TOP 3 + Lando Crew

Vader + Adaptability + Engine Upgrade + Title + Advanced Targeting Computer is very rewarding as a you can keep the dial open like the Ace he is (with interceptors you'll need Push the limit so you'll be tied to greens)

Sabine Fel is all lols and joy as is Echo-lite for chea. Attack Shuttle + Kanan crew + Push the limit + Autoblaster Turret

DeathFire Bomber + Conner Net + Extra Munitions + Long range Scanners + Flechette torps

Nothing like Lando crew to make your game different every time as in Ezra Attack shutlle + Push the limit + THE lando + Turret of your choice

Personally, I think you should look in your local area for people that aren't so competitive. You always get the die hard competitive folk and then you get people with varying degrees of tournament type and casual play.

There also a good chance that your hard core tournament folks have a bunch stuff that isn't really competitive that they'd like to fly. It's been my experience that as long as you set the expectation for what sort of game you are looking for most people will be happy to break out their "for ***** and giggles" squad for a few games. The immediate run up to major tournaments is likely to be an exception to that though..

Personally, I think you should look in your local area for people that aren't so competitive. You always get the die hard competitive folk and then you get people with varying degrees of tournament type and casual play.

There also a good chance that your hard core tournament folks have a bunch stuff that isn't really competitive that they'd like to fly. It's been my experience that as long as you set the expectation for what sort of game you are looking for most people will be happy to break out their "for ***** and giggles" squad for a few games. The immediate run up to major tournaments is likely to be an exception to that though..

True on that. Not everyone fits into the "casual only" and "tournament only" bucket. Most are somewhere in between. Setting expectations before games is crucial to having fun.

I have always like the TIE Interceptor, so I started there. Gotta admit that the TIE Defender is a super bad beast to fly, and it is fun to see my brother get immediately sad when I table them. . .he knows it's gonna be a tough fight.

For Scum, I like Bossk in the YV-666; I also have a thing for Kath Scarlet.

I don't play Rebels, but B-Wings and Han Solo are tough to beat.

ALSO, be warned that I only play 300-point Epic, and things work a lot differently in that milieu. OTOH, Raiders and Corvettes are Huge fun (pun intended).

Feel free to proxy cards, too.

Feel free to proxy cards, too.

While I'd agree with that. My advice to someone just starting out is to avoid upgrades at first. I think more ships and less upgrades would both make list building a lot easier, and would help teach you how to maneuver better.

I'd further recommend to use an online builder if you are playing casual. You can proxy anything, and essentially have access to everything to give it a try. Build, print, play.

1) Stay away from Scum and Epic ships until you get some time under your belt. Epic is like a whole other game (I haven't tried it yet and I've been playing for 8 months), and while Scum is great you'll have your hands full with Rebel/Imperial for a while.

2) Take your time and buy what looks fun. For me, personally, the ships I like to play the most are TIE Defender (Countess Ryad from Imperial Veterans pack) and the Ghost (Kannan).

3) Have variety in what you play. Nothing wrong with the 360* turrets, but don't get hung up on only playing them. You have to try a lot of things to find out what you like.

4) Get good as using a squadbuilder and don't be afraid to proxy cards. Borrow cards if you need to. Print your list with the squadbuilder and just use it when you missing cards.

5) Get in on a game of Heroes of the Aturi Cluster. It's a great experience.

1) Stay away from Scum and Epic ships until you get some time under your belt. Epic is like a whole other game (I haven't tried it yet and I've been playing for 8 months), and while Scum is great you'll have your hands full with Rebel/Imperial for a while.

I disagree with this. I started Scum and had a blast from day 1. If the Scum aesthetic/fluff pleases you, there's no reason not to go for it IMO.