Hello all,

I'm pretty new to the game and still haven't purchased it, but I'm reading everything I can so I can find something that I like to play and it's not a lot of money right at the start. I like the Empire, I don't like generic pilots, and I don't want to use heavy ships. So, after a lot of time theorycrafting with builds and the money impact, I found something that may or may not work in games:

The Inquisitor (25)

Push the Limit (3)

Autothrusters (2)

TIE/v1 (1)

Omega Leader (21)

Comm Relay (3)

Juke (2)

Stealth Device (3)

Whisper (32)

Intelligence Agent (1)

Fire-Control System (2)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Advanced Cloaking Device (4)

Total: 100 pts

It's a good way to start? Would it be viable? Should I change something? Help is always welcome before buying things. Thank you in advance.

Welocme. Your list as propsed looks good. I assume you'll be getting one of the core sets, so that will give you two Ties and some good pilots to start with. The Inquisitor seems like a strong addition to just about any list. I don't have a lot of game time, but, I have learned that Phantoms take finesse. Expect a learning curve.

If you're just starting, remember that there's a lot more to the game than just hammering out a squad list. There's estimating movement and ranges, remembering the special rules (and the base rules!), anticipating what the opponent can do. I'd recommend just getting ships your really like and playing easy starter games with a friend as you get used to the tempo. There's time to eventually figure out a tournament ready list, but at this stage, learn to know the game and have fun with it.

And, you may find yourself on the path that leads to having at least two of everything in the product line but, that's not right now.

The game is well balanced but you will have a little more of a learning curve starting with Imperials. The Imperials rely a lot more on maneuverability and arc dodging and have few if any shields so they are a little more unforgiving to new players.

Your starting list is pretty solid, have fun learning and welcome to the game

A core set is pretty much essential as you do need dice, a damage deck, maneuver templates, range ruler, and asteroids. After that, yes, you are looking at a very tough to fly list that is not going to be forgiving. You should expect to be frustrated with it. I would be inclined to do the following to start with:

New Core Set (Two TIE/fo Fighters)

TIE/fo Fighter Expansion set x 2

This will give you a mini-swarm to fly with whichever ace you prefer.

Whisper will mean you are keeping them very lean. The Inquisitor will allow you to fly higher PS or add in some toys.

Then the problem becomes upgrades. So many of the valuable cards come from other sets:

Push the Limit comes from one of the Aces (Imperial or Rebel) and you pretty much need one for the Inquisitor... not 100%, but 90% of the time.

Autothrusters is from the StarViper.

If you want Crackshot, you need the Kihraxz or Hound's Tooth.

Juke / Comm Relay swarm to go with Inquisitor? You need 1 TIE/fo Fighter expansion for each.

To me, this is one of the hardest parts of building Imperial Squads. You need so many pieces to make them work well, because they want to be flown (for the most part) with numbers.

Similar to what others have said, none of the ships in your list AND none of the upgrades you've used come in either Core Set. Assuming you will be buying at least some of your ships you should really be focusing on builds using at least the two TIEs from the whichever core set you pick up. Although I bought one of each, I suggest you start with the TFA (Blue) Core Set. Most of the TIE f/o pilots are good. In particular I like Epsilon Leader when flying a swarm. Omega Ace hits like a truck but is hard to set up. I know you said you don't like generics but Omega Squadron is also good. PS4 with an EPT. If you buy the TIE/fo expansion for OL with combo, you could also fly 2 more TIE/fo as the backbone of your squad. Finish off to taste.

The bottom line is fly what you like, not what we think you should fly. When you mention budget though, you are talking about at least 3 additional expansions even if you proxy all the upgrades.

Well, indeed I know that I don't need any of the Core sets to fly that specific setup, but still was deciding which one should I pick up. Some of you said TFA, so I'll pick it up. Anyway, I don't like swarms and that's why I thought on that list. It's expensive, but not as lambda + Palpatine, so I can cut a bit of it. Also, maybe a friend can lend me a card or 2 for that setup. Just willing to know if it is good to start with it and a viable option to win some matches.

They say the heart wants what the heart wants! Go for it.

I think the Tie choices in TFA are generally better, but at a point-cost that's appropriate. Just pick your first several games carefully. To over-generalize, if an Imperial player does not move as well as he should - the opponent will have an easier time beating him/her. Phantoms multiply that rule. So, be willing to get shot up a lot until you get the swing of things. I imagine if you're playing a close friend, or someone willing to mentor you in the game, you could borrow the ships / cards needed as you grow into it. For that matter, just write the upgrades on an index card as you try them out - then go after shopping when you know what you want.

Unless you're a veteran miniature gamer like myself - when I pretty much know I'm going to spend money. But, for a board gamer or casual hobbyist - the cost of going very far seems high.

Aside, if you don't like swarms so much, and while swarms are an Imperial trademark formation, have you thought of starting a Rebel fleet?

With the core set X-wing, and aces, and maybe another B-wing, you have a solid easy list - with lots of shields!

You'll probably end up with ships from all the factions.

Well, I just purchased the TIE Phantom (my first X-Wing unit! Yay!). You said it, the heart wants it!

With time, I'll end up buying more stuff, but right now I'm totally clueless about Rebel squads. I thought a bit about Poe Dameron, but as I said, no idea about good setups for them that are "relatively" cheap. Have you got some ideas? T-70 with Poe Dameron if possible, please, but anyway, I'll stick with the Empire for now.

And yes, I hope I'll end up with ships of all factions .

Happy hunting!

Have fun, and as they say, "fly casual" for the first bit.

As a newer player the list is fine but getting all the components might spread your budget thin. Others have mentioned this before, x-wing more so than other games really is able to make use of the generics without sacrificing everything. Learning to make use of them helps with your learning curve a bunch and teaches you to really fly well. Picking a named ship and going with it is a good idea and let the others go Generic so your learning the big one while the others assist till your ready to tackle another. Whatever you choose to do enjoy and have fun.

List looKs strong to me. If you are going to fly imperials you must have Autothrusters. A single Inquisitor is probably the way to go. But don't discount the Interceptor expansion if you are going to by a Starviper or two for Autothrusters. Soontir Fel is a must play ace for the Imperials. Which then leads to the Imperial Aces pack to round out the Interceptors ace stable.