Just got into the game today after playing Armada for a couple months. All 3 of your guides are fantastic, and I picked up one of each core set, one Imperial Aces, and one Rebel Aces. Should be a good place to start and get some friends into it who thought Armada was too slow. Seeing as you play both, and you're well-spoken and get to the point quickly without bogging down your videos with every nitpicky detail about each and every upgrade card, subscription was instant. Thanks a bunch, Crabbok.
I got incredibly lucky with my second core set. I picked up the second set on-line as a nearly -new. Turns out that the second hand set had been restored to nearly new status by the inclusion of both the X-wing AND Tie fighter expansion. I got Howlrunner for free. I did get a 'Wedge' card, but no base token (This was easily remedied with an on-line purchase). Bought the YT1300 next and, as a spur of the moment decision, bought the Tie Advanced expansion to bring the Imperials up to 100pts. Having played Darth Vader both without and then with the TIE/x1 and Advanced Targeting Computer, I can confirm you DO need those two cards to make a Tie Advanced work. Note when first starting out you can use "virtual cards" by creating and printing a list from one of the many squad builders. Virtual cards are NOT allowed in tournament play and are often frowned upon in club play. However when you are just starting out, it does allow you to try out different builds before you buy the expansions. TIE/x1 and ATC are the two cards Crabbok refers to in the video here. They are still only available with the huge ship expansion Imperial Raider. Unfortunately these two cards are so much sought after that you may have trouble getting the Raider at Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and the cards on their own are often greyed out on piece-part on-line vendors. Firespray is a MUST have for both Imperial and Scum. If you intend to try the Scum and Villainy faction I would recommend The Firespray before the Decimator (my personal choice). FINANCIAL HEALTH WARNING: Once you start buying, you will either need deep pockets or extreme will power. You have been warned!
I didn't need to watch this video as I have most of all ships but I enjoy seeing a fellow gamer grow more gamers interested in the fascinating game of Xwing. I agree with your thoughts on these. Imperial ships are fun to play if you enjoy squad tactics and reading the mind of your opponent and that translates over to arc dodging and formation flying which the imperials excel or fail at.
You forgot to mention that you get Lord Vader with the Advanced. I bought TIE Fighter for the PC when it first came out. I love the TIE Defender! I have two expansions and I bought the Imperial Veterans pack today. I am glad to see that I get my player character from TIE Fighter in two ships. I will leave Lord Vader with the Advanced and put Steele in one of my other Defenders.
Although the first ship I bought was the YT-2400 Freighter(Outrider), because it was my favorite ship, it appealed to me; and it wasn't because of the game. But the first Imperial ship I bought was the TIE Defender, and it is the bomb. I faced my father's Y-Wing and it won 3 out of 4 times. I looking to get an Interceptor and TIE Phantom next.
Nice vid. They should flat out call it the Howlrunner Expansion she's so important to swarms and that's the reason anyone buys it ; I'm starting with the Punisher, Phantom, Interceptor, and Howlrunner. I got the Rebel Aces A-Wing B-Wing and an M3-A (nice flavor cool looks and a canon otherwise a 'red shirt' and the Stealth Device card that can probably be used with Howlrunner) for variety & esthetic coolness factor without breaking the bank. I also went with the Force Awakens Core set. I had coupons so I finally got into the game ;
/bump I would also love to see an update to these, I don't see any other major changes happening in the future so this seems like a good time for an updated video for new starters.
Problem is with only 1 punisher you can't exactly use extra munitions nearly as well as if you buy two. It's certainly still usable but I dunno if a new player would really want that as one of their first purchases.
+Crabbok What I've noticed in my playgroup, most players gravitate towards Redline. With the Proton Torpedoes from the Core Set and the Fire Control System from the Phantom, Redline is online and ready to rock. Of course, with the TIE FOs and Phantom as escorts.
would you consider making an updated version on this video? perhaps including some kind of lists archetypes that are competitive and cheap... IDK... would be awesome though
I think for the Imperials you want the classic core set first because they have the better TIE Fighters. Sure eventually you would have to switch to the new damage deck in the TFA core set but that is some time away. At least Regionals and that is assuming they don't hand a new one out to all participants like they did at worlds. Also I'm not sure starting with a huge ship as your first expansion purchase is the best thing. Especially when that is the ~$40 Decimator when getting two small ship expansion packs would be cheaper (~$30-$35) Maybe instead of a tier sets you should do a branching poster starting at one of either set and then going on depending on what you buy next.
Eventually you will need the newer damage deck but take a look at 8 TIE fighters vs 6 TIE/FOs the Swarm will win. Now 4 T-70 X-wing vs 4 Classic X-wings those Rookie pilots are smoked!
(After getting the two core sets, already have the old one) I plan on getting veterans, millennium falcon then gozanti. (As my first three expansions) I want the gozanti because aswell as being amazing and able to deploy ships, it also Comes with two tie fighters which for fifty pounds I find a great value. (cards included) Thoughts?
I started with new Core Set (force awaken) and Slave I expansion. I just played few games and I have a lot of fun from this games! And now I realized, how i hate phantoms xD My next expansion will be with phantoms for sure! Oh and thats list (squadron) what i used (something to change?) : >Firespray-31: -Boba Fett - 39p -Veteran Instincts - 1p -Proximity Mine - 3p -Heavy Laser Cannon - 7p -Gunner - 5p -Slave I - 0p Total = 55p >TIE/fo Fighter -"Zeta Ace" - 18p -Wired - 1p -Stealth Device - 3p Total = 22p >TIE/fo Fighter -"Epsilon Leader'' - 19p -Stealth Device - 3p Total = 22p Squadron Total = 99p Link to this squadron list. xwing-builder.co.uk/view/373743/starter
Force Awakens core set, and my first additions were the TIE Phantom and Advanced TIE, I am adding to that Imperial Aces and 2 more F/O and Slave 1 All the stuff for the game I have been upgrading to the acrylic stuff from Litko because I want them to last and there is my 1 issue with the game, all the cardboard crap, for the money they could have used better materials.
Seamus RBNW for about 1/20 the cost of acrylic I used clear coat varnish on my cardboard. gives them the feel of plastic and they are shiny and water proof.
What's with the bias against the Defender? I'm admittedly new to the game, but it's by far my favorite ship so far! Not only does it look badass, but builds with Rexler Brath or Colonel Vessery (with the right add-ons, of course) are extremely fun to play!
+Skeletor Jopko It can be fun... but they are more expensive than they ought to be. There are some fixes coming out in the Imperial Veterans pack later this year, that will make them more balanced with today's ships.
Really helpful for a guy who just got the game. I've been hearing about different archetypes. Is that something I should be worrying about at this stage? Or should I just go with whatever I happen to get my hands on?
+turbine master I'd say it's more of an advanced aspect of the game. Jousters, Turrets, and Arc Dodgers... it has to do with what type of actions a ship can perform, and how tough it is.
I got into x wing recently. I was thinking of an imperial build with two interceptors and either a third interceptor, a phantom or a spec ops tie f/o. Any thoughts?
The raider comes with both a TIE X1 Title, and an Advanced Targetting Computer with are both TIE Advanced Only. 4 copies of both. Also new TIE Advanced Pilots.
+Thannak V Jonus cannot equip a Heavy Laser Cannon, or are you suggesting you pair an HLC Shuttle with Jonus? That's an interesting combo but wouldn't fill up a list very well. You'd need more.
How would you compare the starting build of 2 Tie/fo's and a Desomator vs Imperial aces and the Tie Interceptor for someone just starting out? how would they play in comparison to each other?
I have played Star Trek attack wing before (Some of my friends are hardcore Trekies) so I do have an understanding of the rules. Been wanting for a while to jump into X wing (and Amanda for that matter). It is one of the reasons I asked about play style.
+jeframdenkar Well if you went with Imperial Aces and a TIE Interceptor, you'd essentially be fielding 3x Interceptors, so they'd all play virtually the same. It would probably fulfill your game enjoyment more to have different types of ships. Plus you'd need a core set regardless, so you're gonna have either 2 TIE Fighters, or 2 TIE/fo Fighters respectively.
+Crabbok well I have to admit I do want to field at least on of the large ships for each side. Was looking at the yt 2400 for the rebels but I am wondering if I should wait for the Ghost to come out instead?
....Pick what looks appealing to you because if you play imperial you will lose and might as well have a good time looking at your cool minis as you get bent over by your Rebel opponent?? That is not the case is it? It has been a while since i played, like wave 7 or 8.
Kinda. There's been some new stuff come out and more new stuff out next week.... and even more about a month after that probably. It's impossible to have a video that is ALWAYS current.
The new one comes with a painted Engine Glow and the rectangular Dish - it also comes with Poe's X-Wing (Black One) and is called "Heroes of the Resistance", while the origina has the round dish and is simply called "Millennium Falcon"
Would you say this is still valid given it was Nov 15? Ask as son and I are just getting into it but i know he will want to get competitive fairly quickly
My group only plays 100 points and it looks as though tournaments stick to 100 points as well. I haven't looked deeply into the phantom yet but my current plan is to get the TFA core set, Slave-1, Tie Fighter and interceptor
+lootmaker99 12 of any small ship type, 4 of any large ship type. Probably never going to run into this situation though, it applies more for the EPIC format.
+Crabbok so is there any downside on running a strict all tiefighter squadron? you should do strategy and card builds for squadrons and individual ships. what ships pair together and advantages and disadvantages, etc etc. :)
+lootmaker99 TIE Swarms work great. Especially if you have Howlrunner. I have a bunch of videos similar to what you are describing. Search for my Build-A-Squad videos. I go into specifics on what works with each other etc.
+MrCapcom the TIE Advanced expansion was one of the early expansions in the game, and there has been somepower creep. The TIE Advanced simply isn't that strong without those upgrades.
+MrCapcom Keep it. Vader is still a cool pilot, and having fun is THE most important part. Just know that if you eventually get a Raider someday, that Vader will become EVEN MORE powerful.
There are new versions up now- ua-cam.com/video/Y6Sekg_CnTI/v-deo.html
Just got into the game today after playing Armada for a couple months. All 3 of your guides are fantastic, and I picked up one of each core set, one Imperial Aces, and one Rebel Aces. Should be a good place to start and get some friends into it who thought Armada was too slow. Seeing as you play both, and you're well-spoken and get to the point quickly without bogging down your videos with every nitpicky detail about each and every upgrade card, subscription was instant. Thanks a bunch, Crabbok.
I got incredibly lucky with my second core set. I picked up the second set on-line as a nearly -new. Turns out that the second hand set had been restored to nearly new status by the inclusion of both the X-wing AND Tie fighter expansion. I got Howlrunner for free. I did get a 'Wedge' card, but no base token (This was easily remedied with an on-line purchase). Bought the YT1300 next and, as a spur of the moment decision, bought the Tie Advanced expansion to bring the Imperials up to 100pts.
Having played Darth Vader both without and then with the TIE/x1 and Advanced Targeting Computer, I can confirm you DO need those two cards to make a Tie Advanced work. Note when first starting out you can use "virtual cards" by creating and printing a list from one of the many squad builders. Virtual cards are NOT allowed in tournament play and are often frowned upon in club play. However when you are just starting out, it does allow you to try out different builds before you buy the expansions.
TIE/x1 and ATC are the two cards Crabbok refers to in the video here. They are still only available with the huge ship expansion Imperial Raider. Unfortunately these two cards are so much sought after that you may have trouble getting the Raider at Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and the cards on their own are often greyed out on piece-part on-line vendors.
Firespray is a MUST have for both Imperial and Scum. If you intend to try the Scum and Villainy faction I would recommend The Firespray before the Decimator (my personal choice).
FINANCIAL HEALTH WARNING: Once you start buying, you will either need deep pockets or extreme will power. You have been warned!
I didn't need to watch this video as I have most of all ships but I enjoy seeing a fellow gamer grow more gamers interested in the fascinating game of Xwing. I agree with your thoughts on these. Imperial ships are fun to play if you enjoy squad tactics and reading the mind of your opponent and that translates over to arc dodging and formation flying which the imperials excel or fail at.
Watch past the first few minutes and this video is quite good. Thanks for insight and look forward to more.
You forgot to mention that you get Lord Vader with the Advanced. I bought TIE Fighter for the PC when it first came out. I love the TIE Defender! I have two expansions and I bought the Imperial Veterans pack today. I am glad to see that I get my player character from TIE Fighter in two ships. I will leave Lord Vader with the Advanced and put Steele in one of my other Defenders.
Although the first ship I bought was the YT-2400 Freighter(Outrider), because it was my favorite ship, it appealed to me; and it wasn't because of the game. But the first Imperial ship I bought was the TIE Defender, and it is the bomb. I faced my father's Y-Wing and it won 3 out of 4 times. I looking to get an Interceptor and TIE Phantom next.
Nice vid. They should flat out call it the Howlrunner Expansion she's so important to swarms and that's the reason anyone buys it ; I'm starting with the Punisher, Phantom, Interceptor, and Howlrunner. I got the Rebel Aces A-Wing B-Wing and an M3-A (nice flavor cool looks and a canon otherwise a 'red shirt' and the Stealth Device card that can probably be used with Howlrunner) for variety & esthetic coolness factor without breaking the bank. I also went with the Force Awakens Core set. I had coupons so I finally got into the game ;
This video is two years old. Would you consider revamping the revamped video?
/bump
I would also love to see an update to these, I don't see any other major changes happening in the future so this seems like a good time for an updated video for new starters.
And... Another bump! :)
They are up now.
Very helpful video in considering what to purchase for my first game. Well done!!
I just rolled 5 hits. Two times in a row with my tie phantom. :) I love this game
For me and my two brothers bought the classic, another x wing and an a wing, and the umpire bought a tie advanced and a bomber. Empire has a WL of 6.0
Would love to see an updated vid on this! Maybe a few vids like one for a tie swarm sort of buy list or a decimate list or an interceptor list etc.
Eventually I will probably do that... but this still covers MOST of what is available.
I bought my corsette and am wearing it. Now what?
Legoman19892 Use it to get some hammerhead.( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
LMMFAO
got super lucky. I got my core set(force awakens) for $10!!!
sweet ! I got my FA Core Set for 15 bux
What??? Where???
New Core, Punisher, and Phantom. Cheapest buy in to 100pts, list is decent, and lots of fun.
Problem is with only 1 punisher you can't exactly use extra munitions nearly as well as if you buy two. It's certainly still usable but I dunno if a new player would really want that as one of their first purchases.
+Crabbok What I've noticed in my playgroup, most players gravitate towards Redline. With the Proton Torpedoes from the Core Set and the Fire Control System from the Phantom, Redline is online and ready to rock. Of course, with the TIE FOs and Phantom as escorts.
would you consider making an updated version on this video? perhaps including some kind of lists archetypes that are competitive and cheap... IDK... would be awesome though
I think for the Imperials you want the classic core set first because they have the better TIE Fighters. Sure eventually you would have to switch to the new damage deck in the TFA core set but that is some time away. At least Regionals and that is assuming they don't hand a new one out to all participants like they did at worlds.
Also I'm not sure starting with a huge ship as your first expansion purchase is the best thing. Especially when that is the ~$40 Decimator when getting two small ship expansion packs would be cheaper (~$30-$35) Maybe instead of a tier sets you should do a branching poster starting at one of either set and then going on depending on what you buy next.
+Maldus Alver I disagree; I'll take the TIE/FOs and their pilots over the ones from the classic core set any day.
Eventually you will need the newer damage deck but take a look at 8 TIE fighters vs 6 TIE/FOs the Swarm will win. Now 4 T-70 X-wing vs 4 Classic X-wings those Rookie pilots are smoked!
***** Challenge accepted. I'll take on your 8 TIE fighters with 6 TIE/FOs. Gladly.
(After getting the two core sets, already have the old one) I plan on getting veterans, millennium falcon then gozanti. (As my first three expansions) I want the gozanti because aswell as being amazing and able to deploy ships, it also Comes with two tie fighters which for fifty pounds I find a great value. (cards included) Thoughts?
great video, really good info. lol I bought a defender before anything. lol too cool looking not too.
I started with new Core Set (force awaken) and Slave I expansion. I just played few games and I have a lot of fun from this games! And now I realized, how i hate phantoms xD My next expansion will be with phantoms for sure! Oh and thats list (squadron) what i used (something to change?) :
>Firespray-31:
-Boba Fett - 39p
-Veteran Instincts - 1p
-Proximity Mine - 3p
-Heavy Laser Cannon - 7p
-Gunner - 5p
-Slave I - 0p
Total = 55p
>TIE/fo Fighter
-"Zeta Ace" - 18p
-Wired - 1p
-Stealth Device - 3p
Total = 22p
>TIE/fo Fighter
-"Epsilon Leader'' - 19p
-Stealth Device - 3p
Total = 22p
Squadron Total = 99p
Link to this squadron list.
xwing-builder.co.uk/view/373743/starter
I would very much love to watch a new update once wave 11 is released!
Thank you crabby boy
coreset, imperial aces, $60 for the Tie Advance w/ targeting computer/Palpatine/etc from the raider set off ebay, Tie Advance Prototype, have fun
Force Awakens core set, and my first additions were the TIE Phantom and Advanced TIE, I am adding to that Imperial Aces and 2 more F/O and Slave 1
All the stuff for the game I have been upgrading to the acrylic stuff from Litko because I want them to last and there is my 1 issue with the game, all the cardboard crap, for the money they could have used better materials.
Seamus RBNW for about 1/20 the cost of acrylic I used clear coat varnish on my cardboard. gives them the feel of plastic and they are shiny and water proof.
What's with the bias against the Defender? I'm admittedly new to the game, but it's by far my favorite ship so far! Not only does it look badass, but builds with Rexler Brath or Colonel Vessery (with the right add-ons, of course) are extremely fun to play!
+Skeletor Jopko It can be fun... but they are more expensive than they ought to be. There are some fixes coming out in the Imperial Veterans pack later this year, that will make them more balanced with today's ships.
Crabbok I know, can't wait for the Imperial Veterans pack!
Really helpful for a guy who just got the game. I've been hearing about different archetypes. Is that something I should be worrying about at this stage? Or should I just go with whatever I happen to get my hands on?
+turbine master I'd say it's more of an advanced aspect of the game. Jousters, Turrets, and Arc Dodgers... it has to do with what type of actions a ship can perform, and how tough it is.
I see...thanks, dude! Looking forward to new vids!!
Nice vid!
What would be those bomber fixes that come with the punisher? Is it just a certain upgrade?
It comes with Extra Munitions, it takes up a torpedo slot but it allows you to use all your bombs, torpedoes and missiles twice.
I got into x wing recently. I was thinking of an imperial build with two interceptors and either a third interceptor, a phantom or a spec ops tie f/o. Any thoughts?
Interceptors are fun to fly, but nowadays they tend to die too quickly. Phantoms are better, but still die quickly. I'd go or the Spec Ops personally.
Are you doing an updated version of the three factions?
What are the 'fixes' from the Raider for the Advanced?
The raider comes with both a TIE X1 Title, and an Advanced Targetting Computer with are both TIE Advanced Only. 4 copies of both. Also new TIE Advanced Pilots.
New core, Shuttle, Bomber.
HLC+Jonus.
+Thannak V Jonus cannot equip a Heavy Laser Cannon, or are you suggesting you pair an HLC Shuttle with Jonus? That's an interesting combo but wouldn't fill up a list very well. You'd need more.
+Crabbok Cannon goes on the Shuttle, Jonus buffs it.
+Crabbok You have the two TIE/FOs to fill out the list.
Can you write names of expansions on video details?
How would you compare the starting build of 2 Tie/fo's and a Desomator vs Imperial aces and the Tie Interceptor for someone just starting out? how would they play in comparison to each other?
+jeframdenkar interceptors take a bit more skill. A decimator is a fairly "Newbie friendly" ship because of the turret.
I have played Star Trek attack wing before (Some of my friends are hardcore Trekies) so I do have an understanding of the rules. Been wanting for a while to jump into X wing (and Amanda for that matter). It is one of the reasons I asked about play style.
+jeframdenkar Well if you went with Imperial Aces and a TIE Interceptor, you'd essentially be fielding 3x Interceptors, so they'd all play virtually the same. It would probably fulfill your game enjoyment more to have different types of ships. Plus you'd need a core set regardless, so you're gonna have either 2 TIE Fighters, or 2 TIE/fo Fighters respectively.
+Crabbok well I have to admit I do want to field at least on of the large ships for each side. Was looking at the yt 2400 for the rebels but I am wondering if I should wait for the Ghost to come out instead?
Crabbok- what paint did you use for the thrusters on the MF?
I use Citadel paints. It's a base of white first, and then a light dry brushing of blue, over and over until it blends well enough.
....Pick what looks appealing to you because if you play imperial you will lose and might as well have a good time looking at your cool minis as you get bent over by your Rebel opponent?? That is not the case is it? It has been a while since i played, like wave 7 or 8.
Is this video valid in December 2016? thanks
Kinda. There's been some new stuff come out and more new stuff out next week.... and even more about a month after that probably. It's impossible to have a video that is ALWAYS current.
Man this video is old the defender is canon now
Also, which Millennium Falcon do you recommend - old or new one?
Both - but go with the new one first as you get alot of cool new upgrades in that pack.
Crabbok aside from upgrades, is their a visual difference? How do I know which one I bought?
The new one comes with a painted Engine Glow and the rectangular Dish - it also comes with Poe's X-Wing (Black One) and is called "Heroes of the Resistance", while the origina has the round dish and is simply called "Millennium Falcon"
Ah, gotchas. Definitely have the original then. Time to go get the new one as well, that black X-Wing sounds great.
Force Awakens and Classic are compatible with each other?
yes they are. 100%.
Would you say this is still valid given it was Nov 15? Ask as son and I
are just getting into it but i know he will want to get competitive
fairly quickly
It's still valid. The New Imperial veterans pack is awesome though, mostly for the TIE Defender bonus. They've made it into a very good ship now.
+Crabbok so would you pick this over the Aces?
I'll have around 100 or so to spend soon, what would you suggest from that price range?
My group only plays 100 points and it looks as though tournaments stick to 100 points as well. I haven't looked deeply into the phantom yet but my current plan is to get the TFA core set, Slave-1, Tie Fighter and interceptor
ah apologies, but you might you might not have been mistaken, I might have expected to get €100
Cian Broderick ffg has a couple $100 build lists in recent xwing news
Is there a limit on how many ships you can field for 100 pts?
+lootmaker99 12 of any small ship type, 4 of any large ship type. Probably never going to run into this situation though, it applies more for the EPIC format.
+Crabbok so is there any downside on running a strict all tiefighter squadron? you should do strategy and card builds for squadrons and individual ships. what ships pair together and advantages and disadvantages, etc etc. :)
+lootmaker99 TIE Swarms work great. Especially if you have Howlrunner. I have a bunch of videos similar to what you are describing. Search for my Build-A-Squad videos. I go into specifics on what works with each other etc.
I just got the force awakens and the vader expansion so your saying vader sucks without the $100 ship?
+MrCapcom the TIE Advanced expansion was one of the early expansions in the game, and there has been somepower creep. The TIE Advanced simply isn't that strong without those upgrades.
+Crabbok so should I return it and get something else? and if so what? I got it because I liked Vader. thanks so far for the info
+MrCapcom Keep it. Vader is still a cool pilot, and having fun is THE most important part. Just know that if you eventually get a Raider someday, that Vader will become EVEN MORE powerful.
+Crabbok :)
+MrCapcom Also, eBay sells the upgrades that makes the TIE Advanced good pretty cheap.
Oh yeah a budget the first thing is £20-30 how rich do you have to be to play this
Hal Johnston well the core set comes with the dice and other stuff .
Ads in the middle are the worst.
nice hover board