VVery intrigued by this game and seems like a lot of fun. What do you recommend as far as purchases go to have a good collection of ships to build the best or at least a competetive fleet?

My first thought was to buy 2 of everything (core set and expansions) and was wondering if this was the way to go?

I probably wouldn't go that far. Not that it's a bad idea, but it's expensive, which might make it a bad idea I suppose…

Conventional wisdom says that you'll want 2 core sets. I don't always tend to agree, especially on the eve of wave 2.

2 Core sets will get you an extra set of movement templates which is nice if people are coming over to play, and it will give you an extra set of dice, which is very nice because having 3 of each is kind of silly when the ships/rules in the core set alone make it possible to role 4 attack dice with some ships.

However, the flip side is that in the core set you get Luke and Biggs which are nice, but you don't get Wedge for instance. Now you can combat that by buying the expansion sets obviously. That's where things get a little pricy.

If you were to buy 2 of each of the current expansions, you'd have 4 TIEs, which is maybe enough, depending on the list you want to field for Imperials. I'm not sure you need 2 TIE Advanced models… If you're playing Rebels then 4 x-wings is probably more than you'll field.

With wave 2 coming out, you probably won't want more than 1 Slave 1 or Falcon to start. You can technically field 2 YT-1300s or even up to 3 Slave 1s.

A-wings and Interceptors are a little different, and 2 of each of those could be pretty good, when you can get them.

I'd probably buy 1 or 2 core sets, depending on how you want to approach the dice problem. The rest of your buying I suppose will be dictated by how you're approaching this game as a whole. Are you planning on playing at a local game store? Where you'll be bringing your models and templates etc, or are you planning on having a "board game" where you can have friends over and they won't have to bring anything?

Personally I'm doing a bit of both. While I have models for both sides to play, my own board and what not, I'm guessing the majority of my friends will (and some already have) pick up their own models.

More models means more options, more fun, and I don't think we can give you definite answers for what you should buy ultimately. Just strike a balance between cost and fun

Thats what I did was I bought 2 core sets then I just built off those sets.2 more Ties, 2 more X-wings,1 Tie advance and 2 Y-wingsThe good thing is if you buy to core sets you get two sets of dice and basically you get two sets of everything wich is cool.Now for the 2nd wave I think I went a little nuts with a Falcon and a Slave 1, one each and 2 A-wings and two TIE-Interceptor.I thought these ships would give me some variety for different games.Stay on target,Stay on target

it all depends on your budget.. if it's fairly tight i would first start by picking a side, buying 1 core set (required as you need the damage cards and movement templates) and 1 of each ship expansion from that faction and play some games.

find out what you like playing with that fits your playstyle and add more ships of the types that you like to your collection as time progresses

What Right-Titan said, basically. Just a few more points to add of my own.

Having 2 Cores is a good deal if you were planning on fielding 3 or more X-Wings and 5 or more TIEs. Or 2 and 4 if you don't care about the pilots that come in the Expansions (as he mentioned, there's more pilots than what's included in the Core Set). If you have no real interest in fielding X-Wings and TIEs in that number, it's not such a great deal. I've taught several folks to play IRL, and a couple of those were before I had two Cores. It's a pain in the ass, frankly. If you're kind of on the fence, go ahead and get two Cores; you're unlikely to regret it.

Past that, buy the ships you want to play with. This game isn't like most miniatures games- all the ships are viable to play with. Now, are some easier or more accessible in their use? Yes. No doubt about it- for most people, and X-Wing is easier to use than a Y-Wing for example, but that's why there's points get involved and other balancing mechanisms like Pilot Rank and maneuvers and all that hoo haa. Long story short, if you dig the idea of an all A-Wing force, by all means, buy them and play them. It might not be as easy as some other lists, but you can do it and still win without having to be friggin' genius to pull it off against an average player.

Most folks around here play both Imperial and Rebel, but favor one a bit more than the other. As such, many of the responses you're going to get are going to be from that point of view. If you only have interest in playing one faction, take the rest for what their worth.

Lastly, I just happened to write an article about this last week. I've got a lot of info on points and things new people might want to take into account before running up the credit card and getting in trouble with the wife and all. No sense incurring the wrath and not being completely happy with what you have to show for it, amirite? Take a peek at it if you get a chance- http://www.themetalbikini.com/2013/02/i-wanna-play-x-wing-miniatures-what.html

Good luck and have fun! This game's a trip!

As for buying the 2 core sets off the bat.. the only benefit from what I'm gathering is you get extra sets of dice and game pieces. As for the ships.. they seem to be unique and not sure if you can have say two lukes in play or what not. I could be completely wrong and I think I am =). Are the cards and ships interchangeable to a certain degree?

I am thinking of buying 1 core set. to start and i see you can buy an extra pair of dice as well.. and maybe think about more as far as how many of each expansion to buy.

You mostly got it.

The core set comes with some unique cards and some generic.

You'll get Luke Skywalker, and you're right you can only field him once. It's outlined in the manual where it says that anyone with a dot next to their name is unique and can only be fielded once (I'm paraphrasing).

However you will also get "Rookie Pilot" which is not unique and you can field multiples of them if you have the models. Same kind of thing for TIEs where you can have multiple Academy Pilots or Black Squadron Pilots etc.

Upgrade cards are the interchangeable ones you're thinking of in the sets. Each box you buy, i.e. Core or expansion comes with a specific set of upgrade cards. Each X-Wing will come with the same ones, but they are different from the ones that come in the core set and vice versa. Cards can be used on any ship that meets the requirements.

A good example is droids. When you buy an X-Wing expansion you'll get Wedge Antilles. However in your core set, one of the droids you get is R2-D2, which works pretty well on Wedge in some situations. The card for Wedge has an "upgrade bar" at the bottom of the card showing which types of cards you may equip on the ship and in what quantities. 1 symbol means 1 upgrade, so if you have 2 "Crew" upgrade slots like on a Millenium Falcon, you may equip 2 crew members.

The rest is just matching symbols. That's part of what makes X-Wing really interesting. As new expansions come out, and with them, new cards, you can get some new and exciting combinations.

I would suggest watching the tutorial video found here, and you can also download a free low-res copy of the entire rulebook here if you're like me and like to dig deep before you buy:

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite_sec.asp?eidm=174&esem=4

And welcome!

Here is a thread that states exactly what you get in each expansion and the core set:

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_foros_discusion.asp?efid=254&efcid=6&efidt=769927

IMO you cannot go wrong with 2 core sets. You get the most for the money and all the extras. There are generic pilots in the core set as well as well as unique pilots like Skywalker. Two of each expansion will give you the ability to easily build 100pt squads for each faction and switch things up a bit until you find what you like. If Money is a concern then still get the two core sets and start with one of each expamsion and grow from there You will then have a copy of all the pilot cards and upgrades and can decide what you want extra.

As for Wave 2 I am starting out with 2 of each fighter and 1 each of the Falcon And Slave1. I was fortunate to win Slave 1 so it will lessen the blow. Unless you are loyal to a LGS Miniature MArket seems to be the place to go and I just noticed today core sets are back in stock for $25.

HTH,

Aaron

Thank you everyone for the info. Much appreciated.. Going to eventually buy the 2 core sets and take it from there as I learn and become more familiar with the game.. ill start buying expansions and what not.

I started to rethink this… What if I just bought one core set then buy a good amount of the expansions so I have multiple x wings and tie fighters.

XWing32 said:

The argument for 2 core sets is that you need more than 3 dice pretty often and the dice pack isn’t worth it compared to everything you get in a 2^nd core.

If you can afford it, I would put together a $100 order at Cool Stuff Inc or Miniature Market, as that's when you get free shipping. $25 core sets and, $10 or $20 expansions make it affordable and you can get 2 core sets and one of each small ships for $110.

That'll give you 3 X-Wings, 1 Y-Wing, and 1 A-Wing vs 5 Tie Fighter, 1 Tie Advanced and 1 Tie Interceptor.

If that's a bit much for a game you're not sure about, I'd pick up a core set then save up for an order based on how you like it. You could replace the 2nd core set and make a similar order with one of the big ships for $105.

If you're fortunate enough to have a good FLGS, I’d start with the core set and pick more up as you want more ships.

My opinion… depends on how "hooked" you are in the game now. If you already like the game, then I would highly suggest 2 cores, 2 x-wing expansions, and at least 1 of each expansion. You probably would want to double up on the A-wings and Tie Inteceptors at minimum.

If you are not exactly sure how into the game you are, I would go with 1 core, 1 Tie Advanced (you HAVE to play vader at least once, don't forget the breathing sound effects when you move!. 1 Tie or interceptor expansion…

Play a few games, they don't have to be 100pt games, see if you get hooked like me… then you will sell off your first born like I did (below):

My set was built with 2 Core sets, the extra dice and cards is VERY nice and a good deal to get more TIEs/X-wings to boot.

6 Tie Fighters

4 Tie Advanced (this was waaay overkill, we generally only field one, vader)

5 Tie Interceptors (mostly want to try an all Int squad)

2 Firesprays (couldn't wait for my pre-order:)

4 x-wings (very solid rebel lists have 4 x-wings, I don't see much of a change with wave 2)

2 Y-wings (I personally only use 1 most of the time)

5 A-wings (mostly to try an all a-wing squad and I couldn't wait for my pre-order)

2 Falcons (again I couldn't wait for pre-order, and if I don't use the 2nd, one will go on my desk at work).

XWing32 said:

The reason many get 2 cores, is because it comes with 3 ships (2 TIE and 1 x-wing)… Best case scenario is 3 expansion ships would be the same price, but in more cases it is more expensive. You then get the bonus of addtional dice/templates/cards etc.

But you can't just ignore the x-wing/TIE expansions because as others have said they come with important/good cards like Wedge… so you should take a balanced approach.

With Wave 2, you could be a bit more spread out, having only 1 of each ship but then your lists will be limited to just 1 of each ship. Yet at the same time the need for 6-8 TIE fighters is less then it was before Wave 2 so you progbably won't need as many TIE fighters.

Good advice.. As far as the dice goes, I could always buy a seperate set.. however I do see in terms of value with getting the second core set. Aside from the dice issue.. with the game pieces .. is there a shortage issue with this or can 1 core set bet sufficient (the movement pieces)?

There's no real reason to have two sets of movement templates for game purposes, no.

If you're planning on teaching someone else to play, they're nearly invaluable so you're not handing them back and forth all match.

If you don't take care of your stuff and lose/ destroy/ whatever items like that, also invaluable.

Ok guys/gals.. after reaading through everyone's ideas.. i decided to buy the 2 core sets, 1 falcon, 1 slave runner, 1 advance tie, and one y wing to start.. I figure with this I can build a decent fleet to start and then buy more expansions as I become more familiar with the game and to a particular play style. 120 bucs but hey it was worth it.. I am also a collector as well so buying it not just for gaming purposes =).

I love this game so I'm continually adding mini expansions to it. Will be picking up one Falcon, one Slave 1, 2 A-wig and 2 Tie Interceptors next weekend when I get back from my buisness trip.

Been thiking about buying as many of each fighter craft as one can fit into a 100 point squad when picking the cheapest pilot, i.e. get full flexiblity. What do you think? 2 core sets are the obvious start and one just has to have one TIE Advanced because of Vader.

Me and my brother have also been planning this massive 300 point fight sometime in the future once we get enough fighters. Expecting a long hard battle

Youjimbo said:

Some ships like the X-wing is good to "max out" with. Others like the Tie Advanced it is not needed. I have 4 Tie Advanced (thinking just like you), I usually field 1, I think I have only used 2 once. Similar with the Y-wing, some people have had fun with 4 in a squad but it is a pretty rare list.

If you are serious about a 300pt matches then go nutz!

Yeah this game has me hooked and I havn't even played yet. Will be playing my first matches on Sunday now the hard part is to wield a descent squad. I picked up more expansions today which gives me the following on hand: 2 core sets, 1 of each expansion released. I figure I can get something decent here and build more as I go.

I have a ton of every thing.

8 TIEs, 3 TIE interceptors, 3 TIE Advnaced

4 X-Wings, 2 Awings, and a YT-1300.

I plan on getting a third A-wing and a Firespray when the moeny allows, but I want everything.

If you are just starting out and don't want to pay $$$ and $$$ just yet I recomend two starter sets.

Even with the second wave TIE's and X-wings are still the main ships of the game. People may play without them, but usually only after make a concouse descision to try something without them.

Starter Set's are the cheapest way to get fighters. You will probably want to buy one X-wing booster and one TIE booster to get the unique pilots that don't come in the starter, but you can never play with more than one of each unique pilot.

I recomend at least one TIE advnaced for Vader. With wave II out you might want to back up your TIEs with TIE Interceptors rather than vader, so you might not buy him right off the bat. But Vader is still one of the Best pilots in the game (even for his points cost) so you will probably want to use him eventually. But if you are trying to save money you probably don't need more than one TIE advanced.

A Y-wing can really bolster a Rebel List, but you don't usually need more than one, at least for starters.

A YT-1300 is probably a good idea as well. It is just such a great ship and the fact that it cost a lot of points, actually lets you field full size squadrons while spending less $$$$.

A-wings provide a cheaper fighter for the Rebels. I haven't played with it yet, but I guess that you will probably want a couple of them at least, but they don't have to be one of the first things you buy.

TIE-interceptors are awsome, but the cost a lot of points. But they are no more difficult to kill than a standard TIE. So don't buy just one. Use two or zero. One TIE Intercptor just get's killed first and then a lot of your fire power and points are just gone. Putting a Stealth Device on a Single TIE interceptor will not protect it from a swarm of three or more X-wings.

The Fire Spray is something I haev left for last, but that might have more to do with Loving Han more than Boba. However from what I have heard from others it isn't that great in the Game, at least the named pilots aren't. I will definatly get one (or maybe even two) eventually, but it is definatly something you could put off until latter.

Hrathen said:

thanks for the info. Going to try Vader with some standard ties and for rebels a yt-1300 and some xwings as long as I don't go over 100 pts.

I'm on the 2 core set band wagon for serious beginners for a few reasons:

• More ships for fewer dollars
• Enough materials to play with a friend who doesn't own the game
• Dice! You'll want a 2nd set for sure.

X-Wing Expansions: 1 (or two)

• The first if you just want enough x-wings to play competitively.
• The second if you'd like to be able to play every unique pilot in a casual match.

Y-Wing Expansions: 1 (or 2)

• One is all you really need for competitive play.
• Two if you want to be able to run Dutch and Horton together

TIE Fighter Expansion: 1-4

• With 2 Core Sets, 2 TIE Fighters will give you enough minis to run every pilot and to make any truly effective squad
• 3-4 TIE Fighters will let you run TIE swarms which were huge in the early meta, but not that great IMO.

TIE Advanced Expansion: 1-2

• Vader.
• A single TIE Advanced (probably Vader) and any other Imperial ships is the base of a great build.
• I like running 2 TIE Advanced fighters in competitive play, even if they are just Tempest Pilots.
• A third TIE Advanced is a TIE swarm slayer, but unnecessary.

Millienium Falcon Expansion:

• You may never play it competetively, but it comes with great ship upgrades, is aweome looking, and is really fun to play with

A-Wing Expansion: 1-2

• This is the cheapest and most versatile ship the Rebels have. 2 A-wings gives you build options.
• The 2nd A-Wing lets you play both uniques.
• Some people are building A-Wing swarms, but IMO that's a losing endeavor.

Slave 1 Expansion:

• More competetive than the Falcon.
• Better cards.
• You need only 1, but I'm tempted to get a 2nd.

TIE Interceptor Expansion: 1-2 (or 3)

• 1-2 Interceptors will really help round out an Imperial build with some aggressive attack power.
• A 3rd will let you pilot all the named guys.

My recommendation to serious beginners for competetive play:

• 2 Core sets
• 1 X-Wing
• 1 Y-Wing
• 2 A-Wings
• 1 TIE Fighter
• 2 TIE Advanced
• 2 TIE Interceptors

That would retail for about $215 but can usually be purchared online for about $150.

Collectors will obviously want the big ships, and may want to consider buying more expansion packs to be able to field all the unique pilots.

Players on a budget may want to stick to a single faction.

I own:

• 2 Core Sets
• 2 X-Wings
• 3 Y-Wings
• 2 A-Wings
• 1 Millenium Falcom
• 2 TIE Fighters
• 3 TIE Advanced
• 2 TIE Interceptors
• 1 Slave-1

I don't need that many ships, but I really enjoy playing suboptimal builds for casual games as well as the occasional 200-300 point epic battle.

paradox23 said:

wow great stuff! Many thanks! Similar thoughts about the A wing. Me thinks going to buy a second and group them with x wing skywalker.

Hello,

I just

I'm on the 2 core set band wagon for serious beginners for a few reasons:

• More ships for fewer dollars
• Enough materials to play with a friend who doesn't own the game
• Dice! You'll want a 2nd set for sure.

X-Wing Expansions: 1 (or two)

• The first if you just want enough x-wings to play competitively.
• The second if you'd like to be able to play every unique pilot in a casual match.

Y-Wing Expansions: 1 (or 2)

• One is all you really need for competitive play.
• Two if you want to be able to run Dutch and Horton together

TIE Fighter Expansion: 1-4

• With 2 Core Sets, 2 TIE Fighters will give you enough minis to run every pilot and to make any truly effective squad
• 3-4 TIE Fighters will let you run TIE swarms which were huge in the early meta, but not that great IMO.

TIE Advanced Expansion: 1-2

• Vader.
• A single TIE Advanced (probably Vader) and any other Imperial ships is the base of a great build.
• I like running 2 TIE Advanced fighters in competitive play, even if they are just Tempest Pilots.
• A third TIE Advanced is a TIE swarm slayer, but unnecessary.

Millienium Falcon Expansion:

• You may never play it competetively, but it comes with great ship upgrades, is aweome looking, and is really fun to play with

A-Wing Expansion: 1-2

• This is the cheapest and most versatile ship the Rebels have. 2 A-wings gives you build options.
• The 2nd A-Wing lets you play both uniques.
• Some people are building A-Wing swarms, but IMO that's a losing endeavor.

Slave 1 Expansion:

• More competetive than the Falcon.
• Better cards.
• You need only 1, but I'm tempted to get a 2nd.

TIE Interceptor Expansion: 1-2 (or 3)

• 1-2 Interceptors will really help round out an Imperial build with some aggressive attack power.
• A 3rd will let you pilot all the named guys.

My recommendation to serious beginners for competetive play:

• 2 Core sets
• 1 X-Wing
• 1 Y-Wing
• 2 A-Wings
• 1 TIE Fighter
• 2 TIE Advanced
• 2 TIE Interceptors

That would retail for about $215 but can usually be purchared online for about $150.

Collectors will obviously want the big ships, and may want to consider buying more expansion packs to be able to field all the unique pilots.

Players on a budget may want to stick to a single faction.

I own:

• 2 Core Sets
• 2 X-Wings
• 3 Y-Wings
• 2 A-Wings
• 1 Millenium Falcom
• 2 TIE Fighters
• 3 TIE Advanced
• 2 TIE Interceptors
• 1 Slave-1

I don't need that many ships, but I really enjoy playing suboptimal builds for casual games as well as the occasional 200-300 point epic battle.