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So my interpretation of the rules has always been that FMC that are deployed on the board during the initial deployment start the game in Glide, but you can change that to Swooping at the start of your movement phase. I always took it to mean that if the FMC player goes 2nd, his FMC has to stay in Glide mode (and can be targeted normally) until he changes it during his first movement phase, but if the FMC player goes first, he can switch from Glide to Swooping at the start of his movement phase.

Recently, someone questioned me on that, saying that the rules mean that a FMC that is deployed initially cannot change to Swooping in its first movement phase (if going first) because the rules state it starts the game in Glide mode.

So am I interpreting the rules wrong on this one? I never really considered the very first movement phase the true "start of the game", but now I'm not so sure. Does "start of the game" equal "start of the first movement phase"?

No. You had it right.

A FMC is placed on the table in glide mode. In their first movement phase ( regardless of when it is ) they can switch.

You are not wrong. FMCs must be deployed at the start of the game in Glide mode. (FMCs that come in from Reserve may do so in either mode.)
You have read the rules correctly, though, to say that in any of your own movement phases the FMC can switch modes. There is no restriction on this occurring top of T1.

Thanks for the quick reply! I have a game later today and wanted to make sure

 ClassicCarraway wrote:
Recently, someone questioned me on that, saying that the rules mean that a FMC that is deployed initially cannot change to Swooping in its first movement phase (if going first) because the rules state it starts the game in Glide mode.

That's some wonky thinking on that person's part right there. If the start of the second player turn is still classed as starting the *game*... then what, did the first player turn occur in a time paradox?
The answer lies in the rule stating the start of the game, and not the start of the first turn. You could look at the wording for Drop Pod Assault or Deathwing Assault for things that occur at the start of *your* first turn specifically.

 Super Ready wrote:

 ClassicCarraway wrote:
Recently, someone questioned me on that, saying that the rules mean that a FMC that is deployed initially cannot change to Swooping in its first movement phase (if going first) because the rules state it starts the game in Glide mode.

That's some wonky thinking on that person's part right there. If the start of the second player turn is still classed as starting the *game*... then what, did the first player turn occur in a time paradox?
The answer lies in the rule stating the start of the game, and not the start of the first turn. You could look at the wording for Drop Pod Assault or Deathwing Assault for things that occur at the start of *your* first turn specifically.

Well, in his defense, he was basically equating "start of game" to mean "start of first player's first turn", likely due to the whole infiltrators/scouts not being able to charge in the first player turn. He didn't really argue the point much, just kind of questioned me on it, which made me think I was interpreting it wrong.