So I've delayed hitting the mat with Armada; but I wish to begin this holiday season; time off and all. So, I'm new to Armada (have some ships purchased on a crazy summer sale, but they're still in the packaging). What could I add to insure some super fun even games as I try this out and flop between factions with my X-Wing friends (who haven't played Armada either)?

This is what I have:

Star Wars Armada Core Set
Star Wars Armada Dice Pack
CR90 Corellian Corvette Expansion Pack

Nebulon-B Frigate Expansion Pack

Victory-Class Star Destroyer Expansion Pack
Imperial Raider Expansion Pack

Thanks for any advice!

3 MC30s, an ISD and a gladiator

ISD and Gladiator for Imperial starships, MC30 and Liberty for the Rebels, flotillas if you like squadrons or high activations, and squadron packs are all great choices. One of each of the ships is plenty unless you have specific ideas in mind. For the squadron packs I'd recommend two apiece, just to have enough to field in meaningful numbers.

3 MC30s, an ISD and a gladiator

These are good choices. Not been playing long but the Gladiator is one of my favourites and the ISD is amazing. I don't play rebels but playing against the MC30c is a nightmare!

Squadron packs...

Great thoughts...I purchased a Battlefoam insert for the Starter Box that was on a crazy awesome sale 50% off their sale price three months ago. I have a real OCD thing about storage. All of my X-Wing ships are in custom Battle-foam C-4s (they're awesome as they have a large pocket and integral card binder). Anyway, I think the starter foam holds the ships I have (according to BF) and they (BF chat) stated that it would also hold more fighters than the core comes with easily. I think Green Knight's suggestion is an easy one to dovetail in.

I looked at the ISD, it's cool, large and it will definitely force my OCD in requiring me to protect it; along with the Gladiator and (3) MC90s if I get them. What do you guys do for storage/transport? A Custom Battle-foam gets pricey if you don't hit a sale....

Don't forget about the Assault Frigate. Great all round ship.

Oh and for storage I use Feldherr Foam inside the old Games Workshop plastic cases. Works a treat.

Assault frigate, gladiator, both squadron packs, and one of each flotilla.

Start with the ship you like the most........then buy at least one of everything else because you're hooked! Or was that just me?

As Barney said start with what you like, but eventually get at least one every ship for playing, upgrades and new admirals.

As for squadrons at least 1 for new ships and aces, you'll eventually get two for at least 4 of each.

Rouges and Villain pack get 1 for now. They change the squadron game instantly.

I play mostly Imperial and have at least 2 of everything, even Rebels. That gives me tons of upgrades and a wide spread of admirals to select from.

Hope that helps.

You don't need 3 mc30s.... That's crazy talk. You do need the squadron packs.

Start with the ship you like the most........then buy at least TWO of everything else because you're hooked! Or was that just me?

I corrected that for you mate. Hah

You don't need 3 mc30s.... That's crazy talk. You do need the squadron packs.

While I agree with you I think I should defer to the more experienced...

@Moodswing how many MC30c expansions should people own?

Assault frigate, gladiator, both squadron packs, and one of each flotilla.

As Barney said start with what you like, but eventually get at least one every ship for playing, upgrades and new admirals.

As for squadrons at least 1 for new ships and aces, you'll eventually get two for at least 4 of each.

Rouges and Villain pack get 1 for now. They change the squadron game instantly.

I play mostly Imperial and have at least 2 of everything, even Rebels. That gives me tons of upgrades and a wide spread of admirals to select from.

Hope that helps.

You don't need 3 mc30s.... That's crazy talk. You do need the squadron packs.

So I know I'll pick up squadron packs or fighters (I'm guessing they come in types); so what types would be best if I add one to the Imps and one to the Rebs?

the wave 2 packs

Look out for sales, buy what is on sale, until you have everything you need. Sales seem to be rather common. See the squadrons go for $10 a piece rather frequently.

@ClanofWolves - I started a buying guide thread...

You don't need 3 mc30s.... That's crazy talk. You do need the squadron packs.

Yeah good point.

Can I increase to 4 MC30s please.

You don't need 3 mc30s.... That's crazy talk. You do need the squadron packs.

Yeah good point.

Can I increase to 4 MC30s please.

I have done some research on the forum and I get the idea of adding a gladiator being a good one. I'm not finding as much info on multiple MC30s. What's the main selling point on a squad of these ships?

He's joking, don't worry.

(You need 5 MC30s.)

I'm not finding as much info on multiple MC30s. What's the main selling point on a squad of these ships?

For competition play, the mc30 has very powerful upgrades. If you want to play rebels, and the get-in-close-with-knives play style, the mc30 is the way to go.

Is this fleet supposed to make both halves of the battle, or will your friends also be buying?

I'm not finding as much info on multiple MC30s. What's the main selling point on a squad of these ships?

For competition play, the mc30 has very powerful upgrades. If you want to play rebels, and the get-in-close-with-knives play style, the mc30 is the way to go.

Is this fleet supposed to make both halves of the battle, or will your friends also be buying?

If it's anything like my X-Wing experience, fairly quickly: yes. I'm the kid the others watch go up on the high diving board, edging me on with peer pressure (when I'm probably too young). Trembling, I jump off as they watch in horror; coming up smiling, they all get in line. OK, not that grand of an actuality, but my friends love games but don't take chances. When I got into X-Wing, they are slowly following and have to play my ships and cards less and less as they build their collections; even family members.

FFG should comp me on my sales ability; they're making some real jack with my seeds.

Anyway, it'll need to be ballanced right now; but I lean Empire in my joy of flying the ships.

I don't know from experience, but it seems the Empire is overall less maneuverable than the Rebles, this correct? It'll be a learning curve as I'm used to the opposite in X. My reading this AM has led me to the new wave which may add maneuverability to the Imps? Maybe I go the new wave route as it might fit my flying style (allbeit altered into a large ship game).

You don't need 3 mc30s.... That's crazy talk. You do need the squadron packs.

While I agree with you I think I should defer to the more experienced...

@Moodswing how many MC30c expansions should people own?

As many as you have CR90s. Turbolaser Reroute Circuits are a near mandatory upgrade for the Corvette and they only come in the MC30 pack.