While Vader seems to be THE force to beat, I have found that the Rebellion offers several good choices for a high damage/high resistance fighting force. The best part of running Rebels is that almost all of them use the white defensive dice so they have a 1/6th chance of completely dodging the entire attack. For me, that happens enough that gives me the edge.
The List
Han Solo(12) Great support character and the ability to shoot back if you don't take any damage!
Luke Skywalker (10) Again, great synergy (I love keeping Luke and Han next to each other) and the ability to use a melee attack with Pierce 3 - which combined with a Focus can do serious damage.
Gideon Argus (3) The ultimate support card. His ability to make a figure focused alone makes this guy necessary for the build.
Jyn Odan (5) Cunning like Han, but short range. Again, a great candidate for Focus to add more range if need be. Plus, another free attack with Hair Trigger.
Mak Eshka'rey (3) The best long range shooter in the game, plus the ability to ignore LOS with figures is amazing. Usually best as a second line fighter.
Diala Passil (7) Opponent removes 1 defense dice at the cost of 1 command card? Gets to re-roll their defense dice (which is ALWAYS done to try to get the dodge). What is not to like?
Command Cards:
Son of Skywalker - The best 3 points spent to allow Luke to take a second turn in a round. OP!
Take it Down - Combine with a focus = great damage not on their activation
One in a Million - Combine with her Hair trigger or Take it Down and it can do great damage
Sarlacc Sweep - Good card when fighting a group of enemies.
Knowledge and Defense - Used on Luke or Diala - use is early in the round if one is a front line fighter to add much better survive ability to the turn.
2x Marksman - Great for the initial charge or to attack a second line fighter.
Recovery - Great card to keep someone alive
Take Initiative - Extremely powerful and useful, especially when you need that edge to kill off a target or two.
To the Limit - Only useful with Luke and Gideon, but it has its uses.
Deadeye - Great for long range shooting
Take Cover - Use on a front line fighter to add great survive ability that round.
Fleet Footed - If it absolutely has to get there this turn
Urgency - Same thing as Fleet Footed
Element of Surprise - Again a way to remove a defense die.
This group is designed to do two thing:
1. Remove defense die - great for going up against Vader or the Champion
2. Do extra attacks - and there are many ways to make that happen.
The truth is, with several front line fighters and a few support fighters, I am able to fight and PTFO for a quicker VP win.