Are these two fairly balanced considering a casual learning game?

By Ken at Sunrise, in X-Wing Squad Lists

I am inviting over friends and would like to introduce them to X-Wing. Maybe a quick game of 2 X-Wings and 4 TIE Fighters to get a feel for the game them up it just a little bit.

I'm hoping for something that isn't a blow out, so reasonably balanced.

Rebellion force:

This will be a two player team so 4 X-Wings seemed good. Each will get one ace and one Rookie.

Luke Skywalker (28)
R2 Astromech (1)
Integrated Astromech (0)

Garven Dreis (26)
R2 Astromech (1)
Integrated Astromech (0)

Rookie Pilot (21)
R2 Astromech (1)
Integrated Astromech (0)

Rookie Pilot (21)
R2 Astromech (1)
Integrated Astromech (0)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Imperial Force:
The Imperial side will also be a two player team. Both players will have a little more experience but not a lot. One Ace per side.

"Howlrunner" (18)
Stealth Device (3)

"Backstabber" (16)
Stealth Device (3)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

What does everyone think?

Thanks,

I always introduce friends to X-wing by giving them 1 ship (or 2 TIEs) only.

It's just less complicated, more fun, and really cuts down on the length of the game. The list above could take 2+ hours to finish if players are constantly being reminded of rules.

Oh and bumping. It's going to happen even more with newer players and it's by far the least fun aspect of this great game. Fielding 11 ships on the map in a player's first game is risky in my opinion.

I get that you want to have something thematic, but honestly it's the dogfighting aspect that will suck your friends in. And 4 TIEs vs 2 X-wings is still cool!

Personally I would just do something like:

Player 1 - Luke

Player 2 - Garven

Player 3 - 2 x AP

Player 4 - 2 x AP

Hope that helps!

Edited by zerotc

I always introduce friends to X-wing by giving them 1 ship (or 2 TIEs) only.

That is what I said, sorry I wasn't more clear.

To introduce them I was planing on giving them one ship each and the other side 2 TIEs each. all generics.
This was the next game.

I always introduce friends to X-wing by giving them 1 ship (or 2 TIEs) only.

That is what I said, sorry I wasn't more clear.

To introduce them I was planing on giving them one ship each and the other side 2 TIEs each. all generics.
This was the next game.

Ah that's my bad.

Yea, I mean you'll probably have a good idea of what your friends can manage after the first game. If it's a real slog, maybe they could play again or switch sides. If they catch on real quick, then I'm sure the more experienced players would appreciate getting in a full game.

As for balance, I would say Howlrunner gives the Imps an advantage.

Maybe....

Luke [R2-D2, IA]

Rookie Pilot [R2, IA]

and

Gold Squadron Pilot [TLT]

Rookie Pilot [R2, IA]

Or maybe even fit in a 50-point YT-1300 build as an option. I feel like the Rebels will never beat a TIE Swarm with raw efficiency, so their list should have some tricks whether that be turrets, regen, or other upgrades.

I always introduce friends to X-wing by giving them 1 ship (or 2 TIEs) only.

That is what I said, sorry I wasn't more clear.

To introduce them I was planing on giving them one ship each and the other side 2 TIEs each. all generics.
This was the next game.

Ah that's my bad.

Yea, I mean you'll probably have a good idea of what your friends can manage after the first game. If it's a real slog, maybe they could play again or switch sides. If they catch on real quick, then I'm sure the more experienced players would appreciate getting in a full game.

As for balance, I would say Howlrunner gives the Imps an advantage.

Maybe....

Luke [R2-D2, IA]

Rookie Pilot [R2, IA]

and

Gold Squadron Pilot [TLT]

Rookie Pilot [R2, IA]

Or maybe even fit in a 50-point YT-1300 build as an option. I feel like the Rebels will never beat a TIE Swarm with raw efficiency, so their list should have some tricks whether that be turrets, regen, or other upgrades.

Good idea adding the Y-Wing. Gives different flavor too.

You could also have a cheap outer rim smuggler, almost useless, but introupes maneuverin bigger ships.