Hi guys! This is my first post here and X-Wings is my first table top game. First off I just wanted to say I love the game and have a lot of fun playing it. Currently, I only play with one of my roommates. We share the core set. I play imperial, he plays rebel.

My current available ships:

2 Tie Fighters

1 Advanced Tie Fighter

Imperial Aces

I just got the Imperial Aces so I haven't gotten to test them out yet. My main problem so far has been dealing with the R2-D2 astromech. I just never seem to have enough damage to get through the shields. If I focus other ships without the astromech, then I lose too many and don't have to damage to break through and if I try to burst the ship with the R2-D2 I usually get overwhelmed before I can finish it.

What are some general 100 point set-ups I could use with these available ships? Also, what's the general strategy for dealing with R2-D2.

Sorry, if I am just horrible at this game. Thank you!

Well, first off your interceptor is suffering not having Soontir Fel. I myself have not got a interceptor yet but have some experiance playing one. things i can say....

Use Darth Vader, you don't even need upgrades if you don't want to (if you wanted something i would got with stealth)

Practice with Interceptors, Interceptors are high risk high reward ships, the more you use the better you will get (i would suggest PTL with them)

Yea, it's worth noting I haven't played with the interceptors yet. I will look into getting the Tie Interceptor Expansion next if Soontir Fel is really that good.

I would say try putting cluster missiles on vader to deal with R2-D2. TL to launch the missiles and focus to improve the rolls, 6 focused attack dice vs 4 defense dice should put a noticeable dent in an X-Wing, even if it is Luke, focused fire from the TIEs should finish him off if needed.

Thank you for the advice! I will try out the cluster missiles. Any tips on a 100 point setup, and I am assuming I should always use Vader with the Tie Advanced.

Yes. Unfortunately all other TIE Advanced pilots are a waste of points.

Let me think...

I personally like Concussion Missiles more then Cluster, but it's whatever YOU like most.

Here's a list that could work good for you. (don't kill me if i'm wrong )

Vader + Concussion + Stealth

Carnor Jax + PTL + Stealth

Dark Curse

Night Beast

=99 (Optionaly put Determination on Vader for 100)

I don't know exactally what you are going against but this might be good. Have Carnor Flank doing 5 forward boost and the rest itch up 2 by two.

Dark Curse is a pain, and if you can get focus evade with night beast, both of them are going to be very hard to kill. Plus those 4 defense dice ships with 2 actions/Stress = 2 actions will also be hard to kill.

NOTE: Make sure to target lock focus on vader when you shoot his missile.

Remember that R2-D2 requires a green maneuver to work. This makes the ship carrying him very predictable. Pounce on him early and you should be able to focus fire pretty easily

TL to launch the missiles and focus to improve the rolls, 6 focused attack dice vs 4 defense dice should put a noticeable dent in an X-Wing, even if it is Luke, focused fire from the TIEs should finish him off if needed.

That won't work unfortunately,

From the FAQ:

Q: If a ship spends a focus token when attacking with Cluster Missiles, does the focus effect modify both attacks?

A: No. The focus effect modifies a single attack.

So this is what I am thinking about using:

Darth Vader + Concussion

Kir Kanos + Stealth

Dark Curse + Stealth

Mauler Mithel + Engine

Let me know what you guys think. Also, I have been looking at a lot of battle reports and notice that I have never seen the Tie Bomber in a list, is there a reason for this?

So this is what I am thinking about using:

Darth Vader + Concussion

Kir Kanos + Stealth

Dark Curse + Stealth

Mauler Mithel + Engine

Let me know what you guys think. Also, I have been looking at a lot of battle reports and notice that I have never seen the Tie Bomber in a list, is there a reason for this?

The TIE bomber's not bad. It's just a question of supporting it properly.

Agreed. If you're going for a relatively small, elite force (and for the Empire, four ships is small), then I can see you having problems with punch.

If you've got Imperial Aces, then a Royal Guard (named or not) and a Saber (again, named or not) are both good, and push the limit complements both. As noted, the best way to deal with R2D2 is to stop him pulling green manouvres - outflanking interceptors with boost and barrel roll are the order of the day.

Lappenlocker it's worth noting before I only had access to 2 TIE and 1 TIE advanced, so there has been some improvement in damage.

With your collection getting to a competitive 100 points could be challenging and will require at least two, and possibly all three of the Advanced & Interceptors you have. Imperial Rebel's squad has some merits although you may not have the Stealth Devices needed to make it work.

Considering your current options, have a look at Lt Lorrir. He's one of the most manoeuvrable dudes out there. Experiment with ALL his barrel roll options. And Darth Vader with two actions is a must. Have a look at the Swarm Tactics card for him also. The interceptors have manoeuvrability on their side, so make the most of it, get in close and unload into the Rebels. Remember to use R2-D2, your opponent must do a green manoeuvre - don't give him the opportunity.

Good luck.