Hello there!

Even though this game might have been around for a while it somehow never really attracted me. I'm very much into Imperial Assault but lately Armada with all its nice looking models got my attention and the rules seem to be very interesting (I read through the How to Play Guide) so I might try to get a hold of the core box and some expansions. Since I live on a budget I wanted to ask you, the experienced Armada players, for help. What units would you recommend me? What do I have to have in mind while deciding what to buy next?

Also because there isn't going on a lot regarding board games in the area I live it might be good if I could get some units from both factions to have the possibility to play with friends who don't own the game.

In addition to the things above I have two major concerns:

1. How sturdy are the models? They look fantastic but I'm afraid that they might be a bit fragile.

2. Regarding fleet building and long-term fun: Is diversion improtant or should I focus on specific things?

Thanks for your help in advance!

1. Sturdy if you don't abuse.

2. At this point in the game you need squadrons, get some packs. Large ships are good. Get at least 1 flotilla.

Try the Taskforce Armada format for 200pt half size if you want to wean yourself into the game and all its rules. Requires smaller collection too.

https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/202957-taskforce-armada-format-200-pt-3x3-area/

10 minutes ago, MagicSevi said:

Since I live on a budget I wanted to ask you, the experienced Armada players, for help. What units would you recommend me? What do I have to have in mind while deciding what to buy next?

These guys have the best opinions other than my own. Look specifically at the "How to go from nothing to a 400 point starter fleet" articles for both sides.

If you are on a limited budget (aren't we all) and you have some friends that want to play, you can do what we did and each person buys into their favorite faction (e.g. Rebel/Imperial). Kind of limiting for tournament play, but for casual you can always just proxy in upgrades.

As for the models, they are really high quality. (The only one I've ever had a problem with is the Victory Star Destroyer: that little antenna on the top is easily broken.) You'll want to display them somewhere because they are so **** pretty.

It's tough to answer fleet building questions long-term, but I think it really depends on what you want to get out of the game. If you really want to be competitive and dive into the tournament scene, I agree with @Blail Blerg you'll need a good assortment of squadrons, some flotillas, and some big ships.

But if you just want to play for fun and maybe do the Corellian Conflict campaign with some friends, just buy whatever looks cool!

1. In my experience, models are sturdy with only two concerns. The small ships that use a peg. The peg itself could break off for instance if it was dropped. Also the &#!% antennas on the Victory.

2. Meta is in pretty good shape right now with many builds competative but it is about to be blown wide open by wave 7.

If your Victory Star Destroyer has antennas just call support for a broken one.

3 minutes ago, axe238 said:

1. In my experience, models are sturdy with only two concerns. The small ships that use a peg. The peg itself could break off for instance if it was dropped. Also the &#!% antennas on the Victory.

2. Meta is in pretty good shape right now with many builds competative but it is about to be blown wide open by wave 7.

1. VSDs are all old ships, so the broken antenna are just part of the look. The flight peg breaking off is an easy fix.

2.Wave 7 will shake up the tournament scene, but for casual games, almost everything can be fun depending on your play style.

Best advice, find a local Armada group and drop in. Most players are more than willing to teach, and even let you try out all kinds of fun builds.

I just started playing myself about a month ago and highly recommend going with one of the budget builds from the following site.

http://cannotgetyourshipout.blogspot.com/2017/03/building-imperial-fleet-on-cheap-250.html?m=1

http://cannotgetyourshipout.blogspot.com/2017/03/building-fleet-for-cheap-2-rebel.html?m=1

Also the site has a ton of useful info. Also look up crabbok on YouTube. He does a lot of build videos and has a couple "what to buy next on a budget" videos for both factions.

Also look up Master of the fleet on YouTube. They have some good vids on basic tactics/maneuvers and are putting out a how to fly series for the different ships.

And last but not least get on vassal and play.

Thank you a lot guys! After reading through your suggestions I'm totally trying to get into this

I'm in the same situation as @MagicSevi , so based on your advice, is this a good shopping list?

-Core Set

-Chimera

-Imperial Fighters II

-Gozantis

-Interdictor or Gladiator

53 minutes ago, Celestial Lizards said:

I'm in the same situation as @MagicSevi , so bades on your advice, is this a good shopping list?

-Core Set

-Chimera

-Imperial Fighters II

-Gozantis

-Interdictor or Gladiator

I would pick the glad over the interdictor, a demo gladiator is a thing of beauty. And if at all possible grab an arquitens. That gives you access to JJ as a commander which will make your ships way more maneuverable.

1 hour ago, Celestial Lizards said:

I'm in the same situation as @MagicSevi , so bades on your advice, is this a good shopping list?

-Core Set

-Chimera

-Imperial Fighters II

-Gozantis

-Interdictor or Gladiator

Not a bad start. As Whiplash said, an Arquitens would be wonderful as it has a handful of useful upgrade. Gladiator is fantastic too.

4 hours ago, Whiplash205 said:

I would pick the glad over the interdictor, a demo gladiator is a thing of beauty. And if at all possible grab an arquitens. That gives you access to JJ as a commander which will make your ships way more maneuverable.

5 hours ago, Celestial Lizards said:

I'm in the same situation as @MagicSevi , so bades on your advice, is this a good shopping list?

-Core Set

-Chimera

-Imperial Fighters II

-Gozantis

- Interdictor or Gladiator

Add to this:

1 pack of imp squads 1

Correllian Conflict (Valen, Ciena, Zertic, and Jonus situationally, are too good not to pick up)

1 pack rogues and villians if you want Dengar, or purchase him individually. Dengar is worth his weight in spice, but the rest of the pack is skippable.

1 OG ISD pack.

2 ISD's, a VSD, a Glad, and a Gozanti give you access to just about everyt model that is an imperial essentail (interdictors, arquitens, and quasars are all fine, but are specialized and definitely what you want to push on till later when you know what you like and what you want) and the squad coverage lets you build heavy or light squads however you feel like.

The other sets are purchasable for specialized builds or if you really feel like you like one of the Admirals that come in the packs. Otherwise they are completely skippable from a competitive standpoint. If aesthetically you want one, feel free to grab them. Every ship in the game looks gorgeous on a shelf and I don't regret any of my purchases (except maybe the 5th ISD I picked up a few days before they announced wave 7 would just be another ISD... little salty about that one :D)

You may find you still lack an upgrade card you want after purchasing these, in that case, you could buy a single, borrow from a friend, or print the card on a piece of cardstock and never look back.