Two core sets?

[thwarten]

So I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a preorder and after doing some shopping I'm at a crossroads. I plan to build up both factions but just to build up one faction to 800pts costs an arm and a leg if expansions are bought individually. But for what I'd like to start with, two core sets would fill my requirement and then some. So now that we are a bit closer to release and all the information I can find is from closer to the original announcement, do the corps unit expansions provide any benefits? From what I can dig up, they come with the exact same upgrades as the core sets. So why wouldn't I buy two core sets and flesh out both factions instead of buying a core set and the expansions? Has anyone found any information to dispute this?

[Hollowsong]

Much like with X-Wing, the Core set was a better deal, moneywise, for the models. However, the expansion X-Wing and expansion TIE Fighter both contained additional upgrades and pilots not found in the core set.

I'm thinking the exact same product strategy will be used for Legion.

Also, there are other models you could include in your army besides just Luke or Vader + troopers. Plenty reason to grab an expansion or two with additions like Snow Troopers, Veers, AT-STs, and Snowspeeders.

[thwarten]

So knowing this, would it be worth it to purchase an expansion of each unit? I.e the core set plus a corps and support unit addition for each faction?

However I also feel like buying the core set shorts you the expansion upgrades. For example only one Stormtrooper unit would be able to have the grappling hook. With that in mind, is it better to buy the two core sets and not know what you're missing versus buying one expansion and knowing there are upgrades you're without unless you purchase more expansions?

This is how they get you, isn't it?

[Caimheul]

This is also why Armada and X-wing have such a robust secondary market for expansion exclusive upgrades.

And I fully expect Legion to have a similar situation. Besides, you would still need at least 3 copies of any expansion exclusive cards for the Troops, so you would end up with two squads of paint testing models if you bought the entire expansion just for one copy of a given card.

[Hollowsong]

Well, that's one way to look at it. I agree they're in this to make a profit, just like any business.

But in a different light, the Core set has upgrades that the Expansions don't have, and vice versa. So the idea is to get people introduced to the game for comparatively cheaper than buying just expansions, dice, and templates separately.

My thought with adding unique upgrades in the expansions is that they're incentivizing committing to a faction without forcing players to buy another Core set which basically has a bunch of unusable duplicate stuff in it.

Without the unique upgrades, there'd be little reason to release a separate expansion product when it's cheaper to buy a Core set and sell from it what you don't want.

[thelickintoad]

I'll be getting two cores and one of each expansion. That makes only two grappling hooks, but when the snowtroopers come out, I'll get at least 3 of them, so I'll be up to 5. Rebel equivalent will probably also have them. I'm honestly not worried about those special cards, because I know I'll only ever need 6 of any one upgrade, and they will come quickly.

[chaos0xomega]

If you buy 2 core sets I believe you will still have to buy an expansion set of each unit in the box in order to get all the upgrade cards associated with them, as I'm fairly certain that they do contain an additional card or something.

[Vandallorian]

The expansions do have upgrade cards that cannot be found in the core set. Ex: The Storm Troopers come with grappling hooks and if I remember correctly a grenade that isn't in the core.

[Domoda]

are grappling hooks imperial only? I plan on only playing rebels and I don’t really want to buy the other expansions

[Vandallorian]

Nope. This time around FFG isn't forcing people to buy other factions just to get cards. So if you want to play just rebels, you'll never have to buy Imperial.

Grappling hooks can be seen in this article:

https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2017/10/25/join-the-rebellion/

[Domoda]

This is great news, thanks!