Though you'd then be paying 50odd points for such a good pilot in such a good ship, and people would then be complaining that they could only field like 2 or 3 other ships in their list. The Advanced is iconically the ship he flew. It's also superseded by several other TIE variants in the expanded canon and so we are stuck with Vader being thematically correct but not mechanically ideal. Which is why i was trying to say its best to look at him for what he brings to your list than comparing his ship to another ship. Yes you could field a superior attacker in the form of an interceptor, or even a superior support ship in a bomber or shuttle, but his ability to stay alive for most of a match and hand out free actions to other ships that are greatly improved by free actions (Target locks for ships about to attack? Barrel rolls to bring more ships into firing arcs? Evades to try and keep vital ships alive another round?) is without equal.

Though you'd then be paying 50odd points for such a good pilot in such a good ship, and people would then be complaining that they could only field like 2 or 3 other ships in their list. The Advanced is iconically the ship he flew. It's also superseded by several other TIE variants in the expanded canon and so we are stuck with Vader being thematically correct but not mechanically ideal. Which is why i was trying to say its best to look at him for what he brings to your list than comparing his ship to another ship. Yes you could field a superior attacker in the form of an interceptor, or even a superior support ship in a bomber or shuttle, but his ability to stay alive for most of a match and hand out free actions to other ships that are greatly improved by free actions (Target locks for ships about to attack? Barrel rolls to bring more ships into firing arcs? Evades to try and keep vital ships alive another round?) is without equal.

That doesn't change the fact that you're paying 31 points to stay alive. If you wanted to do that, spend 18 points on a squint and run away.

Though you'd then be paying 50odd points for such a good pilot in such a good ship, and people would then be complaining that they could only field like 2 or 3 other ships in their list. The Advanced is iconically the ship he flew. It's also superseded by several other TIE variants in the expanded canon and so we are stuck with Vader being thematically correct but not mechanically ideal. Which is why i was trying to say its best to look at him for what he brings to your list than comparing his ship to another ship. Yes you could field a superior attacker in the form of an interceptor, or even a superior support ship in a bomber or shuttle, but his ability to stay alive for most of a match and hand out free actions to other ships that are greatly improved by free actions (Target locks for ships about to attack? Barrel rolls to bring more ships into firing arcs? Evades to try and keep vital ships alive another round?) is without equal.

I was going to say earlier, there may be a place for Vader + Squad Leader, since the Empire doesn't have guys like Lando, Cracken, etc. to dole out free actions.

But even then I think he's too expensive for what he does. 31 points in a bad ship with 2 attack that can pass out a free action a turn? No thanks.

Unfortunately they did over price the Advanced, by some it's between 2 - 5 points. You just have to pay the piper until they fix it or we just learn to live with it if you wanna fly Vader.. I don't use him in every game, though with somenof the new ships I may be breaking him out for some support goodness.. I like him with Squad Leader, and an EU. He will also be deadly with Outmaneuver, making that 2 attack die not so horrible. Hehas that awesome ability to do 2 actions with no stress, and I don't mind the cost.

. Hehas that awesome ability to do 2 actions with no stress, and I don't mind the cost.

What is two actions and no stress worth?!?! To some of us, it's "priceless!"

Used Vader for the first time today. As a newer player I have to say he was awesome. Flew him with a mini swarm with Howlrunner and another named pilot and 2 academy pilots. He was great. Killed a Headhunter that was trying to flank...then buzzed around to peel the shields off of Janson so that the swarm could take him out.

Love him. Sure he's not a power piece, but not every rebel player puts down the same Han Shoots First list at out little club.

Thanks to all for suggestions and pointers.