Hello, new to xwing, I want to build an imperial faction but not sure where to start. I have the core set and am planning on the imperial aces and maybe a defender. Some input would be appreciated, thanks.

If your plan includes a defender after aces, don't buy imperial aces, buy imperial veterans. That'd give you all the ships you would need for:

Col. Vessery (defender) 41points

-Tie/d (imp. Vets)

-Ion cannon (defender)

-marksmanship (core set)

Countess Ryad (veterans) 35points

-Tie/X7 (veterans)

-predator (defender)

"Deathfire" (veterans) 24points

-Proximity mine (veterans)

-proton torpedoes (core)

-long range scanners (veterans)

It isn't perfect, but it would work and there is a good variety of tools in the squad to learn with. Defenders are in a really good place after getting the boost in imperial veterans. However, if you have mote nostalgia for interceptors (I understand, the defender ia awesome but the interceptor is iconic), go with imperial aces and then a regular interceptor pack. You would have every interceptor pilot then. The only thing is interceptors are not forgiving, one mistake and they tend to turn into space dust. Here is a list with what you would have available after that:

Soontir Fel (Interceptor) 35points

-Push the limit (aces)

-Royal Guard Tie (aces)

-hull upgrade (aces)

-targeting computer (aces)

Carnor Jax (aces) 34points

-Push the Limit (aces)

-Royal Guard tie (aces)

-Hull Upgrade (aces)

-Targeting Computer (aces)

Alpha Squadron Pilot (Interceptor) 18points

Neither of these lists are perfect, but both give you a start. Defenders are alot more forgiving to play and if you go thw veterans route you'll end up with more ship variety. Veterans route: 2 tie fighters, 2 tie defenders, tie bomber. Aces route: 2 tie fighters, 3 tie interceptors.

Good luck, and welcome to the Imperial Navy!

If you're going defender then go with Imperial Veterans instead. In this case you will have two defenders which You can play either with x7 or Tie/D title.

If you gonna go with Aces you will want to get another Interceptor for the Soontir Fel pilot (or get the promo card from ebay). In that case you would need autothrusters from StarViper if you wanna go competitive.

Also the Tie/Fo expansion has inside the Omega Leader with all the upgrades you need for him (Juke+Comm relay).

With those boxes and some proxying you could build something like this

TIE/fo Fighter: · "Omega Leader" (21)

Juke (2)

Comm Relay (3)

TIE Defender: · Maarek Stele (35)

Predator (3)

TIE/x7 (-2)

TIE Defender: · Colonel Vessery (35)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Tractor Beam (1)

TIE/D (0)

Of course that's only one idea on how to do it. You could go Aces or Vets with a Decimator for an Interceptor/Defender + Decimator list (which I'm currently playing and it's awesome)

And welcome to X-wing!

to echo everyone, the defender x7 is easily the most welcoming and forgiving (and $ effective due to the contents of imperial veterans) ship to get into the empire, and possibly the game overall, with