Since you're probably going to be focusing with Wedge for the most part because of R5, maybe switch out swarm tactics for predator. Also, Phantoms might be a big issue.

Luke and Biggs are good as is other than the Phantom issue

R5-P9 might be better suited to go on Biggs though as he should be coping a fair degree of fire so keeping him around longer....

It sounds like you've been playing it a lot, so you know the nuances of it, and are comfortable with it, so I wouldn't change it too much. My thoughts are similar to AgentV, swarm tactics probably isn't all that useful. Luke already has a high PS and Biggs is going to die quickly. Predator or Expert Handling (for Phantoms or other ships you think might outmaneuver you) on Wedge could be more useful for the squad. If you use EH, just be careful to not BR out of Biggs' range when you need him to cover you.

If you've found a groove with the list, I'd agree with others that have suggested sticking to it, so I'll just throw some ideas out there for consideration. They might cover up current weaknesses in the list, but they might create new ones. I think it will just be about what you prefer. I love that you're getting 3X wings to work and all pilots from Wave 1.

Engine Upgrade: In today's meta, I don't enjoy flying rebels as much since they don't have as many "movement correction" options. When I fly Wedge (which is really only casually since, as you know, I've been corrupted by the Empire, so take that for what it's worth), I want him to have engine upgrade as it allows me to correct my arc a bit on slippery ships like interceptors, phantoms, and engine upgrade falcons, or get out of an arc. Which leads me to my next option for Wedge because I often use up his action with that...Obviously, this would change the toughness of your build since you have a shield on him, but a well flown ship with EU is going to be more defensive than a ship with a SU

Predator: Mentioned before, it's a nice passive offensive option that's always on (except for that silly injured pilot crit). It seems like, if you can work it in, you'd make good use of it especially since you have R5-P9 and would like to use that focus token for other things. It's the exact reason (trying to save that focus) I use Predator on Brath.

Veteran Instincts: My hunch is you're using swarm for Biggs to start and then Luke. Depending on how much value and worth you're getting out of DTF, placing VI on Luke might be an interesting option. It hurts Biggs as it may mean one less shot for him, but it also means Luke goes before everyone. If you put this on Luke, you could even then give the/an EU since he'd be going at 10.

Again, I'm not sure these are better than what you have but they might present some different options. Hope it helps.

A shield upgrade on Luke feels like 4 wasted points, since he's already so tough w/R2. I'd guess you added it because of DTF. I also think that's a very bad upgrade on that list. Isn't that why you already have Biggs? I'd drop all upgrades except R2D2 and add a Z-95. Better to have more ships and fewer upgrades.

To echo what others have said, it lacks mobility. But you can't add much mobility without completely retooling the list.

A shield upgrade on Luke feels like 4 wasted points, since he's already so tough w/R2. I'd guess you added it because of DTF. I also think that's a very bad upgrade on that list. Isn't that why you already have Biggs? I'd drop all upgrades except R2D2 and add a Z-95. Better to have more ships and fewer upgrades.

I'd guess Luke DTF from Biggs to keep him alive longer than regens the shield with R2. It actually makes Biggs more effective since his real use should be to spread fire and not to get blasted in turn one.

Right, but keeping one guy alive longer whose sole reason for being in a list is to die first seems to me to be working at cross-purposes.

Thanks all. I am still thinking about EU for Wedge and Luke...
I have been flying Luke with VI for a month - I threw in DTF to keep Biggs around at 9 for another turn. (I usually trade 1.5 ships for him.) Then when he is gone I will have 2 9's left over instead of a 10 and a 9 and a useless Swarm Tactics...

Your thoughts are what I was looking for. Engine upgrades for Luke and Wedge will probably happen now - but I like my 9,9,8 followed by 9,9.

Thanks again.

Right, but keeping one guy alive longer whose sole reason for being in a list is to die first seems to me to be working at cross-purposes.

That's not his purpose. His purpose, splitting enemy fire, and forcing your opponent into bad shots or less than ideal priority, often leads to him dropping first, but the longer you can make use of his ability and keep guns on the table the better off you are. DTF on Luke can essentially erase a point of damage completely and can also be used to keep Wedge alive longer, too, after Biggs is dead.

Yes, that is his purpose. He protects other ships from a round or two of shooting. I'm not arguing that Biggs isn't good; he is very good. What I'm arguing is that, with that force, the points would be better spent on an extra ship rather than a host of upgrades. Generally speaking, it's better to have more ships than more upgrades. A three-ship list is fragile, even this list. Adding two more attacks, four more damage and more blocking is, in my estimation, more valuable than lots of upgrades and sitting with three ships. Each time you lose one, you've lost a third of your firepower. It's a gamble that's mitigated somewhat with more ships.

Right, but keeping one guy alive longer whose sole reason for being in a list is to die first seems to me to be working at cross-purposes.

That's not his purpose. His purpose, splitting enemy fire, and forcing your opponent into bad shots or less than ideal priority, often leads to him dropping first, but the longer you can make use of his ability and keep guns on the table the better off you are. DTF on Luke can essentially erase a point of damage completely and can also be used to keep Wedge alive longer, too, after Biggs is dead.

Hopefully.

That is the current plan.

This way is also nice because I am spending some points on Biggs but not attaching them to a sinking ship. The fact that I can keep Wedge around with it too is gravy.

Have fun with it; I just can't imagine you'll win a lot with it. I don't think 3 Xs is strong enough offensively, defensively or maneuverability-wise.

Yes, that is his purpose. He protects other ships from a round or two of shooting. I'm not arguing that Biggs isn't good; he is very good.

The idea that Biggs's "purpose" is to die first is, imo, a simplistic view of the nature of his pilot ability. He certainly can work that way, but if he's only there to give Wedge an extra round of shooting there is a lot of potential that is being missed. The ideal use of Biggs, as I mentioned above, is to keep your entire squad alive longer, and that includes Biggs, especially in a tournament environment that now includes MoV. I'm not advocating he put points directly into Biggs, and you're right in that if Biggs is the last ship left, he's not been used well either, so I think there is a balance to be found, but I think the method in this build is sound.

Generally speaking, it's better to have more ships than more upgrades. A three-ship list is fragile, even this list. Adding two more attacks, four more damage and more blocking is, in my estimation, more valuable than lots of upgrades and sitting with three ships

I think that was very sound Wave 3 advice and depends on the ships and the way it's flown, but I think it's less true this wave. I do think an Engine upgrade or two will add some nice potential with this list. I really like both droids on Wedge and Luke (provided he's getting use out of R5-P9) since it makes both undesirable targets unless there are a lot of guns on them. A stray hit easily gets regenerated.

Again there's a balance to be found, there, so I see your point, but for me it comes down to flying style and I've had much more success personally with three very good/elite ships, provided they are the right upgrades over four. That is, unless I'm running Etahn:) The list I run with him has one upgrade.

Have fun with it; I just can't imagine you'll win a lot with it. I don't think 3 Xs is strong enough offensively, defensively or maneuverability-wise.

I am going with Engine Upgrades to see if that is the edge (or one of them) that I have been missing. I will have to up my flying game and pay attention to arcs and positioning.

I will let you know if you are still correct.

Have fun with it; I just can't imagine you'll win a lot with it. I don't think 3 Xs is strong enough offensively, defensively or maneuverability-wise.

So far you are correct. The list is at .500 for a win/loss record.

I am going with Engine Upgrades to see if that is the edge (or one of them) that I have been missing. I will have to up my flying game and pay attention to arcs and positioning.

I will let you know if you are still correct.

It's definitely a sad truth that the game's namesake has fallen. The only upside they have is the droid slot for customization and some named pilot abilities.

I think you'll like Engine Upgrade because without them, you have to be almost perfect in the planning phase both in your own moves and the anticipation of your opponents'.

It's why I enjoy seeing them tried, though!

My favorite Rebel 3-elite-pilot list is Wedge/Etahn/Corran. Corran has Fire-Control System. That list can throw out 12 attacks a turn at range 2 with Corran's double-tap. And Etahn's ability really makes Wedge and Corran super-destructive. I love the named E-Wing pilots.

To me, this list is superior, because Es are better than Xs, in a 3-ship build (IMO, of course). And crit-fests are just the best...

My favorite Rebel 3-elite-pilot list is Wedge/Etahn/Corran. Corran has Fire-Control System. That list can throw out 12 attacks a turn at range 2 with Corran's double-tap. And Etahn's ability really makes Wedge and Corran super-destructive. I love the named E-Wing pilots.

To me, this list is superior, because Es are better than Xs, in a 3-ship build (IMO, of course). And crit-fests are just the best...

I could see that, and I like those three ships quite a bit.

*sigh* You were right.

I started the day by killing two Falcons!
Then lost the rest of the day to lists that had more ships\shots on me.
Engine Upgrade might be my favorite card right now.

Try the Wedge/Corran/Etahn list if you've got a couple of E-Wing and like 3-ship builds.