One of the patrons at my LGS is trying to get a IA group up and running. I feel a little bit lost on what I should be buying and how to build list. Compared to X-wing or Armada there is a lot less current information out there to help a new player get started.

The amount of command cards alone is staggering. At lest in X-wing and Armada the upgrade cards fit specific slots reducing the amount of choices.

As of now I only have two games under my belt. I currently own Core set, Return to Hoth, Bantha, Leia, C3PO/R2, Reb Sabs, Reb troopers, Royal Gaurd Champ. I plan on buying Twin Shadows and the stormtroopers pack so that I have all of the OP maps and tiles.

What else should I buy to make at least two competitive list? One of the guys that is going through the campaign would play but I would have to supply both sides.

Are there any good streams/youtube channels that show competitive play?

Any good websites that have list/tactics?

Any else that I should know/know about?

Thanks for your help.

With what you have you can build two lists easy.

There is is a great podcast called Mandalorian Tactics.

Miniranker.com has lots of lists you can build from.

You have more than enough to build competitive list. You don't have to have all the options to play the games. You will only need 15 command cards at any given time. The Bespin stuff added Spy specific command cards and some fun options, but none of those are necessary. One of the things I've enjoyed about this is the starter box literally has 3 complete armies in it. I see that you have several rebel expansions or ally kits. If you like the rebels, then a starter list to play would be something along these lines

Luke, Leia, elite Saboteurs, elite Rebel troopers, Gideon, C-3P0, Balance of the Force

command cards would include things like Grenadier, Son of Skywalker, Take it Down, Single Purpose, Element of Suprise, Lock On, Fleet Footed, Rally, Emergency Aid, Take Initiative, Urgency, Dead Eye, Celebration, Reinforcements, Planning

IA is more about positioning, controlling yours and your opponents' movements and command card draw and playing the scenario.

Is this the best list ever, I don't know, a lot of that has more to do with your playstyle and what you enjoy more than anything. There is an Imperial assault team builder website that has all the cards and where they are from and even has 1ooo or more army lists on it as well.

The Twins list he listed is very powerful. I used it to get second place at a Regional on the weekend and I hadn't played in almost a year since our last regionals.

If needed, play some practice games w/o the command cards to just learn the basics of the game. Not sure how much campaign youve played, but just in general, see how the game works. Then after some games, see what command cards you can add to make your team more viable.

~D

Thanks for the tips. I purchased Twin Shadows and the Stormtrooper pack so that I can practice the maps.

Miniranker.com has lots of lists you can build from.

I really wish this site had there command cards included in the list but it does help with ideas.

Luke, Leia, elite Saboteurs, elite Rebel troopers, Gideon, C-3P0, Balance of the Force

command cards would include things like Grenadier, Son of Skywalker, Take it Down, Single Purpose, Element of Suprise, Lock On, Fleet Footed, Rally, Emergency Aid, Take Initiative, Urgency, Dead Eye, Celebration, Reinforcements, Planning

The two games I have played I ran a list similar to this but with different, probably less ideal, command cards. I will defenatly give it a try.

If needed, play some practice games w/o the command cards to just learn the basics of the game. Not sure how much campaign youve played, but just in general, see how the game works. Then after some games, see what command cards you can add to make your team more viable.

~D

Right now me, my wife and another couple have two missions left to play in the original campaign. We still have at least one rules question come up every mission.

Are there and second hand sellers? It looks like there is not much of a market for singles on ebay compared to X-wing and Armada.

I've been getting some good learning curve mileage from Team Covenant on YouTube. They do tournament games with commentary, and unboxings with thoughts and highlights on how to use the contents.

ia-armies.com

make up your own lists, copying someone else's list doesn't help, because you're not that person, they have a certain style and you will have a certain style. You have to play to develop your style and figure out what works for you.

Half agree buck, it definitely accelerates the learning curve somewhat though if people know what's "good" and what's not. There are some units that are just flat out better than similar options, and playing with those units and finding out why they work and in what type of lists I'd say is definitely helpful.

Ya I think it is the opposite, similar to if I am playing Heroes of the Storm or League of Legends, I want to look at the builds the top players are using because there is a reason they use that build. I might decide to customize it for my play style but I would say 9/10 times the researched lists are going to be where you end up.

Ya I think it is the opposite, similar to if I am playing Heroes of the Storm or League of Legends, I want to look at the builds the top players are using because there is a reason they use that build. I might decide to customize it for my play style but I would say 9/10 times the researched lists are going to be where you end up.

I think the balance of the game right now allows for much more customization in lists than people think.

Yes no ones going to be running Han in a top tier list, but gone are the days of the 4 by 4 being the only dominant team. There's a lot of diversity out there I recommend trying some popular lists then picking characters you like the abilities on and working lists to make them shine.

There are great online squadbuilders, but I have to tell you that I think this offline idea is superfantabulous.

GO HERE: https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/222706-my-ultimate-command-card-organization-system-optimized-for-offline-deckbuilding/

A new person can briefly look through the deployment cards and build a squad of 40. Then based on the keywords, shouldn't have too hard a time building a Command Deck.

Ya I think it is the opposite, similar to if I am playing Heroes of the Storm or League of Legends, I want to look at the builds the top players are using because there is a reason they use that build. I might decide to customize it for my play style but I would say 9/10 times the researched lists are going to be where you end up.

I don't agree. Especially in Imperial Assault, there are some units, that are VERY good in the hands of an expert player, but totally suck in the hands of a newbie. Elite Rebel Troopers are a good example: When your positioning is perfect, they are one of the best units in the game. If your positioning is just a little less than perfect, they really suck.

The title of the thread is "How to get started?" Started, not explore advanced mechanics. The best place to start is with a strong comp that you can pick up and play with, then tool to your specifications. You wouldn't tell someone right from the start that they need to discover how to use X figure more efficiently than players who have spent dozens of hours already combing through the build. The best place to start is look what is being played at the highest level and play with it to learn why they chose that comp, once you understand that you understand enough about the game to start building your own. It will save a lot of time.

This stuffs like crack. One hit and you're hooked for life. Always looking for that next hit, jonse-ing on the earlier Wave releases that are hard to come by; itching for the next big hit to satisfy...

I'm starting to shake right now just thinking about it.

There is is a great podcast called Mandalorian Tactics.

Mandalorian Tactics is on hiatus right now and they haven't covered Wave 7 so far.

I'd recommend Vader's Finest as a Skirmish Podcast. Also we (boardwars.eu) tend to talk about skirmish from time to time, but we certainly are more campaign focused.

There is is a great podcast called Mandalorian Tactics.

Mandalorian Tactics is on hiatus right now and they haven't covered Wave 7 so far.I'd recommend Vader's Finest as a Skirmish Podcast. Also we (boardwars.eu) tend to talk about skirmish from time to time, but we certainly are more campaign focused.

Yes I'm aware of the unfortunate news but my post you quoted was over a month ago before that news came out. It's still best IA podcast and only one I listen to and recommend. Hopefully things go well and they return soon.