Hi. My friends and I are new to X-Wing. I picked up the Force Awakens core set a couple of weeks ago, and after several games my friend has just ordered the original core set and the Falcon.

I'm playing Imps, and I need something extra to face off to his Falcon. I'm torn between adding Slave 1, or a Tie Phantom and Tie Interceptor. I really like the idea of both Slave 1 and the Phantom, but can't decide which way to go at this point.

Are there any specific strengths/weaknesses or recommendations for either of these options?

Thanks

If I had to pick, probably the Phantom.

The TIE interceptor is deadly as sin, but needs a lot of upgrades that sit in different packs (Stealth Device - Scyk, Autothrusters - Starviper, Royal Guard TIE & Push The Limit - Imperial Aces)

Slave 1 isn't bad, but the Scum and Villainy version of Boba Fett is much, much nastier than the Imperial version.

Thanks Magnus. Is there something that would be better than the Interceptor at this stage?

Phantom is not really good if you're just starting. It will either be op and you'll destroy your opponents list if its poor (and it probably will, you're just starting) or you will get crushed hard if you make a single mistake. Really skillful and complex ship. On the other hand, slave is iconic, fun, easy to fly and good for facing the falcon if you care about fluff. Its not that gopd if you're going to play tournaments, but enjoy the game for now, and in casual it's a total beast. And big ships are more fun

imperial veterans is THE pack to pick if you're new to the game and playing empire

there is nothing more new player friendly or forgiving than a TIE/x7 title defender (just slap crackshot onto one of the named pilots and you're good to go)

The Tie/FO pack is also a really amazing investment

Just out the box, Omega Leader with Comm Relay and Juke gives you a powerful Tie that can actually go toe to toe with any ship (even the falcon) in the late game because his ability is ridiculous

also gives you the Zeta Leader pilot, which you can run fairly well with the Core Set's Wired and Weapon Guidance

with Veterans and the FO pack, you can already start building very solid squads

Mareek Steele (Tie/x7, crackshot) [34]

Omega Leader (comm relay, juke) [26]

Zeta Leader (wired, weapon guidance) [23]

Epsilon Ace (nothing) [17]

for a perfect 100 points

Thanks. Plenty to think on, and plan to spend money on

I like your thought of getting a large base to balance the Falcon. It also gives both of you more ways to fly in this game. Have you considered another turret like a Decimator?

I like the look of the decimation, but Slave 1 is iconic. Decided to go that way. I'll still get a phantom, probably soon, in part because it looks so good painted with the cloak effect:)

Yes Slave I is iconic. That's the better buy now. You'll get everything anyways it's just a matter of time.

Good call on Slave I.

First rule of beginning Xwing. Fly what you think is cool. The rest like worrying about what's best will come from there.