Hey, I’m seriously considering jumping in legion. I love Star Wars. I love X-Wing. I love Imperial Assault the most.

I have never played a war game. I never painted minis (never will). I never assembled minis (I will have to.)

I do not intend on playing in tournaments. But I do intend to play standard (800 points) at a local store or at home.

Beside the obvious fact that they are different factions, should I opt for two core sets or two clone wars core sets? Is there one that is “easier” in terms of entering the war game genre. I’m not afraid by the rules, but maybe by the assembly part, the terrain building, and the part where I invest in a faction that becomes irrelevant in 2 years...

Am I missing some information that should lead me towards one of the two core sets more than the other? Is one of them going to help me step into Legion more than the other? I was told to wait for Clone Wars to begin but I honestly can’t really see why besides the new factions available.

thank you

Edit: Should I go Vader or Obi-wan?

Go with the faction you like most.

Though building will be easier with the original core (no sprues) and there are many more expansions off the bat from the GCW factions.

1st: welcome to the addiction.

2nd: core sets are a great way to get in the game. The original core set is empire vs rebels, and the clone wars is republic vs separatists.

They usually work best by buying two. Either you buy two and flip the halves you don’t want on your favorite online market place, or if you have a friend interested, you each buy one and even swap for the models you want.

the rules (with some minor updates/errata) are the same basically for both sets, the upgrade cards are different than each other as well. If you go to YouTube and search Crabbok legion unboxing you will come across a great breakdown of the contents for each.

as far as assembly goes, if you’ve never assembled/done modeling before, you’ll want to invest in some good super glue, and x-acto knife and/or mold line scraper, and possibly some small modeling files.

if you’re going to play separatists, you’ll also need some flush-cutters, as those models come on plastic runners or frames (also called sprue). Also, with separatists you’ll want to get some dedicated plastic glue; my recommendation would be Tamiya extra thin.

youtube is a great resource for modeling tutorials, and there a plenty of passionate blogs out there as well.

If you’re not going to tournaments no faction will be irrelevant.

Two core sets for your favorite era is the best way to start. You’re going to need (not want) the extra dice and the way the price breaks down its like getting the second faction for free. So you’ll have it if you get bored or want to run demos or loan an army to a friend.

That will *almost* be two 800 point armies. Buy a couple of your favorite heroes for both factions or a 3rd core set and you’ll be good for awhile. If you’re going with Clone Wars there won’t be any heroes for awhile though.

Thanks for the replies. Any idea why a store owner would have recommended me to wait for Clone Wars as it would be “much better?” Was that only subjective?

With what I’ve read, it sounds like the two original core sets might be my ideal go at the moment.

Perhaps look at a army builder, wiki, or resource that shows and informs you about the units within those core sets along with the expansions of each faction. Each faction is different in multiple ways than the rest, and play different too. Research goes a long ways ... look before you leap type of thing. There are plenty of videos with battles for you to visually see the units/factions in action. Podcasts and articles to provide info, etc etc.

How many of either core sets? Depends on what kind of army you want to build, play style, strength & weaknesses, and how effective of a army, etc.. Typically x3 provides max amount of units with a bit of room for customization; each will provide a commander (1 min, 2 max), 2 corp troop (Need 3 minimum, 6 max), 1 support unit (0 min, 3 max). Despite your opinion about the expansions, you might want to consider them as they can for sure make the army better.

When it comes to assembly, FFG Live just posted a video about the clone wars core. The clone wars core will require way more effort with the addition of tools compared to the original core set that for the most part is extremely easy and quick to assemble. Clone wars core set assembly, Check it out below...

If you would like to shake things up a bit, perhaps buy 1 or more of each core so you have all 4 factions. Otherwise learn the play style of each faction and find the one that matches how you currently choose to play. Although, keep in mind that the clone wars is new so it doesn't have the amount of expansions as the rebel & empire factions just yet. However, that will quickly change as they are going to be releasing more clone wars expansions til it is caught up.

To answer your question about why to wait for clones wars, beyond it being a different faction that plays different it will include a Upgrade Card Pack which yes could be bought separately that includes 60 upgrade cards that were released and included throughout the many expansions of the Rebel & Empire expansions... so you don't have to buy those to get those upgrade cards if you are planning to only play Galactic Republic/Separatist Alliance. Also, you'll have the errata version of cards. Beyond that, not really any particular reason I can think of.

Yet those aren't strong reasons to abandon choosing to play with Rebel Alliance/Galactic Empire, and choosing the Rebel/Empire just because they currently have more expansions isn't a strong reason either. Furthermore, who said you need to pick one! Add some spice playing with more than one faction, leaving your opponent guessing.. opposed to ... oh here comes that [Faction] player again.

Additionally, if it matters... the price of Rebel Alliance/Galactic Empire core and expansions beyond what is new can be bought for less money, yet the clone wars is brand new so that won't be the case.

Overall, No matter what you choose i'm sure you'll have a blast, even more so if you make a educated choice based on learning as much as you can about each faction. Hope you the best, and this info was helpful.

Yeah... I reject that whole keeping up with the Joneses thing when it comes to unit stats. If you like Luke & Darth and you want lots of units to pick from get a couple GCW starters for $70 each on Amazon from FFG and buy all your expansions at the store you play in. If it were me I’d start with Veers, Bossk, Chewie, and Rebel Specialists. A comfortable 800+ points for each faction until you have a clear favorite to focus on.

30 minutes ago, RepentOrPerish said:

Any idea why a store owner would have recommended me to wait for Clone Wars as it would be “much better?” Was that only subjective?

Could be because some people prefer the troops and vehicles from that era. Could be because these games evolve over time and with the new clone wars set you get revised rules, errata cards and new tokens.

All in all I'd say it makes sense for you to go with the original core set. It's easier to assemble, cheaper, you get great iconic models and have more expansions available if you want.

Painted is also way easier than you think. It’s about working smarter not harder. I can’t draw a stick figure but I paint pretty good.

4 hours ago, RepentOrPerish said:

Edit: Should I go Vader or Obi-wan?

Vader. You must confront Vader.

Welcome @RepentOrPerish

@RepentOrPerish if you plan to get a second Core Set and further expansions, hold of for Black Friday Sales. They normally go half off at sites like Cool Stuff Inc. and Miniature Market.

@RepentOrPerish You'll want to fiddle around on this. The best fansite ever?

https://tabletopadmiral.com/legion/

Painting Legion, for people with no natural abilities.

I can batch paint a squad of her Hoth rebels, assembly line style, in about an hour. Stick them all on corks or something for a handle, with blu-tac so my fingers don't smudge the paint as I go. Paint every model Color A, then every model Color B, etc. Don't fix mistakes till the end cause the next color might hide it anyways. And judge the final paint-job from 3 feet away cause that's how we actually play.

Hey, I’m seriously considering jumping in legion. I love Star Wars. I love X-Wing. I love Imperial Assault the most.

Welcome to the hobby. Wargaming is not just games but an overall hobby if you so desire. Picking one with a mythos that excites and interests you is one of the most important parts. You are off to a great start already.

I have never played a war game. I never painted minis (never will). I never assembled minis (I will have to.)

Wargaming is a huge step from board gaming. You will have a learning curve so dont expect to get it all at once. I like to do practice games with just the basics to get the mechanics down before concentrating on adding extras or more units. Small games are best for this.

If you have never painted and never will, I think you are missing out on a key aspect of the hobby. I was intimidated by it in my early years before I learned about acrylics (trust me, my early oil based paint jobs were BAD lol. Seriously though, you would be surprised at what a very basic scheme can look like. Especially if you use a wash to pick out the details and drybrush to highlight the edges. BUT to play, it is not needed as you can see whats what by looking at them and different colored bases to tell the factions apart. Try the game out see make sure you like it before putting effort into painting either way. If all else fails, folks will paint for you... for a price and bare plastic models work just as good.

Assembly, from what i've seen, these are pretty basic with only a few fiddly parts. You should have no problem at all.

I do not intend on playing in tournaments. But I do intend to play standard (800 points) at a local store or at home.

Tournaments, shop games and at home games all can have a different atmosphere. I would suggest going to a tournament if only just to watch if not to play. You can learn a lot in terms of becoming a better player. Shop games are usually played along the same lines because even though they are not played for prizes, they are still "strangers" and played in at atmosphere with others watching and judging for future games against both of you. Home games with buddies are more lax without stress but you can ovelook details or misinterpret rules that you will be called out for outside the home. I found that ALL of your home buddies should watch or play games outside of the home because if your the only one, you will know the official or correct way and when you "spring it on" a buddy who doesnt know, it could cause friction. maybe make it a road trip to play in a shop for a few games with a more experienced player helping you out as you learn? I dont know, just some thoughts.

Beside the obvious fact that they are different factions, should I opt for two core sets or two clone wars core sets? Is there one that is “easier” in terms of entering the war game genre. I’m not afraid by the rules, but maybe by the assembly part, the terrain building, and the part where I invest in a faction that becomes irrelevant in 2 years...

I would say just one basic core set to start to learn the mechanics. THEN decide what factions you like and build on them. The core sets offer a good deal though even if only one of you plays a core faction, your saving money in terms of models and dice and other basic gaming materials youll need. models you dont use, can always be set aside for sale or helping more buddies get started.

Am I missing some information that should lead me towards one of the two core sets more than the other? Is one of them going to help me step into Legion more than the other? I was told to wait for Clone Wars to begin but I honestly can’t really see why besides the new factions available.

They should be the same thing with just different models. i would say that if even only one of you want to use empire or rebel, the current one is worth the price and youll have extra stuff for a 2nd force or to sell. The basic mechanics work the same and it would give you a head start to practice with.

If painting intimidates you, contrast paints, dipping and other methods can turn even the most basic paint job into something with character.

Heck I will paint you an army for free. You pay two way shipping and it’s a paint-matching deal. I will paint as many rebels as you paint imperials or vice versa.

Your taking your first steps into a wider universe.

Although if you've been playing X-Wing your already playing a Wargame.

But reading your post I would suggest the following:

As the hobbying side is clearly a deterent I would advise that Clone Wars has more hobbying involved you will need a pair of modelling pliers in addition to the glue, and the B1 Droids are more multi-part meaning quite simply more parts to the model - don't mean to sound I'm talking down to you but just to be absolutely clear about the differences involved which may determine your decision. Even experienced hobbyists have not enjoyed the stick 30+ Droids together. So I would not suggest this as how you start your entry into the game.

I would therefore suggest you go with the Original Legion Trilogy Box sets, which as they have been out for 18 months you'll probably find more buy brand new discounted rates than the yet to be officially launched clone wars and you would only need glue. So if you don't like it less out of pocket.

You may also wish to play the first few mini campaigns as you get into the game, theres are all official and free found under the legion section of the FFG website:

https://images-cdn.fantasyflightgames.com/filer_public/cd/0d/cd0d3301-fc0d-42f0-a0fd-1932d61a8056/swl_gathering_forces_eo.pdf

https://images-cdn.fantasyflightgames.com/filer_public/ce/66/ce6613d4-4ac4-4151-b36b-f791e11fbde1/swl_silent_hail_eo.pdf

They were setup following launch specificlly for the intro learning period.

You may find you develop your hobbying side as any opponents with painted armies are happy to assist.

I dont know... droids may invlove more in terms of assembly but painting them can be a breeze....spray paint them (very lightly) with silver or copper or other metallic you prefer, then dip them into an acrylic/water mix of black very thin a dark stain would work also with no mixing but then youd have smell and take longer to dry) and shake them before sitting them down to dry and your done unless you want to dot eyes red or something. You could even just paint the base green instead of flocking (although I'd leave the sides of the base the original color or just paint them green also to tell yours apart easier if you play against other droids. I would do more myself but that could be a very easy do if you dont want to put the work into it. There are loads of youtube how to videos also. I'm not super good at explaining through typed words.

At the end of the day, they your models, do what you want.

Droids are going to be easy as ****... prime Rustoleum Heritage White, apply Gore-Grunta Fur, then paint the weapons voila!

(Since I'm doing class markings that'll be a bit more involved but still)

41 minutes ago, GreatMazinkaiser said:

Droids are going to be easy as ****... prime Rustoleum Heritage White, apply Gore-Grunta Fur, then paint the weapons voila!

(Since I'm doing class markings that'll be a bit more involved but still)

but the hardest to assemble for some one new to the hobbies side

8 hours ago, Fistofriles said:

but the hardest to assemble for some one new to the hobbies side

I guess, but the hard part (the legs) are pegged in at a fixed angle so they shouldn't be that difficult. Compared to assembling the speeder bikes (which were a penance with their tiny, tiny pieces) it should be a breeze, especially since you don't have to worry about getting your fingers stuck together.

We will have to wait and see how well the sculpters did. Many models use a ball socket so it allows for wider pose options and still assembles super easy (my preference for stuff like droids) while with some of the current ones shaped hole sockets so the parts fit in only one way. Should still be easy to assemble no matter what regardless and only takes a little bit of time. I always found assembling the easiest part. just clip, razor blade to make smooth a glue together. while with painting its making sure to not mess us by getting paint on wrong parts , cleaning brushes and doing so for multiple colors (although I assembly line mine doing multiples at a time to save time.

The only assembly issues I've had so far was the front vanes on the speeder bikes. I much prefer hard plastics over the soft for assembly, easier to work with.

22 hours ago, RepentOrPerish said:

Hey, I’m seriously considering jumping in legion. I love Star Wars. I love X-Wing. I love Imperial Assault the most.

I have never played a war game. I never painted minis (never will). I never assembled minis (I will have to.)

thank you

Edit: Should I go Vader or Obi-wan?

Welcome repentorperish...sounds like we have a common saviour.

regarding the clone choice...your LGS May have suggested clone starter as you will have force looking better unpainted due to superior sculpts, droid monotone etc. connected with the first base set.

Did you see the trilogy (second released) at the cinema and enjoy the battles with a sense of joy? Not trying to be weird but my kids were heavily influenced by the second trilogy and therefore connect at a different generational level to their parent/s.

Painting is fun and rewarding...your troops will roll better and you will have affinity and look after their on table health closer as they will be partly your own creation.

PM me and I can send you (no swap required) basic 5 colour and shaded Luke and Vader from the core set as we have some spare after you get started with the new core set. Also, do not be afraid to ask your opponent to proxy some of your IA stuff...

cheers - Genghis

On 8/24/2019 at 7:01 AM, RepentOrPerish said:

Am I missing some information that should lead me towards one of the two core sets more than the other? Is one of them going to help me step into Legion more than the other? I was told to wait for Clone Wars to begin but I honestly can’t really see why besides the new factions available.

Since the others have talked about the core sets from a game point of view, I'll talk about it as a new player starting out. If you're new, and debating between Vader/Emprie vs Obi/Republic, the Empire is probably your best bet. The original core set is far easier to build than the Clone Wars Core, as the hardest unit to deal with is the pair of speeder bikes you'll get. Even then, they're not really all that bad. The Clone Wars core, however, gives you several units that will soak up a ton of time just putting them together, aka, all of the droids. Besides the larger numbers of them, the hobbyist aspect comes into play in that you'll need/want clippers, an excacto knife, and plastic cement to get the droids together properly. For the Empire and Rebels, you'll just need super glue. The Empire is also easier to paint; rattle can the stormies white, Vader black, and the bikes brown. You can do the same to the Clones, but its hard to get Obi done quite as easily.

All of that said, the Clones are super fun to play. Obi-Wan is growing on me as a unit far more than I expected, and I'm happily in the process of packing away my Imperials to make room for more clones here in a couple of weeks. The Empire will likely continue to be better in the meta, but Clones are where my heart lies.

Consider going to a tournament at least to watch, but try and play in one. You will meet the local community and most will have game day weekly/monthly with more casual play. Our local Armada community is almost exclusively the bi-monthly (every 2 months - not twice a month) tournaments, most of our players are casual so don't see meta list.

On 8/25/2019 at 8:42 PM, GhengisharnIV said:

Cheers - Genghis

My pleasure...