I have a buddy that's slowly getting into the game and I'm going to pick up a ship for him for Xmas. Since he has the Falcon, I'm thinking something Rebel.

I'd probably get a Y-Wing but those look to still be out of stock.

An X-Wing expansion would be good for the pilots and let him run the dreaded Falcon + 2 X-Wings (perhaps to my dismay ). A-Wing or B-Wing would be a different ship entirely.

I'm leaning towards staying away from the HWK, just because it's more of a support ship. Figure it's better to get the iconics first.

Thoughts/Recommendations?

Thanks!

I'd go for (in order on the Rebellion's side) A 2nd Starter Pack, a Firespray-31 (for Gunner, and for when he inevitably wants a taste of the dark side), X and Y (Garven + "Dutch" combo to melt his mind), B, A, HWK, and Lambda (for the upgrades that seem more suited for the Rebellion).

He's got the Starter and a Falcon then the fasted road to a highly competitive squad would simply be another X-Wing. It may be boring but it is powerful and adds function to the started while also gaining additional function from the starter in the form of another ship so you could fly Luke and Biggs together if you wanted.

I'd say the X-Wing, since it gives him lots of options with something he's already familiar with while introducing new things. However, the A, B and Y-Wings are all fine Rebel craft, so none of them are bad choices in of themselves. Honestly, it's all good, but I do agree the HWK is a bit of an odd one, though not a bad craft by any means, it's just a niche squad builder craft compared to the others. It would give him some more crew options though.

Personally I say the X-Wing expansion for now.

sounds like he is a rebel player eh? im leaning towards the x-wing expansion or the B-Wing. Both would go will supporting a Falcon. To be honest id grab a Y-Wing before a Hwk-290 - both r quite similar in terms of the role they serve as part of a larger squad but the Y-Wing is more durable, can support r2 units and has 3 attack with secondary weapons.

Since when does a Y-Wing have 3 base attack...? ._.

Since when does a Y-Wing have 3 base attack...? ._.

If they did the Y-Wing would see a lot more play.

Since when does a Y-Wing have 3 base attack...? ._.

If they did the Y-Wing would see a lot more play.

Y-Wing's 2 base attack is nothing to sneeze at. 2 dice at Range 3, 3 dice at Range 1, and 2 dice whenever you want to try finishing a ship off instead of Ionizing it and/or didn't take a Focus for the Blaster Turret...

Well, since everyone else is covering the competitive angle, I'll try to offer a different perspective.

How much do you know about what they like in Star Wars or what their goal is in buying the game? Because the HWK-290 was actually what got me into the game, being a huge Dark Forces fan. I've never even used it myself yet, as I play more to collect ships I like than to be competitive (though I do enjoy the game itself).

I've heard the second starter recommended a lot, but if you happen to know a favorite ship of theirs, consider picking that up as well (unless it sucks and winning is more important to them). That advice might be kind of obvious, but I know people who forget that I care more about my favorites than winning because of how competitive they are. ;P

Since when does a Y-Wing have 3 base attack...? ._.

oops. my bad. typo. i meant 3 attack WITH secondary weapons eg. ion cannon or blaster turret.

Since when does a Y-Wing have 3 base attack...? ._.

If they did the Y-Wing would see a lot more play.

Y-Wing's 2 base attack is nothing to sneeze at. 2 dice at Range 3, 3 dice at Range 1, and 2 dice whenever you want to try finishing a ship off instead of Ionizing it and/or didn't take a Focus for the Blaster Turret...

i totally agree. ppl often write off the y-wing's primary weapon which has 2 attack dice at range2. its actually decent - try it. at range1 u roll 3 dice. thats as good as an x-wing at range2. i recently played the XXBYY squad and was really impressed with how much damage u get in with the Y-Wings - as they r not the primary threat they often get left alone early in the game

I have a buddy that's slowly getting into the game and I'm going to pick up a ship for him for Xmas. Since he has the Falcon, I'm thinking something Rebel.

I'd probably get a Y-Wing but those look to still be out of stock.

An X-Wing expansion would be good for the pilots and let him run the dreaded Falcon + 2 X-Wings (perhaps to my dismay ). A-Wing or B-Wing would be a different ship entirely.

I'm leaning towards staying away from the HWK, just because it's more of a support ship. Figure it's better to get the iconics first.

Thoughts/Recommendations?

Thanks!

Get the Hawk and never look back.

I'd go with a firespray! I started life in x-wing as a hardcore I will not even touch imperial ships. I had fun BUT as fate would have it I am now running a twin firespray list and haven't looked back lol!!! Get a firespray it'll add diversity to his collection and gets him some awesome upgrade cards

I'll say it right now. Outfit it right, and the HWK is a huge force multiplier that is not to be underestimated, but always will be.