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Ok, I'm looking to start into the game and I'm going to go with an Imperial Squad first. I figure if a bunch of TIE pilots get killed while I'm learning the ropes it won't leave too much of an emotional mark

So, what I have for Imperials is:

TIE Advanced x1
2 TIE Fighters from the starter box
3 TIE Fighter single packs
2 TIE Interceptors from the Imperial Aces box

I'm not sure if there's anything any good game-wise here. I was thinking more of doing a cheap swarm rather than small and pricey.

A list you can try out with what you have:

"Howlrunner" (18)
Hull Upgrade (3)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Darth Vader (29)
Squad Leader (2)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder


If you want to greatly expand your options, you would want to look into getting:

The regular Tie Interceptor Expansion pack to get access to Soontir Fel and Turr Phennir

The StarViper Expansion to get access to Autothrusters and Accuracy Corrector

The TIE Advanced stuff that is included in the Raider (example from eBay)

One or two more TIE Fighters, so that you can run a TIE Swarm list

And if you're planning on only playing casual, print a copy of the upgrade cards until you have enough spare cash to buy the StarViper.

Lambda shuttle is also a nice, unobvious buy.

Ok, so after looking into some stuff, here's what I was thinking:

"Howlrunner"
-Squad Leader

"Backstabber"

"Dark Curse"

Black Squadron Pilot
-Draw Their Fire

Black Squadron Pilot
-Expert Handling

Black Squadron Pilot
-Expert Handling

For this I'd need 1 more TIE model. Thoughts on the best place to get it? Starter set, expansion or Gozanti?

There's not really much of a reason to take expert handling on your TIE's. All it does is remove a target lock, and you can save eight points by dropping the Black Squadies to Academy Pilots.

As for where to get TIE's, I would recommend the Gozanti, but we have no idea when it will actually arrive.

Ok, how about this then?

"Howlrunner"
Hull Upgrade

Black Squadron Pilot
Draw Their Fire

"Backstabber"

Academy Pilot

Academy Pilot

Academy Pilot

Academy Pilot

Comes in at 100 points exactly. Full of gakky Imperial nothings to get blown up.

Substitute Dark Curse for Backstabber, you'll get way more use out of his ability.