Q: Oooh, are they Star Wars minis?
A: Yup.
Q: They’re cool
A: Shut up baby, I know it.
Q: What game is it?
A: X-Wing, an objective-based skirmish game based on starfighter combat in the Star Wars universe.
Q: Muy interesante! Is it any good?
A: I once asked the deity Zeus what the best tabletop game is, and they said X-Wing.
Q: Zeus? Really?
A: No, I was on peyote and hallucinating. It’s excellent though.
Q: What makes it so good?
A: It’s a fast-paced combination of dice, tactics, and anticipating your opponent’s moves. It’s easy to pick up yet has surprising depth and games often comes down to a thrilling last-minute victory. There are bombs, missiles, asteroids, force users, and sneaky scummy tricks. Plus, you can fly Boba Fett’s ship.
Q: Amazing, I love Boba Fett
A: Everyone loves Boba Fett, you chump.
Q: Rude. What are those cardboard discs?
A: Movement dials, a key part of what makes the game special. You set the ship’s dial each turn and, broadly, that dictates where it goes. Some ships are agile but fragile, some are slow and tanky, and some are in between. It means there’s a lot of variety and options in what you want to use.
Q: Wait, I heard this game was discontinued by the company that makes it?
A: It was, but a group of fans called the X-Wing Alliance, better known as the XWA, have taken it over and have continued to develop it with new ships, pilots, scenarios, and ensure it is balanced. They’ve done an amazing job, in my not-very-humble opinion, and the game is still impressively popular.
Q: Sold! How do I get involved?
A: Your best bet is to find a local group to guide you. The X-Wing Ready Room and Star Wars X-Wing UK and Ireland are excellent places to start. For the rules, start with the official rules and then hit the XWA website or the X-Wing Hub for handy introductions and community content. You can build your squad at Yet Another Squad Builder and print it off at Infinite Arenas. Also watch a few games on Youtube, particularly those from Sith Taker Tim, who is excellent at explaining what’s happening.
Q: Banging. How do I get ships?
A: They’re out of production but can still be found on eBay and other retail sites. Some models can be a little pricey as people snap them up as the game is still popular. However, cost-effective 3D printed ships can be used – I use Sabre Workshop and Mel Miniatures – and all the other components, including dials, can be printed at Infinite Arenas.
I sell painted 3D ships at my Etsy shop XwingbySamuel. Please go there and give me your money.
Again, local groups will provide you with ships and everything else needed to play at first to help you get a feel for the game before you invest.
Q: What else do I need?
A: Movement templates and tokens, which can be found in starter packs or bought online – Cog O Two has some great stuff.
Q: What’s the player community like?
A: Awesome. One of the many things that makes it a great game is the friendly and inclusive social scene. I’ve made some great friends, and you will too.
Q: That makes sense, you seem nice
A: *Giggles coquettishly*
Q: Can I play it casually?
A: Oh yes. The playing area is 3ft by 3ft so it’s kitchen table-friendly.
Q: Can I play competitively?
A: The tournament scene is vibrant, great fun, and covers the entire UK. Other countries also have healthy competitive calendars.
Q: Can I play with madness?
A: That’s an Iron Maiden song.
Q: Sorry, I just heard it on the radio. Will X-Wing make me more successful and a better lover?
A: Sure, why not?
Q: OK, I’ll see you in the debris-strewn starfields of the void
A: I look forward to it. Now go live your life, you beautiful mess.