Hey guys. Another new player topic. I am looking for a list of the pieces needed to for the most major builds for each faction. Essentially, if you owned these pieces you would be able to build the most competitive squads. This will be a way for me to make the most efficient and effective purchases in building my collection. I can later work on getting complete sets as the budget allows.

Thanks for the help.

Yes. But I would prefer to use the recommended figure shown on the V-Set card, so that would be the information I need: the name of the WOTC figure and then the corresponding V-Card if possible.

Not my own list, this is theHutts' from this thread (http://www.bloomilk.com/Forums/default.aspx?g=posts&m=184538) but its the best list for each faction. He is excellent at analyzing a pieces worth and usefulness and he is a really smart guy, take his advice (also take a look at his Rolling Mini of the day to get a good feel for other good and bad pieces in the game.) I'll add the Recommend Minis (RM) that are on the card for V-set Pieces:

Now keep in mind, some of the RMs themselves are very rare, and may be cost prohibitive. Revan comes to mind immediately. If you are into making your own figures, I can find the link to make a very good looking Revan out of common/uncommons.

You will also notice some factions have WAY more "necessary" V-set pieces than either, this has to do with the unbalanced state in which WotC left the game

Essential:
Bastila Shan, Jedi Master (RM Bastila Shan)

Really good:
Satele Shan (RM Jeia Organa Solo, Jedi Knight)
Atton "Jaq" Rand (RM Atton Rand, my personal RM is the Human Scoundrel, much cheaper, looks perfect)
Kerra Holt (RM Jaina Solo)
Old Republic Senator (RM Mon Calamari Medic)
Carth Onasi, Old Republic Soldier (RM Carth Onasi)

Also helpful:
Master Thon (RM Boma)
Arfan Ramos (RM Kyle Katarn, Jedi Battlemaster)
Valenthyne Farfalla (RM Kol Skywalker)
Arkanian Jedi General (with Old Republic Troopers) (RM Jedi Sith Hunter)

Sith
Essential:
Darth Caedus, Sith Lord (Darth Caedus)
Darth Revan, Sith Lord (Darth Revan)

Really good:
Atton "Jaq" Rand
Sith Recruit (Reborn)
Lord Krayt (Darth Krayt)

Also helpful:
Darth Bandon (Sith Apprentice
Ommin, Sith Sorceror (Dressellian Commando)
Darth Zannah (Mara Jade Skywalker)
Lord Kaan (Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi Trainer)

Force Batteries
Darth Sidious Hologram
Marka Ragnos, Dark Force Spirit (Emperor Roan Fel)
Freedon Nadd, Dark Force Spirit (Freedon Nadd)
Exar Kun, Dark Force Spirit (Exar Kunn)

R7 - Fringe
mas - Imp/Rep
Thrawn naanan-whatever - imp - the cheap one ;)
panaka - rep
R2-D2 Astromech driod - rep

With these 5 pieces and lobot as mentioned by Andy you will have the core of most good imperial or republic squads. After that, flavor to taste =)

-- This is coming from a person who doesn't play competitively, but is addicted to squad building and loves minis ;)

Mandalorian

Essential:
Kelborn (RM Kir Kanos)

Really good:
Mandalore the Vindicated (RM Imperial Guard)
Neo-Crusader Officer (RM Mandalorian Commando)
Mandalorian Scout
Mandalorian Captain
Mandalorian Demolitionist (RM Heavy Stormtrooper)
Mandalorian Tactician (RM Evo Trooper)

Also helpful:
Death Watch Saboteur (RM Elite Clone Trooper Grenadier)
Jaster Mereel (RM Jango Fett)
Neo-Crusader Scout (RM Sith Trooper Captain)


Republic

Essential:
R2-D2, Astromech Droid

Really good:
Captain Panaka
Mas Amedda
General Obi-Wan Kenobi
Yoda on Kybuck
Captain Panaka of Theed (RM Captain Panaka)
Naboo Trooper
Mon Mothma
Admiral Yularen
Elite Republic Commandos (set of 4) (RM Republic Commando Boss, Sev, Scorch, and Fixer respectively)


Separatists
Essential:
San Hill

Really good:
Durge on Speeder (RM Durge)
Cad Bane, Bounty Hunter (RM Cad Bane)
Aurra Sing, Assassin (RM Aurra Sing, Jedi Hunter)
General Whorm Loathsom
Darth Sidious
BX Commando Droid Spotter (RM Rocket Battle Droid)
General Grievous, Hero of Hypori (RM
Grievous on Tsmeu-6 Wheel Bike (RM Grievous's Wheel Bike)
BX Commando Droid Sniper (RM Battle Droid Sniper)

I've finished up a .pdf on the aforementioned thread of all these pieces and I'm keen for someone to check over it!

Also it may be easier/cheaper to pick a faction that you want to use and focus on them initially, so for exams getting ghe separatist and fringe pieces as they can be played together. Then you can so make use of the Separatist's Independent outfit commander. After that it's thematically fun to get their opposite, so in this case republic essentials so you can recreate epic movie/clone wars fights. That's just my advice of his to get started.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5rj3gcbzmfrs27m/SWM101.%20Level%205%20Expecting.pdf?dl=0