Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.
2016/01/31 18:21:18
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
So apparently I may be getting a bunch of X-wing stuff for my birthday?
On my gf's list of recent Amazon purchases I found:
- X-Wing Force Awakens Core Set
- Inquisitor's TIE
- Imperial Raider (!!)
Unless she's decided to start playing herself without telling me, I may have quite a haul coming my way soon.
Thing is, I don't really know all too much about the game or how to build a force (I played a trial a while ago and mentioned I had liked it... guessing she took that as an indication of desire to start?).
From what I know, the majority of games appear to be at the 100 point level.
That means the Raider is out, obviously, but with 2 First Order TIEs, a TIE Advanced, and a TIE Advanced Prototype, I'd assume I should be able to make something usable out of it.
Issue is, I have no idea what would be worthy additions to a force like that.
Should I just stick to what I'll have and try to acquire cards to round things out?
Is there anything I could pick up (additional ships) that would make the models I have work even better together?
Any suggestions of builds (for a novice player) would be very much welcome!
2016/01/31 18:26:26
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Wow, someone is a sneaky little man! I'm jealous of your covert skills....
Anyways I think the most important thing is to pick a side first, unless you intend on messing around with both. That would be helpful to anyone wanting to help you figure out where to go from here.
Victory is not the most important outcome. Enjoyment and excitement is the best outcome, victory is sweeter when it was fun.
2016/01/31 19:14:00
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Was using her tablet, saw she was still signed into her amazon account, curiosity got the better of me and...
Well, she knows I'm a fan of all things imperial, so it looks like she just got me whatever looked cool... whether that translates to actually being good on the table, *shrug*
But as far as picking sides, it's most definitely going to be imperial.
2016/01/31 19:20:11
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
I'm not too experienced, just getting started myself but when I start I usually start balls deep.
I play rebels and my buddy is imperial. He likes decimators, punishers, and Darth Vader in a tie advanced. Lots of proton bombs. Proton bombs can really ruin someone's day.
Victory is not the most important outcome. Enjoyment and excitement is the best outcome, victory is sweeter when it was fun.
2016/01/31 19:39:53
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
X-Wing is the one game I've found where everything is usable (though some things do work better than others), but you will find your own favorites. Experiment, and don't let yourself get locked into net lists, you'll miss on a lot of the wild and wonderful stuff you can do in this game.
Me, I'm a big lover of the Tie Defender and Interceptors. Tie fighters and the Decimator to a lesser degree. If you are getting a Raider, I highly suggest picking up the Tie Advanced (Darth's ship). Darth himself comes in the single pack and is pretty badass.
Even if you only play Imperials, there are many cards in the Rebel (& Scum) packs that you will find useful (and, if you have the money, playing any side is a blast). Trading or (if you're not playing the tournament scene like me) printing out the ones you find useful can get you the cards if your budget is tight.
It never ends well
2016/01/31 19:50:36
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Stormonu wrote: If you are getting a Raider, I highly suggest picking up the Tie Advanced (Darth's ship). Darth himself comes in the single pack and is pretty badass.
Oh, is there not a TIE Advanced that comes with the Imperial Raider? (I looked it up on FFG's page and it looked like it came with one, but maybe it was different than the one that comes in the pack with Vader).
2016/01/31 19:56:09
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Stormonu wrote: If you are getting a Raider, I highly suggest picking up the Tie Advanced (Darth's ship). Darth himself comes in the single pack and is pretty badass.
Oh, is there not a TIE Advanced that comes with the Imperial Raider? (I looked it up on FFG's page and it looked like it came with one, but maybe it was different than the one that comes in the pack with Vader).
Yes, the Raider comes with a TIE Advanced but there is a separate expansion of the ship as well, which is where you will find Darth Vader.
Also, the Inquisitor's TIE hasn't been released yet and there is no confirmed release date from FFG.
d-usa wrote: "When the Internet sends its people, they're not sending their best. They're not sending you. They're not sending you. They're sending posters that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing strawmen. They're bringing spam. They're trolls. And some, I assume, are good people."
2016/01/31 20:20:43
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Stormonu wrote: If you are getting a Raider, I highly suggest picking up the Tie Advanced (Darth's ship). Darth himself comes in the single pack and is pretty badass.
Oh, is there not a TIE Advanced that comes with the Imperial Raider? (I looked it up on FFG's page and it looked like it came with one, but maybe it was different than the one that comes in the pack with Vader).
Yes, the Raider comes with a TIE Advanced but there is a separate expansion of the ship as well, which is where you will find Darth Vader.
Also, the Inquisitor's TIE hasn't been released yet and there is no confirmed release date from FFG.
Okay, so if I'm using the model it comes with I just need to get a copy of the Vader card and they should be fine together. Cool.
I only just skimmed past her orders page, but I'm pretty certain it said Inquisitor's TIE Expansion... guessing it might have been a pre-order, then. Birthday isn't until later next month, so fingers crossed it will be out by that point?
2016/01/31 20:46:40
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
skoffs wrote: Okay, so if I'm using the model it comes with I just need to get a copy of the Vader card and they should be fine together. Cool.
Yes. The TIE Advanced that comes with the Raider has some good pilots and is usable straight out of the box, but if you want the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, you'll need this:
I only just skimmed past her orders page, but I'm pretty certain it said Inquisitor's TIE Expansion... guessing it might have been a pre-order, then. Birthday isn't until later next month, so fingers crossed it will be out by that point?
No doubt it's a preorder, but just remember that places like Amazon just slap an arbitrary release date on these things. FFG hasn't given us an official release date for Wave 8 (which contains the Inquisitor's TIE), but it's expected to be sometime soon.
d-usa wrote: "When the Internet sends its people, they're not sending their best. They're not sending you. They're not sending you. They're sending posters that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing strawmen. They're bringing spam. They're trolls. And some, I assume, are good people."
2016/02/01 00:18:21
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
skoffs wrote: Okay, so if I'm using the model it comes with I just need to get a copy of the Vader card and they should be fine together. Cool.
Yes. The TIE Advanced that comes with the Raider has some good pilots and is usable straight out of the box, but if you want the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, you'll need this:
Okay, but, I won't actually NEED to buy a second model of it, is what I meant (assuming the cards can be found elsewhere, or even just printing off a copy to play with)
2016/02/01 00:27:28
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Wow... what a haul!
FFG spreads upgrades and characters through multiple expansions.
For example, the Imperial Raider comes with 4 sets of cards that make the TIE Advanced competative, even though it only has one TIE Advanced in it. You will want to pick up at least one of the TIE Advanced expansion. You do want to fly with Vader, right?
I'd also have you look for the Imperial Shuttle Expansion. Not only is it a good large based ship with a lot of good upgrades, but it is a great platform for Emperor Palpatine (who is in the Raider).
I'd also pick up 2 of the TIE/FO expansions. Similar to Raider/TIE Advanced business, there are Pilots and upgrades in the TIE/FO Expansion that aren't in the Starter. 4 TIE/FO in a mini-swarm is pretty dang good.
Inquisitor's TIE is going to be pretty dang good when it gets released (could be as soon as valentines day)
My Project Blog: Necrons, Orks, Sisters, Blood Angels, and X-Wing "
"One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How it got into my pajamas, I'll never know." Groucho Marx
~A grammatically correct sentence can have multiple, valid interpretations.
Arguing over the facts is the lowest form of debate.
2016/02/01 05:26:55
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
skoffs wrote: Okay, so if I'm using the model it comes with I just need to get a copy of the Vader card and they should be fine together. Cool.
Yes. The TIE Advanced that comes with the Raider has some good pilots and is usable straight out of the box, but if you want the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, you'll need this:
Okay, but, I won't actually NEED to buy a second model of it, is what I meant (assuming the cards can be found elsewhere, or even just printing off a copy to play with)
A second model is not a bad idea. You can bring multiples of the "worst pilot" (Tempest Squadron Pilots, also known as generics) for the TIE advanced with free Accuracy Correctors (It's like rolling 2 hits on your attack dice every time and it costs you nothing) and they are actually some of the most efficient ships in the game right now. They won't put a Falcon down in one round (or even an X wing that rolls 0 evades) but two of them can easily drag down many ships that cost as much or more than they do through weight of consistency
Proud supporter of
It is human nature to seek culpability in a time of tragedy. It is a sign of strength to cry out against fate, rather than to bow one's head and succumb.
-Gabriel Angelos
2016/02/01 06:09:34
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Wow, this is all excellent advice!
Exactly what I was looking for.
Had a question about this, though,
Anpu-adom wrote: I'd also pick up 2 of the TIE/FO expansions. Similar to Raider/TIE Advanced business, there are Pilots and upgrades in the TIE/FO Expansion that aren't in the Starter.
So is there anything in the TIE/FO Expansion that is actually worth keeping my eyes peeled for more of? (or are the cards in the TIE/FO expansion packs just superior, ie. 4 TIE/FO with expansion card would be better than 2 TIE/FOs with expansion cards and 2 TIE/FOs with cards from the Starter).
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also, similarly, would two regular TIE Interceptor packs be a better buy than the Imperial Aces pack?
(are there cards in the regular packs that would be pretty key, or would just the ones in the Aces pack be good enough?)
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/02/01 11:31:21
2016/02/01 12:07:07
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Lists all the ships, pilots, cards and upgrades, so you can find out a) what comes in what, b) what you're interested in getting and c) how everything works. And if you're just playing casually, you should have no problem just printing your squadron in the 'full details' view in lieu of actually having the cards, the info will all still be to hand and it makes a handy cheat-sheet.
A lot of it might not make sense until you've got a few games in, but it should definitely help out planning lists and therefore purchases.
2016/02/01 14:59:18
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
skoffs wrote: Wow, this is all excellent advice!
Exactly what I was looking for.
Had a question about this, though,
Anpu-adom wrote: I'd also pick up 2 of the TIE/FO expansions. Similar to Raider/TIE Advanced business, there are Pilots and upgrades in the TIE/FO Expansion that aren't in the Starter.
So is there anything in the TIE/FO Expansion that is actually worth keeping my eyes peeled for more of? (or are the cards in the TIE/FO expansion packs just superior, ie. 4 TIE/FO with expansion card would be better than 2 TIE/FOs with expansion cards and 2 TIE/FOs with cards from the Starter).
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also, similarly, would two regular TIE Interceptor packs be a better buy than the Imperial Aces pack?
(are there cards in the regular packs that would be pretty key, or would just the ones in the Aces pack be good enough?)
FFG is very smart about what they include in which pack. If you are a collector at all (like I am) you'll end up wanting 1-2 of each set.
Back to the question though, FFG has put things in each place (Starter and TIE/FO) that aren't in the other. The named pilots are completely different between the Starter and the TIE/FO. Both Juke and Comm Relay are going to be hot for Aces. They end up playing well together, and who knows what will come down the line? Just like the cards from the Raider vastly improve the TIE Advanced, something may come down the line that means something that wasn't great is good. FFG has done a great job of re-balancing and shifting the meta in this game.
If you were interested in the Interceptor (great ship) I would buy one Imperial Aces and one TIE Interceptor pack. The Pilots in the TIE Interceptor pack are great (especially Fel, who is just amazing). The aces pack brings cards that really make the Interceptor shine... the Royal Guard Title and Push the Limit.
Another example of FFG encouraging the Pokemon collecting. There are cards in the StarViper expansion that you will really want if you play either generic Advanced or Interceptor Aces (Accuracy Corrector and Autothrusters, respectively.)
Once again, I'd try to get a Lambda. Palpatine with 2 aces (Vader and Inquisitor would be my choices based on what you have already) will be a fun list to fly.
My Project Blog: Necrons, Orks, Sisters, Blood Angels, and X-Wing "
"One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How it got into my pajamas, I'll never know." Groucho Marx
~A grammatically correct sentence can have multiple, valid interpretations.
Arguing over the facts is the lowest form of debate.
2016/02/01 15:16:31
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
The thing is, you can also space out your purchases to budget the game and still have fun with it. I think as long as you have the correct model and token on the stand, you can just print your list from all available options, play it out, figure if you like it or not and then commit to buy.
GamesWorkshop wrote: And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!
2016/02/01 16:17:33
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Mathieu Raymond wrote: The thing is, you can also space out your purchases to budget the game and still have fun with it. I think as long as you have the correct model and token on the stand, you can just print your list from all available options, play it out, figure if you like it or not and then commit to buy.
Yes, playing off of a list is totally acceptable at home or play nights. I prefer having the cards, myself. I've totally lent cards out to people and such on Tourney Day, but official FFG events require you to have the cards (of course). It amazes me at how well priced this game is. Most of the small ships are $15 US... which is in my 'Grab to support the store when I just pop in to see what is going on" level. Larger ships are perfectly sized as birthday presents, etc. I own 1-2 of just about everything at this point... and I've spent way more buying and painting my equivalent 40k army.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2016/02/01 16:41:43
My Project Blog: Necrons, Orks, Sisters, Blood Angels, and X-Wing "
"One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How it got into my pajamas, I'll never know." Groucho Marx
~A grammatically correct sentence can have multiple, valid interpretations.
Arguing over the facts is the lowest form of debate.
2016/02/01 17:03:06
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Since you have the raider, the Tie Advanced is good. The Bomber can be situational, as is the Punisher, but they are still fun ships. The Defender is not so hot at the moment, but fixes are coming soon, so you might as well get one too, for the basic pilots.
Forget about playing top tier at first, just focus on fun lists, try out combos, learn for yourself what works or not. Then you can ask Peregrine to help you hone a list to the max. But have the fun first.
GamesWorkshop wrote: And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!
2016/02/01 17:57:38
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Skoffs, what is your preferred play style? That will determine what ships you'll find the most use for. Imperials have swarms, ace + mini-swarm, Shuttle +2 Ace, and 3 Ace archetypes right now.
What you have now pushes you towards the 3 Ace and ace + mini-swarm archetypes.
Swarms run between 6 and 8 ships. Efficient because of the sheer number of dice and hit points, and the ability to deny actions due to blocking. Requires relatively high skill.
Aces are high PS ships that survive mostly by dodging out of arc on the opponent. THey like to move last and rely on their actions and action economy. Fel with Push The Limit is an example... he will move, then boost or barrel roll to improve their position. THen Push the limit (take a stress) to either get a focus or to boost or barrel roll again. Taking the stress will give him a free focus token. Basically 3 actions for 1 stress. You'd use Vader in a similar situation (2 actions per turn) but he doesn't like stress.
Shuttle is really good because it is tough, and is the cheapest thing that the Emperor can ride on. Each turn, Palpatine allows you to change one of your dice to what ever it is that you want. Need to save Vader's bacon? One green becomes an evade. Need to push a crit through? That blank becomes a critical.
As to your question... not so hot right now are Punishers, Defenders, Phantoms, and Bomber. I's also stay away from the Decimator for now.
In about 6 months or so, the Bomber and Defender will get huge buffs through the Imperial Veterans pack. It'll be a case like the Interceptors in the Imperial Aces... you'll want 1 of the Aces and at least one of the basic expansion. We will see Triple Defender lists.
My Project Blog: Necrons, Orks, Sisters, Blood Angels, and X-Wing "
"One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How it got into my pajamas, I'll never know." Groucho Marx
~A grammatically correct sentence can have multiple, valid interpretations.
Arguing over the facts is the lowest form of debate.
2016/02/02 18:05:20
Subject: Re:About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
- Love Destroyers. Regular, Heavies, Lords. When I attack something, I want to have the best chance possible at making sure it dies.
- Not a huge fan of Warrior blobs/spam, though I will admit to full Ghost Arks to being a viable asset.
- Immortals in Nightscythes and 4 to 6 strong Tomb Blade units are my go-to objective grabbers. They get where you need them fast, and put out some decent hurt for their price, while still being able to take s few hits.
- Wraiths are cool, as are Lychguard (though the later are a little too slow for my tastes), but I prefer killiness over unkillable.
- Praetorians I'm on the fence about. On one hand, fast and killy. On the other hand, a little expensive for not being the most survivable of guys.
- No interest in Monoliths, Doomsday Arks or Annihilation Barges. Stalkers are acceptable, only because they combo with the Destroyers.
I don't know how any of this might translate to X-Wing, but I'm open to interpretation.
That's good news about the Defender, too. It and the Interceptor had been the two I was eyeing up the most. (had a passing fancy at the Phantom, but that point cost put me off).
Being the case, yeah, I'd probably be leaning towards Aces / Ace + mini Swarm.
When the stuff gets here I'll have 4 ships at my disposal to make 100 point lists out of, with another 2 probably being picked up right afterwards (another Advanced and FO).
That'll give me:
1x Inquisitor
2x Advanced
3x FO I'm assuming that should be enough to make something decent out of for the time being. I may pick some Interceptors and/or Defenders up eventually, once I have a better grasp of the game.
Not sure about the L.Shuttle, yet. Yes, that Palpatine ability sounds amazing, but I don't know if big ships is my playstyle yet. (actually, I'm kinda hoping to hold out for the Command Shuttle (Kylo Ren's black one that appears in Force Unleashed), assuming they're going to eventually release the thing for the game).
2016/02/02 18:15:21
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
You're going to want everything. It is inevitable. But in the meanwhile just get what you like from at least 2 factions. You're likely to pick up most upgrades that way. But if you fly squints (interceptors) you'll want to get hold of autothrusters (star viper).
2016/02/02 18:22:40
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
You might enjoy The Omega Leader/Juke/Comms Relay and Epsilon Ace/Comms Relay combos, then. Both hit fairly early in the combat phase too. After you've picked up the Tie/FO, you'll have most of the cards for that. Not that swarmy, but interesting abilities for the point cost.
And as for the phantom, yes it is more expensive, but in the hands of an experienced player, il can totally wreak havoc.
GamesWorkshop wrote: And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!
2016/02/03 01:46:54
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Mathieu Raymond wrote: You might enjoy The Omega Leader/Juke/Comms Relay and Epsilon Ace/Comms Relay combos, then.
Ooooo, specific combo suggestions. That's more like it!
Any suggestions on what to do with the 3rd FO? (or alternatively, would getting a 4th FO to make a mini swarm be more worthwhile, and if so, what would be best to get for them all at that point?)
Or would it be better to just leave it as those two (Omega and Epsilon) and focus on some other Ace(s) to round out the forces (one of the Advanced or the Inquisitor)
2016/02/03 04:23:49
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
Skoffs, a point to make here. Competitive matches are played at 100 points, and if you build lower you get to choose who has initiative. The person with initiative moves and shoots first during any PS step where both players have a pilot. You have PS 9 Vader and I have PS 9 Wedge. You have a squad list at 99 points and I have 100. You can choose to make me do everything before you do. In that case, I will move Wedge before Vader (Powerful, because you can react to my motion with Vader's Barrel Roll or Boost). I would also shoot first in the shooting step... sometimes important, sometimes not (There is a Simultaneous Fire rule, which means that even through my Wedge would kill and remove Vader from the board, he still gets to shoot since we are at the same Pilot Skill).
Long and short of it, being down to 99 or 98 isn't damaging competitively... it could be good strategy.
My Project Blog: Necrons, Orks, Sisters, Blood Angels, and X-Wing "
"One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How it got into my pajamas, I'll never know." Groucho Marx
~A grammatically correct sentence can have multiple, valid interpretations.
Arguing over the facts is the lowest form of debate.
2016/02/03 13:10:29
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
My Project Blog: Necrons, Orks, Sisters, Blood Angels, and X-Wing "
"One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How it got into my pajamas, I'll never know." Groucho Marx
~A grammatically correct sentence can have multiple, valid interpretations.
Arguing over the facts is the lowest form of debate.
2016/02/03 14:45:26
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
So Vader doesn't like stress,
and Epsilon Leader gets rid of stress,
so that's good.
Anything else that can combo with Epsilon Leader's ability?
Would I want to try to abuse Push The Limit with this?
(would this impact Soontir Fel's ability in any way meaningfully?)
And Epsilon Ace has a PS of 12 (!!).
He's fine like that? Doesn't need anything else apart from Comm Relay?
Does he combo best with anyone else, or can you just throw him in to almost any list as a cheap/effective Ace?
Also,
So of the builds suggested:
3 ships (around 33 points each)
5 ships (one or two around 20 to 30 points, the rest cheap)
...
is a 4 ship build (all ranging from 20 to 30 points) just plain silly?
What's the pros/cons of each of the above build types?
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/02/03 15:45:54
2016/02/03 16:14:04
Subject: About to start this game. Not sure what I should look into picking up to supplement my forces.
For empire, there is only on 4 ship build that's strong... 3 TIE Advanced with Accuracy Corrector and an Ace. I'd LOVE for Palp SHuttle and 3 aces to be a thing, but you can't get the aces cheap enough.
My Project Blog: Necrons, Orks, Sisters, Blood Angels, and X-Wing "
"One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How it got into my pajamas, I'll never know." Groucho Marx
~A grammatically correct sentence can have multiple, valid interpretations.
Arguing over the facts is the lowest form of debate.