Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game: How to Start
Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game – How to Start (2025 Beginner Guide)
The Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game is one of the most exciting, fast-paced tabletop dogfighting games ever created. With pre-painted ships, cinematic maneuvers, and accessible rules, it’s an easy game to learn and a deeply strategic one to master. If you're new to X-Wing or returning after a break, this guide explains how to start, what you need to buy, and the best way to build your first squads.
Internal Link: Shop ships, expansions, and accessories here: Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures at Tistaminis
Quick Summary
- Game Type: Tactical dogfighting miniatures game
- Best For: Star Wars fans, strategy gamers, hobby-light players (pre-painted models!)
- Starting Purchase: A Core Set + 1–2 small ships or 1 large ship
What You Need to Play X-Wing
1) X-Wing Core Set (Your Mandatory First Purchase)
This includes everything required to start flying:
- Pre-painted ships (varies by edition)
- Templates for movement
- Dice, cards & tokens
- Rules reference & quick-start missions
- Damage deck
The Core Set teaches basic maneuvering, combat flow, and how to build your first squad lists. After one or two games, you'll naturally want to expand.
How X-Wing Plays (Beginner Overview)
X-Wing is all about planning your maneuvers and outmaneuvering your opponent. Each round follows four steps:
- 1. Dial in maneuvers (secret choices)
- 2. Reveal & move ships using official templates
- 3. Perform actions such as Focus, Barrel Roll, Boost, or Target Lock
- 4. Attack using special dice based on arcs and range
The result is a cinematic dogfight where positioning matters far more than list-building alone.
Choosing a Faction
X-Wing has multiple factions, each with distinct strengths and ship styles. For beginners, three factions stand out:
• Rebels (Beginner-Friendly)
- Durable ships
- Strong synergy abilities
- Iconic pilots: Luke, Han, Wedge
• Empire (Precision & Maneuvering)
- Fast TIE fighters & elite aces
- High skill ceiling
- Glass cannon playstyle
• Scum and Villainy (Tricksy & Unique)
- Bounty hunters & pirates
- Devious pilot abilities
- High flexibility
Choose the faction that matches your favourite era or ship aesthetic—even after years of competitive play, X-Wing remains balanced across factions.
Best First Expansions to Buy
Rebel Alliance
- X-Wing Expansion: Great all-around ship
- Y-Wing Expansion: Tanky bomber with turret options
- Millennium Falcon: A fun, fast, iconic large-base ship
Galactic Empire
- TIE Fighter Expansion: Cheap, fast, iconic
- TIE Interceptor: High-skill ace ship
- Firespray (Boba Fett): Excellent hybrid ship
Scum & Villainy
- Fang Fighter: Close-range powerhouse
- HWK-290: Great support ship
- Slave I: Boba Fett’s premier bounty hunter ship
For new players, one Core Set + 2–4 extra ships is enough for a complete experience.
Squad Building Basics
Each pilot and upgrade has a point cost. Most games are balanced at 200 points for standard play.
Tips for Beginners:
- Start with 2–4 ships, not more
- Avoid stacking too many upgrades early on
- Learn your ship’s maneuver dial inside and out
- Plan 1–2 turns ahead—X-Wing rewards foresight
Why X-Wing Is Great for New Players
- No painting required – all ships come pre-painted
- Easy rules – movement templates make gameplay intuitive
- Fast games – 45–75 minutes
- Affordable entry – small squads keep costs low
- High replay value – every dogfight feels unique
Where to Buy X-Wing in Canada
1) Tistaminis (Recommended)
- Large inventory of ships and accessories
- Canadian pricing + fast shipping
- No duties or border fees
- Shop: Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures at Tistaminis
2) Local Hobby Stores
Great for in-person browsing and Organized Play events.
3) Big-Box Stores (Limited Selection)
Rarely carry X-Wing expansions—best to shop hobby specialists.
Tips Before Playing Your First Game
- Read pilot abilities slowly—they define your strategy
- Set up obstacles—terrain has a big effect on dogfights
- Use the official squad builder to avoid outdated point values
- Start with basic ships then move to aces like Vader, Wedge, or Fenn Rau
Image Suggestions
- Hero banner: X-Wing and TIE Fighter models engaged in a cinematic dogfight
- Setup shot: Game mat with maneuver templates & dice
- Faction shot: Ships from Rebels, Empire, and Scum arranged side-by-side
FAQs – Getting Started With X-Wing (tap + to expand)
Yes—pre-painted ships and simple templates make it one of the easiest miniature games to learn.
Most beginner squads use 2–4 ships. A Core Set + two expansions is ideal.
No. All X-Wing ships come fully painted and ready to play.
Not compared to other miniature games. A full squad usually costs less than many wargame units.
Shop a large Canadian selection here: Star Wars X-Wing at Tistaminis.
Start Flying Your First Squadron
X-Wing is one of the best ways to experience Star Wars dogfighting on the tabletop—fast, tactical, and endlessly exciting. With just a Core Set and a few ships, you'll be ready to jump into thrilling battles across the galaxy.
Shop X-Wing miniatures now: Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures at Tistaminis