Hi guys,

Google failed me, so here I am. I'm about to start X-wing, my knowledge of the game is very limited, but my aim is competitive playing. Coming from Armada, so I assume the ships-upgrade cards work the similar way: sometimes you need more ships, because you need more of the ship, but sometimes you just need a specific upgrade card. I'm trading a whfb army to an X-wing collection, but I will need to buy some of the ships. I'd like to buy 'once' as the bigger the purchase the more discount I can get. So, in your opinion, how much of each expansions would I need to buy to be able to field most of the viable setups? Also, if there is a promo card as an alternative, please let me know!

Thank you for your help in advance!

Welcome! I find Armada really good but play X-Wing a lot more because is quicker to sort out a game.

Answering your question all depends on what faction you'd like to play - I stick to Imperials/First Order so I'll give my advice on that faction. Best expansion around IMO is the TIE/FO Fighter. You get Omega Leader, Juke and Comm Relay in one package and he's a pretty good ace. Imperial Veterans is also a nice set for TIE Defenders and TIE Bombers. TIE Fighter and TIE Striker are also a good purchases. Some are less tempting (if you aren't proxying) for a starters for example TIE Advanced needs the cards in the Raider to be viable and TIE Interceptors need Autothrusters from the Starviper, Imperial Aces for the Royal Guard title and the standalone to fly Soontir Fel. Hope that's a help.

I don't want to limit myself to one faction, in Armada I fly both, and some upgrades are only available in the opposing faction, so... For me its easier to collect all, you can never know what will be 'viable' at tourneys.

Just now, Coldhands said:

I don't want to limit myself to one faction, in Armada I fly both, and some upgrades are only available in the opposing faction, so... For me its easier to collect all, you can never know what will be 'viable' at tourneys.

Others, I'm sure, will advise on what to start with for the scum factions (Scum and Rebel Scum that is ).

Knowing what you have/will have would aid in this, a lot I'd say.

If you want a fairly complete collection, get one of each large-base ship and two of each small-base ship EXCEPT small-base ships that come in multiple expansions (e.g. for A-Wings, get one standalone A-Wing and one Rebel Aces A-Wing) and swarmable ships (extra Z-95s and TIE Fighters can be solid). That will get you enough upgrades and ships to run about 98% of popular/strong/meta lists. The remaining lists that aren't covered would not be too tough to acquire the remaining pieces for OR are not worth investing in unless you love that list (borrow ships and cards from friends to try it first).

55 minutes ago, Coldhands said:

Also, if there is a promo card as an alternative, please let me know!

There are some promo alternate art upgrades, but not a lot. http://xwing-miniatures.wikia.com/wiki/Tournament_Kits has info about promos. Promo alt-art pilots also exist, but you can't fly an alt-art pilot without buying the expansion that pilot normally comes in anyway, because you need the base plate for the ship.

Go for 1 of ea. As you learn the game if you find you want duplicates of some ships you can make that call then. I have gone that rout and only have duplicates of a few ships and don't feel hampered at all. Get 1 of ea. core set to start.

Sounds like these buying guides are what you're looking for. Have a look at the Worlds 2017 results to find out what's on top of the metagame (note: a new wave has just come out that may shake things up). You may also find this squad builder and the X-Wing Miniatures Wiki helpful to figure out what expansions what upgrade cards come in.

I purchase enough of each expansion to field a 100 point list of the lowest cost pilot for the small ships. I usually purchase 2 of each of the core sets, ace's type sets, and large ships, and one of each epic. Though I am considering getting 2 of each of those too.

They typical range is 1 to however many it would take to field a squadron full of them at 100 points. I'd say stick closer to the 1 each although there are a few you may want more than 1. I'll admit that going with 1 each may leave you short in a few areas but it gives you the tools to figure out where those areas are so you could buy that second, and maybe even third, expansion of something.

One of each is fine. If you buy every release that contains a Tie Fighter, you'd have 6. Some people do go overboard and buy enough to field a 100 points of each ship, but thats not a requirement.

There are some great 101 articles on FFG's website that have good starter builds you might be interested in checking out!

If you are a more casual player, all the expansions bring lots of fun to the table! Feel free to get one of everything, no need to buy more than one unless you have a favorite ship you want to fly thematically.

If you are a more competitive, I would try to choose a faction you prefer and start there. That way you don't have to buy as much to have good lists.

For Empire, some of the most competitive expansions are

• Tie/FO (For Omega leader - mentioned above)
• Imperial Vetrans
• Tie/SF
  • Needs a Tie Agressor or Tie Striker for Light Weight Frame
• Tie Phantom
• Decimator

For Scum the best expansions are

• JMK - Jumpaster (obviously the best scum ship)
• Protectorate Star Fighter
  • Might need to purchase a Star Viper for Autothrusters
• Shadowcaster
• Scurgg

For Rebels the best expansions are probably these, unfortunately the thematic Rebel ships (X,A,B,Y) are not the most competitive ;(

• Original core set (for Biggs)
• K-Wing (if you can find one)
• Heroes of the Resistance
  • Gets you Rey/Finn, Nien Numb, Jess Pava and Snap Wexley! All great pilots!
• Arc-170

If you don't have one copy of each core set (TFA and Original) I'd see to that first. Generally speaking, I'd say get two of each small ship, but maybe that's too much $$. Maybe we should tell you what NOT to get?

I love the T-65 X wings, but I wouldn't suggest you buy any at the moment. The T-70 is basically the same ship, but a +1 version of it. And if you have the OG core set, you can fiddle with it and decide if another one is for you.

I don't have anything against any of these ships, but it seems most people don't value them so much in 100/6 "Standard Play" (your mileage may vary):

Imperial: TIE Punisher, TIE Interceptor and the Lambda Shuttle.
Rebel: T-65, B-wing, E-wing, U-wing.
Scum: Misthunter, Quadjumper.

Again, I own all these ships and I like them a lot, but generally speaking there are better options to most of these. Their problem is that there's a better dial on a similar ship, or they're too expensive points-wise, or a one-trick pony or something else. And yes, sometimes they're just seen as the ship that has a specific upgrade that is only available on that ship and that's why you need to buy it.

Whatever you do, don't expand too fast. Choose a faction and fly them to learn the game. As you go against other players, you'll experience what you like about the other factions or ships from your faction that you don't have yet that will help you make an informed decision on future purchases.

Good luck!

If you can buy both the Red and the Blue core set you have enough tool for Rebel and Empire and a nice base.

I suggest to you buy ace pack too : Each box have good price/quality

Some expansion are instant play like : Tie fighter ; Tie/fo ; Tie striker ; Kihraxz ; Tie agressor.

I begin personally with One core set, a ace box and a small expansion first.

If money is no object, then buy what MonkeyShine suggests and you'll be able to play literally anything shy of max-out Epic stuff. Even if you want to do that, there are some things I can't really imagine buying unless I had more money than sense.... Nobody needs 3 YT-2400's or 6 HWKs.

Otherwise, it really depends on what you are wanting to fly. I usually purchase 2 of each small ship and 1 of each large ship. I might get more of something I want to fly it in a swarm (like A-Wings, TIE Fighters... I hear Tie Strikers are fun to fly in swarms). Usually, if I need more of something to play a particular list, I can usually borrow what I need from a regular opponent friend to fill any gaps.

There are some large ships you might consider getting two of, if they are often played in pairs. If you're going to play with an IG-88 Aggressor (and you should, they're super fun), then you simply must have 2. You could probably get good use out of an extra Jumpmaster as well, and a third if you want to play the very popular Triple Jumps list. You'll probably end up with 2 Falcons (original and Heroes) if you want all the pilots for the YT-1300. Otherwise, you really don't need to go nuts with large ships unless you really want to play some of the more fringe lists (Double VCX, Double Decimator, Triple Hounds/Firesprays, etc).

If you find yourself shy of an upgrade card or two, just proxy them (or use a list generator and just play from the list) if you're playing amongst friends. You need actual cards for tournaments but again, if you have friends you can often borrow the one or two things that you need or get them individually online.

Good luck!

Be conservative on your collection. I've been playing since wave 3. I have a few ships more than I need that I regret purchasing. Try to keep to 2 of each ship with the exception to the cheap filler ships like TIE Fighters and Z-95s. You will find this is sufficient to field a wide assortment of lists. 2 of each large base ships is not a bad idea either, with a few exceptions. Who knew they would put out another Millennium Falcon? Now I have 3.

The competitive list norm right now is a 3 to 4 ships. Also It's 40% list, 40% skill and 20% luck of the rolls.

Thank you for all the reply! That d20radio.com link was the most useful, thank you! For me its a bit overshooting to buy as many to be able to fill in 100 points, but sometimes buying more than one because of certain upgrade is fine. In armada, some of the upgrade cards are so close in price to the expansion it comes in, that its better to buy the expansion itself rather then just the card. I think K-wing is in such position in this game, if I'm right, it has some upgrades that can be used for multiple viable lists, while you don't field multiples, you might need multiple copies of twin laser turrets.

20 minutes ago, Coldhands said:

Thank you for all the reply! That d20radio.com link was the most useful, thank you! For me its a bit overshooting to buy as many to be able to fill in 100 points, but sometimes buying more than one because of certain upgrade is fine. In armada, some of the upgrade cards are so close in price to the expansion it comes in, that its better to buy the expansion itself rather then just the card. I think K-wing is in such position in this game, if I'm right, it has some upgrades that can be used for multiple viable lists, while you don't field multiples, you might need multiple copies of twin laser turrets.

Yeah, I think there are a lot of cards like that.

20 minutes ago, Coldhands said:

Thank you for all the reply! That d20radio.com link was the most useful, thank you! For me its a bit overshooting to buy as many to be able to fill in 100 points, but sometimes buying more than one because of certain upgrade is fine. In armada, some of the upgrade cards are so close in price to the expansion it comes in, that its better to buy the expansion itself rather then just the card. I think K-wing is in such position in this game, if I'm right, it has some upgrades that can be used for multiple viable lists, while you don't field multiples, you might need multiple copies of twin laser turrets.

Yeah, I think there are a lot of cards like that.

My rule of thumb is

2 of each red/blue core sets/ 2 of each small /1 of each large/ 1 of each ace box /1 of each epic for the faction I am playing.

A cheaper way is only buy the side you are playing and trade for the cards you need.

Last there are a couple of ships that I wanted more then 2 so I budgeted in for them. I have also sold cards when I have more then 3 of any type on the Facebook group for extra ships.

PS if your going to Host HOTAC

12 tie fighters

6 intercepters

4 bombers/ phantoms/ defenders

1 Shuttle / Dec / Firespray / Rebel Transport

1 of each rebel small ship.

Depends how big your pocketbook is.

48 minutes ago, Cubanboy said:

My rule of thumb is

2 of each red/blue core sets/ 2 of each small /1 of each large/ 1 of each ace box /1 of each epic for the faction I am playing.

A cheaper way is only buy the side you are playing and trade for the cards you need.

Last there are a couple of ships that I wanted more then 2 so I budgeted in for them. I have also sold cards when I have more then 3 of any type on the Facebook group for extra ships.

PS if your going to Host HOTAC

12 tie fighters

6 intercepters

4 bombers/ phantoms/ defenders

1 Shuttle / Dec / Firespray / Rebel Transport

1 of each rebel small ship.

This, hands down. The only "competitive" list I have yet to field following this model is back when the triple jumpmasters were all the rage, and I beat a few of them using the Palp-Aces archetype.

Except you naturally need two of the Brobots

I only buy one of any particular product sku.. I don't have the funds to do otherwise.

Though, to be honest, the TIE/SF begs to break that trend.

Depends on what you want. But if you want to go for competitive budget here is a strategy.

1. Pick your main faction and then pick your secondary faction (leave one out for now.
2. Find a competitive list you want to build for your primary and then see what you need to get that list Han Shopped First is a great resource. (prioritize your main and secondary factions when choosing expansions)
3. Next try to make an 100 point list with your secondary faction (does not have to be competitive).
4. When ever a new wave comes out get your primary and secondary factions first. You may double up on primary faction if you need but stick to only one of a kind for your secondary faction (unless you need to double up on a set of upgrades). Ignore the faction you didn't pick unless it had an upgrade you needed (i.e. autothrusters)
5. As for special releases (Aces, Huge Ships) get the ones for your primary faction at first.
6. Then work on past releases for your faction.
7. If budget permits pick up special releases and previous waves for your secondary faction.