Hey All,

I've been trying to put 60 point squads of Imperials and Rebels together in order to introduce this game to a friend who has never played, and who has barely played any minis games at all. My internal calibration must be off though because I can't seem to strike the right balance between authenticity to the movies he's familiar with, enough complexity to get the feel of the current Meta, and yet simple enough that it won't be too tricky for a beginner.

Any ideas?

Maby 5 ties or 5 head hunters

My favorite starter matchup is Vader+2 TIEs vs. 2 X-wing at around 60 points. Not particularly meta (unless you count/use Biggs) but it can include a wide range of abilities and is super thematic. I'll have to look through my old lists to post something specific.

It doesn't have the outrageous token-stacking/fist-full-of-dice/triple-action-combo which are meta, but could turn off a new player, especially one who's not familiar with the wide world of mini war gaming.

I'd go with Han against Vader and two TIEs for theme, but they're both mechanically outdated. So instead:

Countess Ryad (36)
Swarm Leader
Twin Ion
X7

2 x Academy Pilots (12)

Against either:

Corran Horn (44)
R2-D2
Fire Control System
Push The Limit

Bandit Squadron Pilot (16)
Concussion Missiles
Guidance Chips

Or:

Wedge Antilles (34)
Predator
BB-8
Integrated Astromech

Gold Squadron Pilot (26)
Twin Laser Turret
R3-A2
BTL-A4

The Imperial list gives an impression of red dice creep and the power of token stacking, while not being super duper tanky.

The Corran list introduces regenaration at its strongest, and arc-dodging as well. You can expect the newbie to learn quickly that regen aces must be focus on early in order to beat them.

The Wedge list is actually pretty decent at 60 points, and it cann teach a newbie not to go for the joust every time. If he sends in the Stresshog first to do its thing to Ryad, he'll win the game. Otherwise it's an uphill battle. Even when the stresshog goes down, Wedge can punch through a Defender's tokens pretty easily.

Finally, all the squads have at least one recognizable ship.

what do you mean by "mechanically outdated?"

5 hours ago, cwh008 said:

what do you mean by "mechanically outdated?"

Probably that nobody would fly them in the current meta.

I'm a big fan of the TFA era for teaching. Toss regen Poe in against OL and a regular TIE, and see how he fares.

Or, because that is super unfun, do Regen Poe and a generic, and something like this:

TIE/sf Fighter: · "Quickdraw" (29)
Expertise (4)
Fire Control System (2)
Lightweight Frame (2)
Special Ops Training (0)
TIE/fo Fighter: Epsilon Squadron Pilot (15)
TIE/fo Fighter: Epsilon Squadron Pilot (15)
-- TOTAL ------- 67p. --

It comes in a bit higher than 60, but it should still be balanced. QuickDraw brings the ideas of deciding when to attack something, and being careful about doing so, along with the double tap that is pretty common in the meta. Also gives you the TL/Focus attack that is pretty common with FCS and Expertise. Because the F/O has so much red, this shouldn't make the game unfun though. The two other TIEs can show blocking, or mini Swarm.

Flying against, say, this:

T-70 X-Wing: · Poe Dameron (31)
Predator (3)
· R5-P9 (3)
Integrated Astromech (0)
Pattern Analyzer (2)
T-70 X-Wing: Blue Squadron Novice (24)
R2 Astromech (1)
Integrated Astromech (0)
Weapons Guidance (2)
-- TOTAL ------- 66p. --

Which gives you regen, demonstrates the idea of saving the Focus token vs spending it, and gives, like the other squad, a powerful ace, and a point filler generic. The bonus of this matchup is that it is something that could have happened in episode 7; instantly recognizable. And, as a bonus, all three ships flown (though maybe not all pilots) have a place in the meta right now.

If you're trying to grab someone with no minis/wargaming experience, forget meta. You need to capture their imagination first and introduce gae complexity later (well, unless they're a competitive CCG gamer, in which case, go all in on combos).

What's your friend like best in Star Wars? What are the favorite movies? Choose something fun, thematic, and representative, and go from there. Hook 'em on fun before you confuse 'em with mechanics.

I do the following;

2* PS1 Tie/FO vsa single T70 X-wing (Red Ace) with no upgrades of any kind (for both)

The second game I introduce turrets (usually MF with Han Solo) vs 5 Tie fighters for that classic 'movie-feel'

Once hooked I give up all pretence and I crush them without mercy, all the while cackling with sadistic Sith Lord glee let them choose...

Forget about meta for a new player. I say use ships from his favorite movies with simple pilot abilities (none is probably better for the first game or two). A lot of the meta lists have many complex parts that it can seem overwhelming, or at the very least slow the game down a lot for players unfamiliar.

Using a Falcon is good for them to learn some of the basics (movement and actions without worrying about arc), but that is taking a lot away from the game when flown by itself.

Up it to 70 points and let him run Han and a Red Squadron Xwing against Vader and 3 Ties. The game should be quick moving and give him plenty of ships to try to shoot with the Xwing.