As ever, indecision is terminal whenever a big tournament rolls around. I'm predicting a wide variety of lists but

primarily 2 ship archetypes: Han + Corran / Dash + Corran, Chira + Whisper, Chira + Soontir, Double Deci, 2 IG.

Swarm is non-existent, maybe a couple of 3 and 4 ship builds. Ideally the list should be able to handle all the archetypes equally well: Rebcap decis, High ps/agi arc dodgers, Swarms and Fat Hans.

Here's what I've come up with:

Scum

Punch and Judy

IG B PTL+ADV, Mangler. AT ID 49

IG D Outman+FCS, HLC, AT ID 51

Asymmetrical brobots is the list I really want to fly, but I'm not sure they're capable of going all the way.

Alternatives:

Stele Open

IG B with VI, FCS, Mangler, AT and ID

Syndicate Thug with Ion + BTL + Seismic x2

I like this winning list from the Stele Open but haven't had much chance to see it in action. It's good against all archetypes except high-PS dodging I think.

Clusterfuggles

IG C FCS 38

IG D FCS 38

Bandit 12

Bandit 12

Rebel

Byzlats

Gold Squadron with R3-A2 and Autoblaster Turret

BBBZ

My version of BBBBZ, with a little more control and sting on Y for getting those pesky turtles. Yet to be playtested, but I like the concept.

Regenerators

Han, Predator, R2D2, C3PO, Title

Corran, FCS, R5-P9, PTL

I dislike Falcons in general but I can't think of a safer build than this. This will definitely take me through swiss since it's pretty all rounded.

Couple of other ChewBo lists I've come up with seem pretty boring. Some version of Panic Attack seems also playable, I like control lists:

B-Ion

B-Ion

Y-Ion + R3A2 + BTL

Bandit

Bandit

won me a tournament recently.

Imperials

I've flown imperials exclusively for most of my tournaments so a little tired of them.

Thus far I've experimented with Sigmas but nothing seems to cut the mustard:

Sigma Alpha Alpha Soontir

Sigma Alpha Howl TIE TIE TIE

Sigma Sigma Saber Saber

all too weak to MOV shenanigans and losing ships will put me behind the 2-ship builds.

I like 3 ship elite builds so have considered

Carnor PTL + Auto

Soontir PTL + Auto

Echo VI FCS ACD

but all are kind of vulnerable to Decivader builds.

so the safest Imperial list I can think of at the moment is UK Regionals:

Oincunn Predator + Rebcap + Gunner + Isard

Patrol Leader + Vader

Any preferences?

Hmm all those lists seem fun to run. Honestly go with what you feel most comfortable playing. That will get you much farther than just meta gaming.

If I HAD to choose for a metagame where it seems like 2 ship lists with lots of fat turrets are running around I would have a list that included at least 2 bombers with clusters. Maybe even 3. You can melt a deci or falcon in the first round and then just sail to victory. Top off with an ace to help cleanup/deal with their ace and you are all golden.

Seriously though choose the best mix of familiar and fun. That's the best way to go imo.

Are you sure that swarm is non-existent? It's been a big part of the other regionals.

Bbbz is everywhere, what do you mean swarm is dead... If you don't count that as swarm, I don't know what to count it as, but be ready for it. Also brobots is a common force.

TIE Swarm. People here don't really like playing BBBBZ I've noticed, and swarm players are few. 2 and 3 ships are the norm. I considered it originally just to be a nasty surprise since most players have no experience against it but the 2 day event has now been changed to a single day event, and I don't fancy flying 7 ships for 7+ games in a row.

TIE Swarm. People here don't really like playing BBBBZ I've noticed, and swarm players are few. 2 and 3 ships are the norm. I considered it originally just to be a nasty surprise since most players have no experience against it but the 2 day event has now been changed to a single day event, and I don't fancy flying 7 ships for 7+ games in a row.

Then fly 6.

TIE Swarm. People here don't really like playing BBBBZ I've noticed, and swarm players are few. 2 and 3 ships are the norm. I considered it originally just to be a nasty surprise since most players have no experience against it but the 2 day event has now been changed to a single day event, and I don't fancy flying 7 ships for 7+ games in a row.

Then fly 6.

Or 8? I know it's one more dial to plan, but if you're not trying to close-order-drill with Howlrunner, a relaxed formation might allow a (comparatively) relaxed mind. It's the toughest list, with the most blockers.

Personally I would go with 4 shuttles with accuracy corrector. Just to see the looks on my opponent s face. Lol