Hey so i'm looking to make a list for people i'm trying to introduce to x-wing. Most of the lists I have on hand are a little more complicated then i'd like. I'm looking for something simple but also has sprinkles of the mechanics in the game. I was thinking something like a couple of b wings and x wings with one or two special pilots and one or two upgrades. What do you guys think any ideas?

Here is something I came up with, the list doesn't have to be competitive but it should at least be decent so they have a shot at beating me.

Luke (w/R2-D2) - Biggs - Wedge vs Darth Vader & some Black Squadron Pilots!

I'll throw my hat in with the Luke Biggs and Wedge vs Vader and Tie fighters crowd.

Let them discover the obscure EU ships later, when they're already hooked.

Rebels: Rookie Pilot

Imperials: 2x Academy Pilot

Board set up: 3x3' playmat

Obstacles: None.

This is how you get someone into X-Wing.

Alternatively, you can do this:

Rebels: Blue Squadron Novice

Imperials: 2x Epsilon Squadron Pilot

Board set up: 3x3' playmat

Obstacles: None.

New players like to keep things as simple as possible. If you overwhelm them with pilot abilities and upgrades on top of the basic mechanics, they'll get flustered and not want to play anymore. The core set battles are designed exactly for this purpose. Playing core set battles has been by far the most effective in getting people into X-Wing with me. Every time i've busted out extra ships and upgrades off the bat, they've never played with me again.

Don't go all in with 100 point squads. Ease them in with lower point counts - 40 points, 60 points. Not too many abilities, limited upgrades. There's little point in learning all the exceptions before they know the basics.

Just use a core set.

Yeah stick with the core set. X-Wing vs 2 Ties? Classic!

IDEAS for you.

Most people wanting to get into X-wing want to play the battles from the movies, lets start with that as a idea don't use a lot of upgrades or make things to overly complex or you will lose most new people. (also try to make it uneven so the new guys win because they will want to play more games if they do and you don't want to just throw a game make it tough on you and fun for them)

Luke (with R2) Wedge and Y-Wing vs Vader and 3 black ties.

Luke and Han vs Vader and black ties.

Lando with Nien Nunb, Wedge, with 2 a-wings, Airen Cracken and vs 3 ties and 3 interceptors maybe with Jendon.

You could play the Darth Star Trench run.

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/859775/dagobah-daves-death-star-trench-run-mission

Just be a good sport and rock it out.

Here are some links to the Battle of Endor, a lot of pilots you have where there in the movie, use that a base, I would.

http://www.starwars.com/news/death-star-ii-personnel-and-imperial-human-resources

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Battle_of_Endor

One i used as a first time list and performed rather well is this.

Poe Dameron

VI

R2D2

Autothrusters

Green Sq. Pilot

Adaptability

Crackshot

Autothrusters

Title

Refit

2X Rookie Pilot

Gives you 2 jousters to practice tandem flying, a slipery ship to practice with fast dials, and Poe for some Ace experience. Lets you get a feel for several different types of ships and flying styles without overloading the newcomer's brain.

The way I've found is fun is 4 tie fighters vs han with Luke (gunner). Let them pick what side they want to try. It's the escape the death star basically and it's not failed me yet.

One i used as a first time list and performed rather well is this.

Poe Dameron

VI

R2D2

Autothrusters

Green Sq. Pilot

Adaptability

Crackshot

Autothrusters

Title

Refit

2X Rookie Pilot

Gives you 2 jousters to practice tandem flying, a slipery ship to practice with fast dials, and Poe for some Ace experience. Lets you get a feel for several different types of ships and flying styles without overloading the newcomer's brain.

you're gonna give a player who doesn't even know the geometry of the maneuvers a PS 10 super Ace, and an A-Wing with multiple complicated meta upgrades, both of which have reposition actions and weird pilot skill?

You're trying to teach them the rules, not prepare them for a tournament

if someone introduced me to the game like this, i'd have never started playing.

For literally game number one? Core set generics for sure. You could always add a ship or two, but keep it real simple.

After that, for someone who is interested in more, there are already some great ideas here for sure. One thing I really enjoyed were mirror matches and the actual missions. Putting a falcon on the table after a handful of games never hurts either.

I actually enjoy these games still,because the way it plays all the ships feel useful. Tie fighters are slippery, but x wings can actually hit hard with some good flying. Ties with their 2 attack dice feel weak, but you'll still plink away at x wings with their equally weak defense. Sort of "back to dials" fun if that makes sense, where the planning phase feels tense in a fun way because it's so important.

A couple I stole from someone on these forums (sorry if you see this!)

One i used as a first time list and performed rather well is this.

Poe Dameron

VI

R2D2

Autothrusters

Green Sq. Pilot

Adaptability

Crackshot

Autothrusters

Title

Refit

2X Rookie Pilot

Gives you 2 jousters to practice tandem flying, a slipery ship to practice with fast dials, and Poe for some Ace experience. Lets you get a feel for several different types of ships and flying styles without overloading the newcomer's brain.

you're gonna give a player who doesn't even know the geometry of the maneuvers a PS 10 super Ace, and an A-Wing with multiple complicated meta upgrades, both of which have reposition actions and weird pilot skill?

You're trying to teach them the rules, not prepare them for a tournament

if someone introduced me to the game like this, i'd have never started playing.

Luke (w/R2-D2) - Biggs - Wedge vs Darth Vader & some Black Squadron Pilots!

I'll throw my hat in with the Luke Biggs and Wedge vs Vader and Tie fighters crowd.

Let them discover the obscure EU ships later, when they're already hooked

don't have enough x-wings

Rebels: Rookie Pilot

Imperials: 2x Academy Pilot

Board set up: 3x3' playmat

Obstacles: None.

This is how you get someone into X-Wing.

Alternatively, you can do this:

Rebels: Blue Squadron Novice

Imperials: 2x Epsilon Squadron Pilot

Board set up: 3x3' playmat

Obstacles: None.

New players like to keep things as simple as possible. If you overwhelm them with pilot abilities and upgrades on top of the basic mechanics, they'll get flustered and not want to play anymore. The core set battles are designed exactly for this purpose. Playing core set battles has been by far the most effective in getting people into X-Wing with me. Every time i've busted out extra ships and upgrades off the bat, they've never played with me again.

good point, didn't think of this since it's been so long since ive done that.