Uses for Enhanced Scopes?

By Sekac, in X-Wing

Just to make sure we're on the same page before I continue....

Enhanced Scopes are a 1 point systems upgrade coming out with Rebel Aces. It reads "During the activation phase, treat your Pilot Skill as 0."

I'm having trouble coming up with good uses for it. I should mention that up to this point I've exclusively played rebels so that might twist my perspective on it.

It seems useless on the lowest PS generics like Blue or Knave squadron because they already move really early in the activation phase.

A dagger with this upgrade costs the same as a blue with adv sensors. Being able to cause a traffic jam against a TIE swarm sounds cool and all, but I don't think it's worth replacing the ability to barrel roll before you move.

I think probably the best use so far is on a lamda with APLs. Just fly around with mad space-cow disease and cause problems.

Anyone got any other ideas?

A ship with Enhanced Scopes is not only a better blocker, it can't be blocked--that is, when you select your maneuver, you know exactly what the board will look like when you execute that maneuver. That makes it a potentially effective buy on, for example, the generic Phantoms.

If you want to think about better blocking, though, think of it on a Shuttle with an Intelligence Agent: you know where your target is going to be, and you know for sure that you can get there first.

If we ever see a ship with a bomb slot and a systems slot, it will also make for a good pairing with the (also almost unused) Proximity Mines: I move first and slap a bomb down right in your path.

It let's you move before everyone else, really nice for blocking and k turns.

Edited by catachanninja

Shuttle + Enhanced Scopes + APL (24)

If you want to think about better blocking, though, think of it on a Shuttle with an Intelligence Agent: you know where your target is going to be, and you know for sure that you can get there first.

Especially if you put a Navigator on board as well.

Based on your posts:

I sense something, a presence I've not felt since...

Darth Vader (29)
Swarm Tactics (2)
Engine Upgrade (4)
Shadow Squadron Pilot (27)
Enhanced Scopes (1)
Intelligence Agent (1)
Advanced Cloaking Device (4)
Omicron Group Pilot (21)
Enhanced Scopes (1)
Navigator (3)
Intelligence Agent (1)
Anti-Pursuit Lasers (2)
Total: 96

Someone also pointed out a while back that it's great for maximizing Kagi's ability. As a PS8 pilot, most ships have already moved and taken their actions by the time he moves. Scopes allows him to get into position first, so any ships in range will have to target lock him.

What PhantomFO said. Now imagine if Kagi is coming in on a flank outside of fire arcs. Those assault missile carrying Z-95s now can't shoot at your swarm. Plus you still have Kagi shooting at initiative 8.

It might also have some use on Yorr. He has a similar problem where ships taking red maneuvers or using abilities that result in stress are usually far away from him at the time the stress is handed out. If he could move first, he might actually be in range to use his ability.

But overall, I don't think Enhanced Scopes is that fantastic. I feel the ships which would most benefit from it do not have a System upgrade slot - like the Decimator/Dauntless or any ship that could drop Proximity Mines. It would be more interesting if it said "you may treat your Pilot Skill as 0."