5 hours ago, FSD said:

To add to the "first faction" note: GCW units are plentiful. You can actually tailor your purchases to exactly what you want due to the number of releases. I've purchased from release. When you purchase from release, you are buying enough units to fill out 800 points. As new units get released, some of your older units see less and less play. If you start with Republic as your primary faction, know that eventually you will rarely use the two BARC speeders or that 4th and 5th unit of Clones you purchased early in the game to pad out your force.

That's why I'm still plugging away in games with Rebels or Empire while I slowly build my Clone army - one core set (and an extra BARC expansion because I "needed" the BARC trooper helmets ) and then picking and choosing from new releases as they come out.

+1

GCW is so interesting to start with because you have more options to choose from.

Also, in my opinion, the rebel units included within the GCW core box are all "more than playable". Luke is a tank/speeder/AT+RT killer, core troops are good, and the small chicken is also interesting to have. imperial side talking, the speederbiker are also interesting to play (if you can have 2 units of them), and stormtroopers have a good weapon option. Only the guy dressed in black is less seen on table

1 hour ago, TauntaunScout said:

Buy two GCW sets. Buy an Imperial and Rebel commander and operative. Paint them even though they don't interest you for practice. Crush your enemies. See them driven before you. Buy more imperial stuff as you gain experience playing.

then buy tauntauns and realize Rebels are more fun

22 minutes ago, TheHoosh said:

then buy tauntauns and realize Rebels are more fun

Tauntauns, both versions of Luke, and Sabine are just a blast to play. The rest of Rebels I sort of hate with their love of white dice everywhere and those poor poor heavies.

Empire really seems like the default option for new players to get into the game. Nothing really crazy, but gets the job done in most areas.