I'm planning on playing in my first tourney in a couple of weeks at 100 points and 70 minute time limits. With just a few games under my belt against similar lists, I'm curious to which list you think might be more reasonable, more fun, and less frustrating (not necessarily a better list) given it will be my first experience and I'm not sure what to expect.

1. Wedge + R2, Biggs, 2 X-Wing Rookies

2. Wedge+Swarm, Biggs, 2 Green A-Wings w/PTL

The first list is simple in that I'm essentially playing one ship type and fewer rules. I might have more success worrying about fewer rules and may be able to move things along more quickly (not that I'm slow, but as mentioned above I'm not sure what to expect). Downside is I have just one ship type and it seems less interesting and will learn a bit less since I'll really only learn about using one ship against a variety of opponents.

The second list is a list I've had a lot of fun with as it has two ship types. I'll be able to learn a bit more about how to play two ship types against a variety of lists and opponents. The downside is that it's a bit more complex in terms of strategy and usage.

Any thoughts on that? Thanks in advance.

Do you mean R2-D2 on Wedge in list 1 or just an R2 unit?

If you just use an R2 unit you can give Wedge PtL. Either way, list 1 is the list I would choose. It has more firepower, more hull and shields and will fly a better formation.

The first list is clearly superior in my mind. If you run the A-wings, they're more than likely going to end up separated from Wedge and Biggs to utilize their greater manueverability, which devalues Bigg's ability a bit. Plus the loss of firepower and hull is tough to swallow.

Plus, I know from experience that Wedge, Biggs, 2x Rookie is a competitive list.

I have flown list 1 several times and even won a tournamnet with it. I had PTL and R2 on wedge, biggs, 2 rookies. I have since modified the list to be wedge swarm r5, biggs r5, rookie, rookie.

I'd consider knocking Wedge down to Luke in list 1, and adding "Draw Their Fire" to him.

Do you want to win, or do you want to have fun?

I'd vote for list 1 as well.

Do you want to win, or do you want to have fun?

Thanks for clarifying. I'm looking more to have fun and learn some things.

#2 is what I'd choose for friendly games, but think that in a timed setting for my first tourney, I could see where list 1 would me more beneficial in that regard, too, so I don't have as much to worry about. List 2 might be more appropriate for later as I've learned a bit more about the game/tournament play overall.

Most responses have been about competitiveness of the lists and I was probably already aware that the four X-wings would be that, but maybe I could have framed the question better and simply asked if List 2 would be a list that would be a good first tourney list with just a few games or if I should simplify it.

Do you want to win, or do you want to have fun?

I'm looking more to have fun and learn some things.

#2 is what I'd choose for friendly games, but think that in a timed setting for my first tourney, I could see where list 1 would me more beneficial in that regard, too, so I don't have as much to worry about.

The first list is definitely more competitive, but it sounds like you're more comfortable with the second. If you just want to have fun, I think you've answered your own question.

Do you want to win, or do you want to have fun?

I'm looking more to have fun and learn some things.

#2 is what I'd choose for friendly games, but think that in a timed setting for my first tourney, I could see where list 1 would me more beneficial in that regard, too, so I don't have as much to worry about.

The first list is definitely more competitive, but it sounds like you're more comfortable with the second. If you just want to have fun, I think you've answered your own question.

Thanks for the response. That's sort of true, (and I edited the post you responded to to add a bit more) to reflect that I was more looking if that might change in a tournament setting. I've more overall experience flying the X-wing (as most probably do early on) and that might be easier and more laid back than adding on rules that I've used but have less experience with like the A-Wing dial, Boost, and PTL.

While I'm familiar with and used A-Wings (and like them) it's been in no pressure at, not timed, nothing at stake (again, not that I care, but opponents might) games and I'm wondering if anyone has insight on to how that might change, if at all, or if it's just not that big of a deal.

Ironically, while I'd known there were 4 Xwing lists that were competitive, I was just throwing together 4 of them that fit in under 100 points that might also be fun to play and didn't realize it was a competitive list in and of itself.

I think list 1 has a better chance of winning a tournament. But may I recommend trading R2 on Wedge for R2-F2 on Biggs. Wedge's upgrade is basically Biggs flying next to him. Biggs needs an upgrade to keep him alive as every one and their dog shoots at him.

I think list 1 has a better chance of winning a tournament. But may I recommend trading R2 on Wedge for R2-F2 on Biggs. Wedge's upgrade is basically Biggs flying next to him. Biggs needs an upgrade to keep him alive as every one and their dog shoots at him.

I disagree. Biggs is going down fast anyways, why waste points on him for a measly extra green die - one that he has to use an action for? He may be acting as a buffer for Wedge, but he still has 3 red dice of his own. I think you're better off maximizing those instead, i.e. letting him focus or TL.

One other thing to consider:

Fun vs. competitive aside (which, by the way, do not have to be mutually exclusive)...if this is your first tournament, I'd recommend you focus more on the tournament itself and less on the squad you're playing. By which I mean, play whatever squad you're most comfortable with, and focus on flying it in a tournament setting.

When playing with a time limit, you might find yourself adopting new tactics out of necessity, and it would be best to minimize the variables involved by holding your squad constant to something with which you're practiced and familiar.

One other thing to consider:

Fun vs. competitive aside (which, by the way, do not have to be mutually exclusive)...if this is your first tournament, I'd recommend you focus more on the tournament itself and less on the squad you're playing. By which I mean, play whatever squad you're most comfortable with, and focus on flying it in a tournament setting.

When playing with a time limit, you might find yourself adopting new tactics out of necessity, and it would be best to minimize the variables involved by holding your squad constant to something with which you're practiced and familiar.

Thanks, that's definitely more in line with the kind of information I was looking for. My point with Fun vs. Competitive is that I was more looking at ease of use over building a hard as nails list.

Hmmm, I've been thinking and I may go with a compromise of sorts: Wedge R?, Biggs, Rookie X-Wing, and Green with PTL.

Might be good. You've still got a three-ship 'pack' with a lone hunter to keep interceptors or similar off your backside.

Make sure to keep the A-Wing safely out of the way until your opponent commits to attacking the X-wing flight, and you should do fine.

If you're fielding Wedge and a lone rookie, you might consider Swarm tactics on Wedge - bumping that rookie to shooting at pilot skill 9 (i.e. "first") is a big deal since he's still got the good forward firepower of an X-wing.

Might be good. You've still got a three-ship 'pack' with a lone hunter to keep interceptors or similar off your backside.

Make sure to keep the A-Wing safely out of the way until your opponent commits to attacking the X-wing flight, and you should do fine.

If you're fielding Wedge and a lone rookie, you might consider Swarm tactics on Wedge - bumping that rookie to shooting at pilot skill 9 (i.e. "first") is a big deal since he's still got the good forward firepower of an X-wing.

Thanks for the tips, and in that list I actually have an R5 and Swarm attached to Wedge.