OK, I'm hooked. What now?

[Malakai1939 44]

Just played my first game a couple of hours ago. We used the starter set with the "learning to play" scenario of Luke vs Night Beast and Obsidian Pilot. I had a blast! The game flow is fast paced, the rules are easy to pick up and you can tell that with upgrades and other card combinations that it won't be overly simplistic and loose it's appeal anytime soon. This game really falls into my wheel house. I've recently moved into an apartment, limited space. No space to paint miniatures or break out a Realm of Battle board but still plenty of space for a 3x3 gaming area. I have read some advice to beginners so I plan on trying to follow it. Of course the collector in me wants it all, however I've forced myself to be more prudent with game purchases lately. So I'm going to take it slow. My next purchases will be: a second starter set and Game Mat. Then the Expansion Tie and X-Wing for the upgrade and pilot cards, (Howl Runner and Wedge look useful.)

After that I have no idea where to go from there. As of right now I don't see myself getting into the S&V faction. There are far too many Rebel and Imperial ships that have my attention. Ships that I'm considering are Y-Wing, B-Wing, A-wing, Millennium Falcon, Tie Advanced, Tie Bomber, Tie Interceptor, Imperial Aces pack, Tie Phantom and the VT-49 Decimator. Can someone recommend my next investment after I get the core 3 X-Wings and 5 Tie Fighters out of the way? I assume at this point I'll really be looking forward to putting a new ship type down on the board. Please bare in mind that I'll be buying two at once of comparable types: one Imp and one Rebel fighter to keep things balanced. Any advice you can give me as to which ships would be a good first step in complimenting the Ties and X Wings would be fantastic.

 

Thanks!

[blade_mercurial 2,091]

Welcome to the game!

 

Sounds like you have the right idea.  Any of the expansions you are interested in would be worth getting, imo.  Personally, I would suggest going with whatever ships interest you the most.  There are almost no useless ships that would be 'bad' to have, since even if you get a ship that doesn't see much table time, it invariably comes with some other cards that you will find useful at some point.

 

Here's a link to an online squadron builder (there are others) to help you build lists:

 

http://xwing-builder.co.uk/build#

 

Here's a link to a thread which has more links to a whole wealth of information:

 

https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/126226-index-of-useful-links/

 

I'd also like to point out that this is a game that you get better at by playing.  Even just practicing by yourself (using asteroids and flying around them) is extremely helpful with the visualization of where each type of move template takes you and helps you to think a bit in advance.

[piznit 1,705]

If recommend the rebel aces and the imperial aces packs if for no other reason than 2 ships in each pack giving you a little more bang for your buck

[ObiWonka 7,081]

Gotta agree with both posters above me. Get what you like. And Aces backs are great value as well as good ships and upgrades. Starting slow isn't a bad idea, either. I got into the game after the first couple Waves, only buy one or two a month, and now look at my sig: I have 60 ships!

[jpltanis 131]

I'll recommend to you a look at the Youtube "CardBoard Dungeon" X-wing ships reviews. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGobA3mINrE&list=PLhTace7hV7fNsM3ZGX8zKJ98cwhjMWIFx

 

It will help you decide what to get.

[Hobojebus 11,341]

First breath.

Then realise you don't have to buy everything straight away, eventually you'll own everything but it's okay to pace yourself.

Pick a faction say rebels and make a list of what you need versus what you want, something like this:

-1x rebel aces gives you Kenyan farlander

-1x e-wing gives Corran horn

-1x millennium falcon is a given for rebel fans

You can do multiple 100 point lists see what suits your play style and build from there.

For empire you want:

-1x tie fighter you want howlrunner.

-1x tie advanced they are due a big boost soon and Vader rules

-1x imperial aces

-1x tie interceptor this gives you soontir fel and friends

That gives you and a friend plenty to start with.

Remember in casual play you don't need to own all the cards as long as you know what they do, just learn to walk before running headlong into debt

[Malakai1939 44]

This is all great stuff guys! I checked out the cardboard dungeon and was really impressed with them. I know that after a few more games I'll have a better idea of what I want to get. As of right now I'm thinking a Tie Advanced to lead the basic Ties and an A-Wing for a flanking action against the Imps. But of course that can all change after I get more experience under my belt.

 

I just found out that there are a few guys that come in on Sunday nights at my FLGS for pick up games of X-Wing. I think I'll play against my brother (also a lifetime SW fan) until I embarass myself in public.

[ObiWonka 7,081]

FLY CASUAL is a thing for a reason. As long as everyone understands up front you're there to casually have fun you should have no trouble jumping right in with other players and having a good time.

[Malakai1939 44]

Yeah I wouldn't play anyone that wasn't cool with a beginner, even if I weren't a beginner. Still there is a difference between being a beginner and having to check rules constantly. I don't want to be THAT guy lol! Right now I'm trying to get an idea of how much practice my brother and I can get in. He still has college, job, wife and kids (real world stuff). I am a happy bachelor that hides his nerdy stuff when GFs come over. So practice time for him is at a premium but he seemed to enjoy blasting my Tie Fighters out of the skies a lot. Also the time it takes to set up and play a game compared to 40K was a big plus for both of us. I had really given up on miniature games after over a decade of collecting and painting. X-Wing has me excited again. Easy to collect, easy to learn, no painting. This game's hassle meter is very, VERY low. Just have to keep reminding myself that it's not GW and I don't need to buy everything at once.

 

Been looking around and I definetely want to try out a tie swarm. Seems thematic to have a bunch of joe-shmo Ties coming after the Rebel scum. I hope people don't see that as a cheeky list. By the way, the term "Fly Casual", very appropriate. I don't see myself as a tournament player, never have been, so that fits my gaming style quite nicely.

[Angerland 49]

Keep checking out you tube. I can't find the link right now but there are, basically, flying lessons. A guy teaches you to maneuver a swarm. I liked it so much I took written notes so I could reference them. Also don't be afraid to fly around your kitchen table and practice.

Also, if you have a solid list,in your mind, use it for more than just a game or two. Sometimes you need a few games to work out the bugs.

The Falcon is a ship every player will own especially Star Wars fans. It is easily one of the best in the game and is the only ship to come with the Engine Upgrade card which is heavily used in game. And besides, ITS THE FALCON!

On the Imperial side I really like the Decimator. It looks so awesome on a table. At the FFG event center when folks have them out passers by always stop for a moment and check out the action.

Have fun!

[ObiWonka 7,081]

FLY CASUAL was created or at least heavily championed by the first ever Worlds winner, if memory serves, as a model for X-Wing players' behaviour. Obviously, tournaments are going to have players dead-set on winning, but even at events with prizes on the line, the community is over-all very friendly.

 

I can't speak for anyone in your potential play group, but I wouldn't mind teaching a new player who had to look at the rules a lot, for a couple games anyway. I actually taught a random player a couple months ago, new to X-Wing but not war-gaming. It was tons of fun for both of us, and he won, which is always a great way to get introduced to any game.

 

You might also look into Vassal, a program for playing boardgames online. I just played my first game the other night, in fact. It seems daunting at first, but it's actually surprisingly easy to pick up. If nothing else, it might help you and your brother find time for more games. Here's a handy guide.

[Hobojebus 11,341]

You'll find alot of used to play 40k but have since fled their never ending stream of crap.

[Biophysical 15,761]

You'll find alot of used to play 40k but have since fled their never ending stream of crap.

 

I'm one of those.  Have not regretted it for a moment.  For the price of a 1500 point army with few options, I have enough X-wing stuff to make a huge variety of squads for myself and any friends l can convince to come over.  I can have a buddy over on a weeknight (a buddy who doesn't own X-wing stuff) and play two games before it's so late that we'll regret it at work later.  A game of X-wing has greater than or equal to the number of interesting decisions that 40k does, but much, much less time spent setting up, moving figures, and rolling dice.  

[SFC Snuffy 809]

I'm one of those.  Have not regretted it for a moment.  For the price of a 1500 point army with few options, I have enough X-wing stuff to make a huge variety of squads for myself and any friends l can convince to come over.  I can have a buddy over on a weeknight (a buddy who doesn't own X-wing stuff) and play two games before it's so late that we'll regret it at work later.  A game of X-wing has greater than or equal to the number of interesting decisions that 40k does, but much, much less time spent setting up, moving figures, and rolling dice.  

 

 

Amen, brother! I gave up on WHF a decade ago (though I still miss my Brettonians) but hung on in 40K for too long. Recently moved and ditched almost all my stuff in the garage sale. Got robbed blind, but it's kinda liberating at the same time. I can fit all my X-Wing ships in less than 1/4 the space it took to transport my Imperial Guard (or whatever they're calling them now).

Edited June 14, 2015 by SFC Snuffy

[ObiWonka 7,081]

 

I'm one of those.  Have not regretted it for a moment.  For the price of a 1500 point army with few options, I have enough X-wing stuff to make a huge variety of squads for myself and any friends l can convince to come over.  I can have a buddy over on a weeknight (a buddy who doesn't own X-wing stuff) and play two games before it's so late that we'll regret it at work later.  A game of X-wing has greater than or equal to the number of interesting decisions that 40k does, but much, much less time spent setting up, moving figures, and rolling dice.  

 

 

Amen, brother! I gave up on WHF a decade ago (though I still miss my Brettonians) but hung on in 40K for too long. Recently moved and ditched almost all my stuff in the garage sale. Got robbed blind, but it's kinda liberating at the same time. I can fit all my X-Wing ships in less than 1/4 the space it took to transport my Imperial Guard (or whatever they're calling them now).

 

-Years from now, thousands of dollars later, the guy who went to Snuffy's garage sale thinking back- How did I get sucked into this garbage again? Oh yeah. Worst. Garage sale. Ever.

[shotbyscott 1,147]

what next.... well the normal process is

• spend lots of money on plastic ships just because you need the cards
• net work with players at your local gaming store or find them online
• research lots of tactics/combinations online
• repeat the above actions on a regular basis

 

Main thing is have fun playing  

[Malakai1939 44]

You might also look into Vassal, a program for playing boardgames online. I just played my first game the other night, in fact. It seems daunting at first, but it's actually surprisingly easy to pick up. If nothing else, it might help you and your brother find time for more games. Here's a handy guide.

 

Thanks for this. In addition to all of the common sense reasons for taking it slow collecting my minis I've recently moved and as most of you know that in itself can be a strain on your finances. Getting together a 100 point list is nothing compared to a 1500 or 2000 point GW list monetarily speaking. Dropping those games and putting them in storage is one of the best things I ever did. Those games are a money pit. The only way I can see this game getting expensive is the cards that come with the different expansion packs. Of course Ebay is a good place to get some cards for expansions that you don't intend to buy right away so I'll be looking into that option down the road.

 

As an aside though I must admit that my favorite ship to date (other than the Falcon of course) is the upcoming Imperial Raider. Wow that is one sexy ship! And it comes with Juno Eclipse! How cool is that? Sticking to my guns and building feasible smaller list will be difficult when that baby hits the shelves.

[Malakai1939 44]

Welcome to the game!

 

Sounds like you have the right idea.  Any of the expansions you are interested in would be worth getting, imo.  Personally, I would suggest going with whatever ships interest you the most.  There are almost no useless ships that would be 'bad' to have, since even if you get a ship that doesn't see much table time, it invariably comes with some other cards that you will find useful at some point.

 

Here's a link to an online squadron builder (there are others) to help you build lists:

 

http://xwing-builder.co.uk/build#

 

Here's a link to a thread which has more links to a whole wealth of information:

 

https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/126226-index-of-useful-links/

 

I'd also like to point out that this is a game that you get better at by playing.  Even just practicing by yourself (using asteroids and flying around them) is extremely helpful with the visualization of where each type of move template takes you and helps you to think a bit in advance.

 

Great links, don't know how I missed them. Thanks a lot for your help. Most miniature message boards are fairly helpful. You guys have been great. I'm trying to soak up as much info as I can before delving deeper as I can see myself quickly becoming addicted to this one. I just hope that I can find local players who are as courteous as the people on this board.

[Hobojebus 11,341]

You might also look into Vassal, a program for playing boardgames online. I just played my first game the other night, in fact. It seems daunting at first, but it's actually surprisingly easy to pick up. If nothing else, it might help you and your brother find time for more games. Here's a handy guide.

 

Thanks for this. In addition to all of the common sense reasons for taking it slow collecting my minis I've recently moved and as most of you know that in itself can be a strain on your finances. Getting together a 100 point list is nothing compared to a 1500 or 2000 point GW list monetarily speaking. Dropping those games and putting them in storage is one of the best things I ever did. Those games are a money pit. The only way I can see this game getting expensive is the cards that come with the different expansion packs. Of course Ebay is a good place to get some cards for expansions that you don't intend to buy right away so I'll be looking into that option down the road.

 

As an aside though I must admit that my favorite ship to date (other than the Falcon of course) is the upcoming Imperial Raider. Wow that is one sexy ship! And it comes with Juno Eclipse! How cool is that? Sticking to my guns and building feasible smaller list will be difficult when that baby hits the shelves.

If your In America team covenant also sell cards, in the UK we have big orbit cards.

And there's always ebay like you said.

[MalusCalibur 728]

I'll echo the sentiments already expressed and say the most important thing to consider when you buy ships is what to get what you like, because no ship is worthless. Don't worry too much if, having planned to keep things slow, you find yourself with a worryingly large collection - that is perfectly normal for X-Wing players!
You'll find the community around the game a very friendly bunch, even in tournaments - even if you're not a hugely competitive person I'd still recommend going along to some, if for nothing else than the networking opportunities, and the chance to play a string of games all at once.
 

[Hobojebus 11,341]

And we havent even got into the whole plano case vs foam case discussion. 

[Malakai1939 44]

And we havent even got into the whole plano case vs foam case discussion. 

 

Well I was wondering how best to protect my cards and ships. The ships I think I can manage but I do need to look into card sleeves and such. I've never been a card game collector so any advice on that front would be welcomed. The precut foam cases look very pricey. Something I might consider as a luxury item. Let me know your opinions.

Edited June 15, 2015 by Malakai1939

[Hobojebus 11,341]

on the boxes there's an image telling you what size you need, they are also colour coded.

[ParaGoomba Slayer 3,180]

Keep the plastic vacuum formed holders that the ships come in, they're the best way to store your ships and it doesn't cost additional money. Foam will just wreck X Wing and Z-95 antennae.

 

Buy a tacklebox for your tokens and templates, asteroids, etc.

 

Buy another for your dials and your small base ship tokens.

 

I keep my cards in side loading 3x3 standard size card binders. You can fit 2 or more upgrades cards in each pocket. Then those binders get put into a messenger bag.

Edited June 16, 2015 by ParaGoomba Slayer

[Malakai1939 44]

OK, you guys may scoff at this list..and to be honest it's not really a list as it is my "extra" ship for each faction. When I get to the point of buying a different ship I will have:

 

2 X-Wings from 2 Starter Sets

1 X-Wing from the expansion pack (For Wedge)

 

4 Tie Fighters from Starter Set

1 Tie Fighter from the expansion pack (For HowlRunner)

 

I've been agonizing over which ship to get next as these two lists are what I will pretty much learn the game on. I just had three criteria, no huge ships, no EU (get that later) and something that flew differently than the other ships in their squads. For the Imps I was between a Interceptor and an Advanced. Ultimately I think the Tie Advanced will teach me the game better. It's shielded, has weapon upgrades and of course Vader. The Tie Interceptor is one of the sexiest Ties in the universe and I fall short from calling it the coolest only because I have a soft spot for the venerable basic Tie. I thought of using the Interceptor as a flanker, splitting up squads while Howlrunner and her mates take on the rest of the scum of the galaxy. But ultimately I thought that an Interceptor would feel TOO much like a standard Tie. More firepower and more manuverable yes but I wanted something as different from the stock Tie as I could get while still being a Tie from the films.

 

To be honest I haven't decided on my unique Rebel ship. I've narrowed down the choices to A-Wing, B-Wing and Y-Wing. I'm fairly certain I know that an A-wing is probably the furthest one of the three from an X-Wing. Fast, agile and still comes with shields. But I'm not quite sure how I would use it's abilities to accentuate the three X-Wings flying with it. Y-Wing is a bruiser. I get that. Maybe it could engage a ship that outclassed it and occupied it while the X-Wings dealt with the rest of any fighters.

B-Wing, really no ideas. To be honest I need to do more research on this ship before I make a decision on my unique Rebel fighter.

 

Again I'd love to hear any and all opinions. If you think I'm making a mistake with the way I'm building up my forces let me know. I want to get the most out of my money in regards to learning the game. The only things that I really don't want to do are buy a fleet of ships (spend toomuch cash) and find some clever list that makes me feel like things are overly competitive. I just want to learn the game while trying to keep costs reasonable and have fun. So far it has been. I lost my second game .. and ask me if I was bummed about it? Hell no! I had a blast. Wish I had started when Wave 1 came out.

 

But yeah sorry for the rant, please keep the advice coming. It's so useful you have no idea. I don't feel the least bit overwhelmed knowing I can draw on the resources here to help me out with a new game. Because as gamers we all know games are an investment in money AND time. And I'd hate to pull another "40K/WFB."

 

Thanks.