Hey guys!

So I'm starting getting into X wing as I bought myself a core set recently. I'm planning on getting the other core set as well and expanding with a Tie fighter expansion, a Tie/fo expansion and a tie interceptor expension. What do you guys think of the build I created with these sets?

TIE Interceptor: · Soontir Fel (27)

Swarm Tactics (2)

TIE/fo Fighter: · "Epsilon Leader" (19)

TIE Fighter: · "Howlrunner" (18)

TIE Fighter: Academy Pilot (12)

TIE/fo Fighter: · "Zeta Leader" (20)

Wired (1)

Primed Thrusters (1)

The idea is to have two squads, one being: Soontir Fel, Epsilon leader and Zeta leader, using a kind of stress synergy; and the other: Howlrunner and Academy pilot.

Would this be a viable beginner build?

(I'm also getting heroes of the resistance for some rebel ships and Millennium Falcon, so there might be some cards from there).

What do you guys think? Thanks guys!

Soontir loves PtL. It makes him into the pilot that people like to focus down on. You can get Push the Limit in an A-wing expansion, and I'd really encourage you to do that. Swarm Tactics is nice on things that really don't need the EPT slot for anything else, but it's rare to see it used.

For Zeta Leader, try seeing if you can fit Weapons Guidance in. And then Twin Ion Engines as well. He comes in at 24 points, but has a over 60% chance of getting 3 hits and over 90% chance of getting at least 2 when using his ability, Wired, focus and WG. If you are looking for points, try dropping Epsilon Leader to something else. Getting a TIE/fo expansion, you should get access to the Comm Relay. A generic Epsilon Squadron Pilot with Comm Relay comes in at 18 points, and is a better overall ship than Epsilon Leader unless you are looking at a stress heavy list. If you can get a hold off Veteran Instincts (comes in original Millennium Falcon, Slave I, Shadow Caster, and (when released) Sabine's TIE packs) then Turr Phennir with VI is a more economical Soontir. He just can't turtle up as well.

Those are just some thoughts off the top of my head looking at it. Interceptors like Stealth Device too, as they are very fragile. Staying out of the line of fire is the best course to take with them, but extra green dice for when they are fired at is good too.

If your heart is set on Soontir Fel, most people fly him like this: Push the Limit, Royal Guard TIE, Autothrusters, Stealth Device. Any other way and he dies too fast.

Soontir Fel is the most expensive (cash money) ship to play.

Interceptor Expansion (ship, card, base)

Imperial Aces (PtL, title)

StarViper (Autothrusters)

M3-A, Slave I or U-wing (Stealth Device)

Your list is cool. As a beginner that will be an excellent array of starting ships to learn the ropes with. Tie/FO's are some of the most forgiving Imperial ships. I'll explain that: 1) the FO's have decent durability, 1 Shield and 3 hull behind 3 agillity is wonderful. 2) FO's have tricks, the tech slot lets you make some of the rules bend a little bit (hold on to evade tokens, spend focus for blank, etc.), 3) FO's are amazing at moving. Seriously, the maneuver dial is my pick for best in the game. It sheds stress easily and keeps in the fight easily. The only downside to the FO is it's hitting power, 2 Red dice don't always get through green dice + defensive tokens. In your early games though (as long as your opponent isn't running a steam roller hyper competitive squad) it should hold up. Good luck, have fun, and welcome to the hobby!

If you're gonna run TIE/FOs try and get in omega leader with juke and comm relay.

Howlrunner is really only useful if you run as many ships as you can in the same group, in formation, so that all get the re-roll. Howl with mid and low ps pilots in a tight formation can be ruthless. That being said the 2 squad plan you have probably would work better with dark curse and/or backstabber. Also, with what you have available, Omega Leader with Comm and Juke probably makes a better ace.

The key is "Fly what you like, have fun, fly casual"!!!!! Assuming you are flying against similar skill levels and upgrade availability, your list still could be effective.

If you really like the interceptor/Fel, make Imp Aces a priority investment! Fel set-up with: Push the Limit, title, targeting computer, shield/hull can still be effective, just isn't top teir competative

If you don't plan to take this list to tournaments, you and your circle of X-wing players should proxy upgrades.

This is very easily done with the squadron builder sites. I personally like the .co.uk squadron builder site the best.

Try out different upgrades and pilots based on the ships in your collection. Also see if some of the people you plan to to play with might have ships you can borrow.

There are a lot of jokes about "mistakes were made" referencing new players (I was one for sure) who went out and bought loads of expansions. You don't need to do this if you are just getting your feet wet.

Now this is not to discourage you from buying loads of expansions should you wish to, but to help you realize you don't need to do so to play the game on a casual level.