Hi all,

Does anyone here know any good threads or articles I can read to get started on playing IA Skirmish competitively?

I've found a couple of buy "guides" online as well like this one:

http://boardwars.eu/ally-and-villain-packs-for-star-wars-imperial-assault/

And read a few articles like this one:

https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/230613-new-skirmish-article-in-the-ffg-news-section/

I would love to do some more reading if you guys got the links

Thanks!

I don't know that there's really any good strategy advice posted anywhere. People do talk about lists that are good though.

Your best bet is to just play more games.

If you can't find people to play locally, or just want to get in more games, Vassal has a mod that lets you play skirmish online.

What kind of threads/articles would you want to see?

This is basic but a start: http://okboardgame.com/tag/imperial-assault-beginner-strategy-guide/

I like the Vader's Finest podcast, and New Orders has begun to put out some good content too. I know you asked for reading material, but those podcasts are a great place to start. For Vader's Finest you might start with the Gen Con prep episode because it outlines several prominent lists. And then the content since then is good bc it will help you get a sense of what's coming with Jabba's Realm.

Welcome to skirmish! It's a blast!

-ryanjamal

I don't know that there's really any good strategy advice posted anywhere. People do talk about lists that are good though.

Your best bet is to just play more games.

If you can't find people to play locally, or just want to get in more games, Vassal has a mod that lets you play skirmish online.

What kind of threads/articles would you want to see?

The link below is nice.

Hmm, what kind of articles.. Something like this:

http://lkhero.blogspot.com/search/label/armada

or

http://xwingtactics.blogspot.com/p/commanders-guide-links.html

I play a lot of Armada and XWing and write a lot of strategy/tactics stuff. I was looking for something equivalent to jumpstart me in Imperial Assault.

I'm currently watching some of the Regionals videos that I can find on YouTube. Is there a anything like Xwing's listerjuggler or something so I can see what kind of builds are in the current competitive meta?

I find most of the podcasts have tons of dead time, or they just read through cards/spoilers and say some pretty high level things that aren't very interesting. Or talk about lore or something.

Maybe for someone who isn't as fanatical about this game as me, it would be okay though.

There have been one or two that might be helpful, but most of them are just people making noise out of their oral cavity (see what I did ) Really it boils down to who you play against locally and most frequently. There are some deployment cards that are more economical or easier to do well with (things with 3 attack dice are better that 2 usually) Staying as far away as possible, and shooting from range is a tactic. But some melee charaters work well also. I think playing as often as you can and trying a lot of different things can help get practice which is usually the best way to get good at something. Just like in x-wing, just because someone says its good, doesn't mean it will be good for you or that you can't make something else work.

Post up some lists, usually there are some folks here that are tournament experts and can give you feedback. The more info you post, the better for getting more responses. Be patient, not everyone posts immediately, so don't worry if you have to wait a day or so.

welcome to the party!

OK guys, thanks for all your help so far. Right now, I have compiled a pretty hefty buy list for what to pick up. The question I have now is that is it better to pick up the expansions, or is it better to pick up all the individual ally packs. For example, when I look at the core set, it does not come with Elite Rebel Troopers nor does it come with Reinforcements for example.

So 2 questions really:
1. What is the point of the expansions if I just want to play Skirmish? I want to main Rebels mainly.

2. What is more cost effective when it comes to purchasing? I'm thinking straight ally packs for the cards for official tournaments.

For a rebel player expansions are for the heroes (I'd argue you don't need them though davith isn't bad in bespin) but you also need certain map tiles for the tournament maps. Example: Leias map needs hoth tiles. New ISB map needs bespin tiles.

As for allies for rebels:

You want the R2/3P0 pack for at least 3P0

1-2 Rebel Sabs

Then whatever you're interested in

Obi is a great value

You want some troopers probably (echo base elites hit harder but closer range and extra health can't be reinforced. But new command card in ranger pack will give them a shot in the arm. Normal rebel troopers have self focus but blue yellow die and pierce is kinda meh. I'm more excited by echo base and new rangers if I'm going troopers.)

You could arguably get by with Jedi Luke and a set of alliance rangers plus the stuff above.

Leia is ok ish. I feel she's a really expensive support character which is not as efficient as she should be. And can be one shot decently often. Especially to hks which I think we'll see even more when jabba hits the streets.

Lando can be good.

Wookiee aren't horrible. But you don't want too much melee usually or you'll get kited.

This isn't exhaustive but it's some good things to think about for a rebel only player.

The Jodo Cast also did an episode about getting into skirmish. I know it's not reading material but it's all I've got to offer lol.

For a rebel player expansions are for the heroes (I'd argue you don't need them though davith isn't bad in bespin) but you also need certain map tiles for the tournament maps. Example: Leias map needs hoth tiles. New ISB map needs bespin tiles.

As for allies for rebels:

You want the R2/3P0 pack for at least 3P0

1-2 Rebel Sabs

Then whatever you're interested in

Obi is a great value

You want some troopers probably (echo base elites hit harder but closer range and extra health can't be reinforced. But new command card in ranger pack will give them a shot in the arm. Normal rebel troopers have self focus but blue yellow die and pierce is kinda meh. I'm more excited by echo base and new rangers if I'm going troopers.)

You could arguably get by with Jedi Luke and a set of alliance rangers plus the stuff above.

Leia is ok ish. I feel she's a really expensive support character which is not as efficient as she should be. And can be one shot decently often. Especially to hks which I think we'll see even more when jabba hits the streets.

Lando can be good.

Wookiee aren't horrible. But you don't want too much melee usually or you'll get kited.

This isn't exhaustive but it's some good things to think about for a rebel only player.

How do you go about choosing your skirmish maps?

The Jodo Cast also did an episode about getting into skirmish. I know it's not reading material but it's all I've got to offer lol.

Thanks, I'll check it out. The objective at the end of the day is to not buy additional expansions if I don't need them. Unless absolutely required, I'm fine with not having some of the tiles.

For example: Are Leia's missions absolutely must-haves for Rebel victory?

The Jodo Cast also did an episode about getting into skirmish. I know it's not reading material but it's all I've got to offer lol.

Thanks, I'll check it out. The objective at the end of the day is to not buy additional expansions if I don't need them. Unless absolutely required, I'm fine with not having some of the tiles.

For example: Are Leia's missions absolutely must-haves for Rebel victory?

I have no idea how Leia performs in campaign, but her Skirmish mission is currently one of the three maps in rotaion (so you need it to play in tournaments essentially). Though you can just buy the playmat too.

That said, Leia is a super strong figure and fun to play with. She's definitely up there for figures to buy if you're thinking of going with Rebels.

The Jodo Cast also did an episode about getting into skirmish. I know it's not reading material but it's all I've got to offer lol.

Thanks, I'll check it out. The objective at the end of the day is to not buy additional expansions if I don't need them. Unless absolutely required, I'm fine with not having some of the tiles.

For example: Are Leia's missions absolutely must-haves for Rebel victory?

I have no idea how Leia performs in campaign, but her Skirmish mission is currently one of the three maps in rotaion (so you need it to play in tournaments essentially). Though you can just buy the playmat too.

That said, Leia is a super strong figure and fun to play with. She's definitely up there for figures to buy if you're thinking of going with Rebels.

Yes, I intend on picking up Leia, but the fact that I have to pick up the Hoth expansion for the tiles just to play her mission makes it kinda sucky.

Edit:

https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/232597-isb-headquarters-is-the-new-map/?p=2462213

This pretty much suggests that I have to get everything because you never know when they're just going to suddenly switch maps? This makes it pretty inaccessible for newer players IMO.

Yes, I intend on picking up Leia, but the fact that I have to pick up the Hoth expansion for the tiles just to play her mission makes it kinda sucky.

Edit:

https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/232597-isb-headquarters-is-the-new-map/?p=2462213

This pretty much suggests that I have to get everything because you never know when they're just going to suddenly switch maps? This makes it pretty inaccessible for newer players IMO.

Actually, you could just buy the pre-printed map (Nelvaanian War Zone) and not have to worry about getting a hold of the tiles from the Hoth box. (Link: http://www.miniaturemarket.com/ffgswi39.html) One of the reason that FFG is providing official pre-printed maps is to allow new players to play in tournaments without first requiring them to purchase a number of different expansion boxes simply for the map tiles. It provides options. (Plus, players (like me) who have everything still enjoy playing on pre-printed maps because we don't always want to build a map or take a bunch of tiles with us to every tournament.)

It's actually a question of how much money you want to spend, and when to spend it. You might find that you end up getting the Hoth box eventually anyway (it contains HK Assassin Droids, which are excellent), but if you don't have the money for the Hoth box right away then just getting the pre-printed map might be more affordable.

I know you may be hesitant about the big boxes, but they do add the most bang for their buck, but I may be biased as I love playing imperial. But the hoth box also you gives you HK assassin droids (units that I think are too good for their cost) the almost auto include command card "Negation", and those sweet sweet targeting computer attachments which, if you are a rebel, go great on sabatours! For skirmish purposes twin shadows and bespin aren't extremely optimal, but I like the heavy troopers and tuskens once and awhile, and I love the urgnaught as a fill unit for scum.

You can build a good Trooper list out of just what's in the core box + the Rebel Troopers pack.

Mercs will want lots of stuff from the new Jabba wave in addition to the HKs from Hoth.

Rebel's most popular units are Leia, Obi, and Saboteurs.

Here's a good rundown of the relative value/importance of each figure pack for both Skirmish and Campaign:

http://boardwars.eu/ally-and-villain-packs-for-star-wars-imperial-assault/

Also, FWIW: You don't 100% need all the tiles right away if you're okay with sharing. Most store tournaments are forgiving of this. You can also buy the official map sheets or have some printed (for much less).

To know which maps are required for tourneys go here: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/star-wars-imperial-assault/

And then navigate down to tournament resources and check out the imperial assault tournament regulations. Currently: Nelvaanian Warzone, Coruscant Landfill, and ISB Headquarters (I think that's the name).

I agree the hoth box is worth it for those command cards and targeting computers and there's just a lot in the box plus one of the best scum units (hks) and map tiles for one of the official maps. Two of the rebel heroes in it can be fun (maybe even competitive someday - MHD and Verena).

And yeah Leia can be really strong. If played well. She's just becoming to squishy to me and giving her a good unit to use her attack with costs about half your team almost. So I tend to lean away from her. But I also haven't found a rebel list I really like in awhile.

So looking at the box contents:

http://imperial-assault.wikia.com/wiki/Return_to_Hoth

This comes with Leia.

But then..

http://imperial-assault.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Ally_Pack

So you have to get Leia to get the skirmish mission card, while still needing the tiles from Hoth to play the actual mission, and then you have 2 Leia models now but you can only use one. This is really irritating.

The same can be said about the other maps as well.. like Bespin. I don't want anything from that box, even more so than Hoth. Hoth at least has some pretty good cards.

This is the biggest difference that I see for playing this game competitively. Unlike X-Wing or Armada, IA seems to even put terrain as an additional barrier of entry.

the hoth box comes with a token for leia, not an actual model.

For the tiles, you could, again, grab the maps that FFG makes, or get someone to print them for you. there are several threads on doing just that.

So looking at the box contents:

http://imperial-assault.wikia.com/wiki/Return_to_Hoth

This comes with Leia.

But then..

http://imperial-assault.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Ally_Pack

So you have to get Leia to get the skirmish mission card, while still needing the tiles from Hoth to play the actual mission, and then you have 2 Leia models now but you can only use one. This is really irritating.

The same can be said about the other maps as well.. like Bespin. I don't want anything from that box, even more so than Hoth. Hoth at least has some pretty good cards.

This is the biggest difference that I see for playing this game competitively. Unlike X-Wing or Armada, IA seems to even put terrain as an additional barrier of entry.

You'll double up on some of the cards but not the models.

The only time you'll double up on models is if you buy multiple expansion boxes or multiple ally packs.

That being said, in the core/expansion boxes you don't get enough cards to run some of the combos. For example, there's 1 elite nexu and 1 regular nexu card in the core box and you get 2 nexu models. Technically you'd need to buy another core set to get a second elite nexu card, if you wanted to run 2 elite nexu.

The ally packs are fine because you get one set of normal and elite cards for the figures in the pack. So if you want 2 groups you'll have to buy 2 packs anyway.

You can get some cards from the tournament kits which does help though.

That's my biggest complaint with how this game is structured. And they still haven't fixed that in the latest expansions.

The map tiles are less of a problem. You can borrow them, play with printed maps or buy the FFG neoprene ones. And only 1 player really needs them so it's easier to share with others.

While you do technically need to own them, most places will be lenient and tolerant with new players not owning everything. The community is more than happy to lend out map tiles for tournaments or casual play.

It could be a bit harder if your local store has few players etc...

In any case, it's up to the TO and everyone is generally very understanding. We played Nationals recently on printed maps just because it's quicker and easier. So unless you're going to Worlds or FFG HQ, I wouldn't worry about it.

Check with your local store/community. I'm sure they'll help you out.

Even with the map tile requirement, it can still be cheaper than X-wing. You rarely need to buy packs just for 1 card. There's nothing like having to buy a $140+ epic ship to get one Palpatine.

Are they going to release one of those giant mouse pads for the Bespin map?

Are they going to release one of those giant mouse pads for the Bespin map?

Yes, they'll release one for every tourney legal map moving forward - at least that's the plan. How quickly available they'll be? That's a different question. Hopefully, there are enough of the ISB map for sale at FFG this week for Worlds

Alright, here is my current buy list:

That's a pretty good list. I would just add that the newest expansion is going to be great, particularly with Skum, and it will allow for some really fun lists. With it, Jabba (or really without him as well), and Bossk, you've got several solid Skum lists.

Happy gaming!

-ryanjamal