As some of the above, this is how I teach new players:

Luke Skywalker (28)
Deadeye (1)
Proton Torpedoes (4)
R2-D2 (4)
Integrated Astromech (0)

Wedge Antilles (29)
Adaptability (0)
R2 Astromech (1)
Integrated Astromech (0)

Gray Squadron Pilot (20)
Ion Cannon Turret (5)
Proton Torpedoes (4)
Bomb Loadout (0)
R2 Astromech (1)
Proximity Mines (3)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Versus:

Darth Vader (29)
Squad Leader (2)
Fire-Control System (0)
Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)
TIE/x1 (0)

"Howlrunner" (18)
Swarm Tactics (2)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Anything more than that, you're teaching at way too high a level. Learn the basics, and with some iconic squads, and go from there.

4 hours ago, thespaceinvader said:

Same way you always did. Start with 2 TIEs versus and x-wing, no rocks, no actions, to get them used to the movement and shooting aspects, then add rocks and actions, then go up to 'build a 100 point list from the available pilots, no upgrades', then 'build a 100 point list of your choice' then they're hooked and their wallet starts weeping in a corner and you can get them used to the idea that a living game that's been out and maintained for 4 years might have fixes and errata.

This.

If I'm teaching a brand new person X-Wing (or Armada), upgrades don't get used for like 3 games. I learned my lesson from kitting out single ships with upgrades and having a 1v1 deathmatch. It got real confusing real fast. Start simple, build up from there. You need to learn the core mechanics before you start learning the stuff that supplements or alters those mechanics. Also, teaching actions before upgrades makes people recognize the power of target lock as more than an ordinance enabler early on. I still remember my early days of strapping proton torpedos to every X, Y or B in my list.

11 hours ago, tsondaboy said:

On top of my head I can name Mansions of Madness that you gave as errata cards with new editions. People that did not want to buy the new edition of the game that the errata cards were included, only needed to send you the old cards and you exchanged them with the new ones.

Dont you think its time to do the same for X-Wing?

C-Roc already is...

Realistically, most of all the erratas have zero impact on the games. FFG doesn't do big text change often. The same changes, making stuff limited refining the wording all that really only matters in competitive play. So if you were teaching someone it wouldn't have any impact and if you are gearing up for tournaments well there are a ton of other rules you need outside the regular game as well so the added 'burden' of checking the latest FAQ is minimal at best.

It would be nice if in future prints the new cards would be continually updated but there simply aren't enough important changes to warrant a whole edition dedicated to it.

I've never understood this conundrum. Identifying erratas to existing cards is one of the last things you run through with a new player to the game, and you only do that if they show a serious interest in the game. If they are new to the game and for whatever reason they are running those upgrades (why you would introduce the game with those upgrades is beyond me), just let them run the non-errata version. They are new to the game after all. A little handicap isn't a big issue. Then, if they start to get more invested, introduce them to the FAQ so they can figure this all out on their own.

Here are some easy steps.

1. Get them a core set
2. Let them chose a few expansions to get up to a standard list.
3. Beat them to the ground
4. If they quit you just saved them a ton of money. If they still like the game so much welcome them to the family.

Hope this helps. No seriously with the nerfs and changing cards and what not you need to expose them to the abuse before they get too into it.

This is a pointless "boo hoo" post. If you assume new players are too stupid to understand how a sheet of errata works, then they really should stick to Hi Hi Cheerio anyways. A single page of errata for a half-dozen cards isn't an overwhelming ordeal. Magic has countless rules, restrictions, and errata for its various formats, and it manages to bring in new players all the damned time.

It's rare for any tabletop or boardgame to not have some errata. If new players aren't aware of it, that's fine, they can play among themselves using non-errataed text and no harm is ever done. When they do come to play with other X-Wing players, those with more experience can explain any errata as necessary. If a new player goes to a tournament unaware of the errata, and is shocked to learn something works differently, then that is on them, since before going to a tournament you really should download the Tournament Rules and the FAQ. If someone comes to a tourney with no tourney experience or expectations, that's great and veteran players can and will help them get up to speed, but the new player who didn't read any of the documents beforehand isn't in a position to get mad at FFG.

..,I mean, it'd be as stupid as a new player getting mad at FFG because they came to their first tournament but had no idea rounds ended after 75 minutes. We all know that's silly, because before you go play in a competitive regulated setting it's your job to learn the rules and expectations and terms. FAQ is no different than round length or scoring systems, in that regard. The rulebook says nothing about 75 minutes.

Start with one of the core sets. Anything past that is going to increase the learning curve.

If they want to jump in with a meta list, they should hit the interwebs and learn up on that **** first.

27 minutes ago, Koing907 said:

Start with one of the core sets. Anything past that is going to increase the learning curve.

If they want to jump in with a meta list, they should hit the interwebs and learn up on that **** first.

I'd say let them play what they like. If they get a net list it is just going to be nerfed in 3-6 months.

Well FFG should supply new cards. They could be given at tournaments in kits like they do for Imperial Assault. Oh, that would be too costly you say? Well, so is buying an expansion that now only causes confusion. As for the rules, you're teaching them anyway, so you can read/tell them whatever you like. In saying that, I never teach a new player to be competitive. The competitive game is a nasty beast that should be avoided by most. It's not for the faint of heart.

7 minutes ago, NeverBetTheFett said:

Well FFG should supply new cards. They could be given at tournaments in kits like they do for Imperial Assault.

I'd dare say most people would like to see them provide updated versions of all cards that have been errata'd, The cost is actually quite minor. The problem is all the people who will complain about having to to to a tournament to get them.

Quote

Well, so is buying an expansion that now only causes confusion.

There is really no confusion here. If you don't play in store champions or perhaps at a LGS then the errata simply doesn't matter to you. If you are the type to play with random people, then you are also likely to know about the errata.

Because again, if someone can't keep track of the changes to a few cards then they are almost certainly not bright enough to play this game in the first place. This is not something new, every game out there releases errata for the units over time, and people playing those games can keep track of it... So unless you're saying that X-Wing players are stupid compared to say 40k or MtG or Warmahordes players then there really is no issue here.

14 hours ago, tsondaboy said:

...

How am I supposed to introduce the game to a new guy? Put a squad in front of him with cards that have not changed since their release only? Create a squad that have a few cards changed by errata, but use the original text? Create a squad with some cards changed by errata and stick the new text on them? Or create a squad using cards changed by errata and ask the guy to remember the new way the cards work?

Frankly speaking, if I was introduced to a game that a major portion of the game components was changed by errata but not updated with a new version, and I had to remember all the changes by heart, I would probably not bother picking it up.

...

Any game that you have to have a full list of errata in order to play, while playing straight from the box is the wrong way to play, will eventually acquire the reputation of being broken even if its regularly maintained through errata and FAQs.

...

I feel like there are a few faulty premises here. First off, you suggest that it's your responsibility to introduce someone to the game. If that's the case, I feel like most of your questions can be answered easily and simply. When you introduce the game, you say, "Due to some balance issues, some of the elements of this game have been clarified, and some elements have been corrected. A list of all of those changes and questions you might have can be found in the FAQ, located on the product page of FFG's website." Once that's done, you've done your part to spread the information needed to the prospective player.

Second thing I feel is a faulty premise, is that you assume that competitive war gaming in general doesn't have this in it. This isn't a board game like Monopoly, which is a bad example because it's not a balanced game, but let's assume that we can use it. Most board games have been developed, and they're released, and then that's it. This is an expandable, tabletop, war based miniatures game. This isn't a board game, and so you can't use some of the same thoughts to either teach or to learn this game. It's assumed in most table top miniature war games that there are rule books and FAQs. This is normal, and a player learning this game should get used that, and you should be welcoming this. If anything the FAQ makes life easier for everyone.

Third thing, you make the assertion, "If I was introduced to a game that a major portion of the game components was changed by errata... I would probably not bother picking it up." Well, that's a bad line in many ways. First off, this game has a very, very minor portion of game elements changed. Game components haven't changed a wit since the beginning (things like templates, base sizes, etc.). A very few game elements have changed. Consider that one pilot card, and a handful of upgrade cards have been changed via errata, then count up how many pilot cards are available, and how many upgrade cards. For heaven's sake, you make it sound like the game has been revolutionized, not that there's been a small number of important changes.

The Errata really only matters at the competitive level anyway! In the comfort of your home, or your gamestore, you can play this game anyway you see fit! It only really matters when you get to a Store Championship or higher tournament! Play the game you wanna play, and stop complaining about things that FFG are not in control of!

TLDR/ Teach the dang game properly, which means including the FAQ. Stop looking at FFG to do it for you, or make things easier for you.

Jacob

15 hours ago, tsondaboy said:

Dont you think its time to do the same for X-Wing?

Yep. Cardboard is the cheapest element of this game. I want correct versions of the game elements on the table, in front of me, without having to consult a 20 page accessory document.

Yeah, it can be done by using the FAQ. Yeah, some really nice dude can do it on the forums. But I have literally spend $1,000+ on this game. FFG can bust hump to produce a little corrected cardboard.

Oh, how entitled some people feel.

No one is forcing you to use the FAQ when you play. It's there for competitive play. There are a number of people that have developed house rules they use for Xwing.

Put your big boy pants on.