plastic crack addiction at all costs.

I realize that all aspects of my X wing experience ( game, ability, ships, etc.) are far behind the level of most posters here. That is why I need your help. Where is the most bang for the buck and builds the best foundation for the limited casual x wing pilot like me? Thanks again for your time.

I would say if you're planning on spending 100-120, the second core saves you 8-10 on the dice pack if nothing else. From there both Aces packs fit snugly into 100 unless you're ordering online with shipping and handling nonsense.

The original core set is definitely worth getting, extra 3 ships, dice, rulers etc

I think falcon and Slave 1 are worth getting. Well known thematic and both have good upgrade cards. Then the rebel / imperial aces add good value ships and upgrades.

Those would allow a good mix and balance for both sides without going overboard into plastic crack addiction.

Both Cores is a good start, definitely. You'll have a pretty decent selection of ships and pilots for both factions, and plenty of tokens, dice and range rulers. FO and T-70 is also a good idea, especially as Omega Leader is the best FO pilot, and Integrated Astromech does so much for the T-65 you get in the old Core.

From that I would probably get the ships that do most for the ones you already have. Do you have any interest in playing Scum? Then consider starting with a Starviper, as it gets you the Autothrusters you want for your T-70s. A Y-Wing can be used in both factions, and the R2 Astromech is nice for both Y-Wings, T-65s and T-70s. With those sets in place a K-Wing and Most Wanted seem like good choices.

If you want to play Empire it looks a little bit more complicated. Again, if you get the Starviper, Interceptors and TIE Adv. Prototypes become interesting, but without them it's a little bit more iffy. The Phantom is strong, but it really wants Veteran Instincts from the Falcon/Slave-1 kits (although, you can pick up a VI from the Spring tournament kit). Imperial Veterans seem very strong, but we don't know when it'll be out.

Thanks for the replies so far. Please keep them coming. It has confirmed and clarified that I am on the right track to start. As for Scum I am interested. So much so that I almost jumped in when MW was first released. Towards that end, I envisioned myself eventually buying MW (maybe 2), Hwk, Firespray, and possibly another Y-wing. I figured that ships that could be used with either faction would be somewhat more economical. That and the fact that I've liked Y-wings long before TLT. I am familiar with AT but don't really like the Starviper so not sure there yet. Maybe work on getting a 100 pt. Scum list together from that. Also not sure if I should get the Aces packs before starting Scum. Of course, by the time I've invested that much, Imp Vets is likely to be out and can Reb vets be far behind?

Alternatively, I love the Reb transport, and especially the pilots but I don't see myself ever actually playing Epic. Tough choices all around.

I think perhaps the most important thing may be to concentrate on the ships I do have and learn how to fly better.

The answer is defenders now and always.

The answer is defenders now and always.

Maybe. I have to learn to fly before I can soar.