I've been trying to theorycraft the best system upgrade for StarVipers.

Initially it seemed like advanced sensors would be the best one, and it's helpful, but only on the turns when you s-loop or use inertial dampeners. FCS is good, but only when you take VI on Xizor for a PS bid (replacing the otherwise obligatory predator).

So since the two main system upgrades are situational at best, I was wondering if accuracy corrector may actually have a home on Xizor. I know it seems weird to put it on a 3 attack ship, but what about those turns where you roll blanks, one hit, or one hit and a focus? Is it worth 3 points to have insurance against those rolls and save a focus for defense?

Any thoughts or other ideas on what system makes the most sense? Or as a different option is it better to just leave the title at home and keep them cheaper?

So far, the "best" system upgrade has been none

the average 3-dice offense of star-vipers makes it difficult to get a lot of value out of them when you start loading on 40ish points of upgrades. They're very difficult to destroy when flown well, but they're no real way to pump up their offense beyond 3-dice with predator/LW/FCS re-rolls and focus

So, I agree with FCS on V.I Xizor (need those re-rolls to give him the punch that justifies his cost)

on everything else, either nothing or, if you happen to have four points around, sensors. Sensors are amazing for extending the starviper's durability and maneuverability, but the viper isn't like the Phantom or Aggressor or Turret etc in that it can just maneuver willy-nilly and not actually lose any offensive punch after doing so (unless you're amazing with Guri). Boosting or rolling will leave them without focus, which means you're only getting the EPT or Target-lock re-rolls on their attack.

They're ships that actually have to make choices, and from a design perspective I respect that, but it makes it difficult to justify them as super-awesome points heavy ships in a game that allows super-buff large ships and phantoms. 35-36 points seems like a sweet spot, kind of similar to Soontir (another amazingly awesome ship that can't hit the levels of ridiculousness of other, fatter ships)

I believe this is the thread you are looking for.

I've been trying to theorycraft the best system upgrade for StarVipers.

By "theorycraft" you mean "find", right?

Adv Sensor is probably the best one, lets you make full use of the S-loop without losing your action and Adv Sensors always pairs well with movement adjusters. Boosting into an s-loop is always a fun trick.

Sensor Jammer, Accuracy Corrector, Fire Control System, they're good wherever you put them, but the Virago really does love that added maneuverability. That is the point of the ship, after all.

The ability to take an action and then s loop is strong and can work out well, same with boosting then s looping it opens a host of movement options without damaging your attack rolls.

In my experience, I prefer Sensor Jammer.

I usually play with Guri rather than Xizor. Predator + Sensor Jammer means she'll always be able to modify attack and defense rolls. You can S-loop without hesitating or otherwise use her action exclusively for boosting/b-rolling into range 1 for the free focus token.

Advanced Sensors does open up some additional maneuvering possibilities, but I favor the extra sturdiness over trying to arc-dodge at PS 5.

Guri can arcdodge at PS7.

I believe this is the thread you are looking for.

Missed this one over the weekend. Thanks.

Yeah, that's the argument I was going to make, but not as well. Adv Sensors w/ Boost and/or Barrel Roll works well. Also, the idea of just TL/Focus and S-loop works well for me.

If you have Predator then you aren't so keen on FCS, as well. If you want VI, then FCS becomes the better option, I think.