Thread:Wazat/@comment-33234844-20171002212117/@comment-454133-20171002220253

A major question is, are you okay with proxying cards (using placeholders for cards you don't own). The only time it's not allowed is in tournaments (you would need to borrow cards from others). Proxying is very common when playing casually (I do it all the time), and it can save you a fortune when you are just starting out, so I recommend it.

Imperial:

Given the ships you have now, here's a nice fleet that assumes proxying:

Colonel Vessery with XX-23 S-Thread Tracers, Ion Cannon , Expertise , TIE/D , Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (44)

"Omega Leader" with Pattern Analyzer, Push The Limit , Stealth Device (29)

"Pure Sabacc" with Snap Shot, Adaptive Ailerons , Lightweight Frame (26)

Ideally it's hard for the enemy to choose which ship to target, though Vessery is probably the most serious threat. His actions are freed up by his pilot ability and Expertise, so he can barrel roll into position or focus for defense, and his ion + primary is vicious. But ignoring Pure Sabacc is trouble too, given the damage he can do (including with a 3-dice snap shot) while his ability is active. And Omega Leader is tough as nails to touch, let alone kill. He doesn't bite as hard, but he'll be a steady threat throughout.

Ship suggestions:

If you cannot proxy cards, then the first expansion that can empower your TIE Defenders is Imperial Veterans. It comes with pilots and especially titles that will really help. TIE/D makes TIE Defenders terrifying (fire a Tractor Beam, Ion Cannon , or Flechette before your primary weapon every turn), and TIE/x7 makes them more dodgy and affordable. And you get a very fun TIE Bomber too! Bombers are great for munitions delivery (missiles/torpedoes/bombs) or to serve as support ships. This may be a valuable expansion even if you're happy with proxying.

If you can proxy cards, your options are wide open because you can purchase expansions primarily for the ships instead of the upgrades and pilots. I'd recommend the TIE/sf because it's strong and delightfully fun to fly. The TIE Adv. Prototype is also a great ship, particulary with the right upgrades that make it surprisingly mean (e.g. The Inquisitor with Proton Rockets + Autothrusters + Push The Limit + TIE/v1).

If you'd like a large ship, the Decimator is my favorite for imperial. It has no agility, just unreasonable amounts of health and a turret primary weapon packing solid firepower. There are lots of amazing builds for the decimator, and it made a big showing at the last tournament I played. The Lambda and Upsilon support shuttles both have their charms; they're very hard to get turned around so they're doomed if someone gets behind them, but they're also a good way to field support crew or pilot abilities.

I'll try to provide some rebel suggestions later.