What do you guys think the best Palpatine build will be? So far I have two, one I have been testing extensively and absolutely love, the other I feel like would be good but haven't tried out yet at all. The first is

Kenkirk with PTL, Palpatine, Ysanne, Dauntless, and Engine

Escorted be Either

Vader with VI, Title, ATC, and Engine

or

Soontir with the usual PTL, AutoT, Stealth, Title

This build works incredibly well. With PTL and Ysanne you get a combat phase boost to dodge arcs, as well as 3 out of 4 possible actions on the Decimator. Also you have better damage mitigation than a fat Han because you don't have to guess with Sheev before you roll, so you have the opportunity to roll a natural evade + evade token when defending. If this happens then you can keep Sheev for the attack. If the escort is targeted first it is especially difficult to kill them when they are turtled up and Palpatine is in play. Once the Deci has low health you basiclly just run away with it and keep Sheev in play as long as possible, since he has no range restriction(which is amazing btw). I really do love this list and plan to take it to tournaments once the Raider is officially released.

The option for Palpatine I was considering is taking both the above Vader and Soontir with Palpatine in a OGP. This one I would consider flying the Shuttle around the edge of the board, stopping and 1 forwarding while letting Soontir and Vader do all the work with Sheev's assitance via the force(there are no limits to the Dark Side of the Force). If the shuttle is targeted they are letting those two have free reign on anyone they please, most likely the biggest threat to the shuttle. If it isnt targeted and they choose to try to take down the aces? Again it is extremely difficult to hit those two with Sheev in play. Any thoughts you may have? Any other Sheev builds you guys think would work?

TL;DR- Two Palpatine builds with the strat behind them. Do you have any Palpatine builds you would like to share?

I dunno about the 'best', but I'm not a fan of dauntless here. Vader is also screaming for some proton rockets...

How about:

Kenkirk w/ lone wolf, palpatine, isard & engine = 62

Vader w/ VI, proton rockets, title, ATC & engine = 38

100

A decimator is probably the best spot for palpatine, since a shuttle is too easily focussed to death. To discourage attacking the shuttle, I think you need a heavier hitter than Soontir (Vader works okay). Perhaps Vader & Juno?

Omnicron w/ palpatine = 29

Vader w/ VI, proton rockets, title, ATC & engine = 38

Juno w/ PtL, title, ATC & Twin Ion Mk II = 33

100

I dunno about the 'best', but I'm not a fan of dauntless here. Vader is also screaming for some proton rockets...

How about:

Kenkirk w/ lone wolf, palpatine, isard & engine = 62

Vader w/ VI, proton rockets, title, ATC & engine = 38

100

A decimator is probably the best spot for palpatine, since a shuttle is too easily focussed to death. To discourage attacking the shuttle, I think you need a heavier hitter than Soontir (Vader works okay). Perhaps Vader & Juno?

Omnicron w/ palpatine = 29

Vader w/ VI, proton rockets, title, ATC & engine = 38

Juno w/ PtL, title, ATC & Twin Ion Mk II = 33

100

Thinking about it Dauntless doesn't work at all. So I would also drop it. I was more asking what everyone thinks is the best Palpatine build, not that these are. These are just the two that i have built.

The Palpatine build I'm going to be testing out is this:

Colonel Jendon with the ST-321 title and Palpatine

Maarek Stele with the x1 title, ATC, and Calculation

Darth Vader with the x1 title, ATC, and either Stealth Device or Engine Upgrade.

Stealth Device on Vader, with constant Focuses and Evades, and with Palpatine manipulating dice makes him rather annoying to kill. Engine Upgrade makes him a decent arc dodger. Stele with Calculation, the ATC, and Palpatine providing regular triple crit potential is extremely deadly. Together, I think they'd do a fine job of protecting the shuttle.

Jendon will help you the first two turns and then be all but useless. If you keep your Ties near the shuttle to benefit from Jendon's ability they'll be easy to predict. I'd just run a regular OGP with maybe Engine Upgrade to boost out of trouble.

As soon as I get a Raider I'm running something similar to the OP:

Kenkirk

-PTL

-Emperor

-Isard

-EU

Vader

-Pred

-Title

-ATC

-EU

OR

Echo

-VI

-ACD

-FCS

OR

Vessery

-Insert 1 point EPT but I like Calculation or Crackshot

-MKIIs

and of course the 35 point Soontir with a two point initiative bid. Lots of options for a wingman with the 63 point Kenkirk. I don't think Prockets are all that great on Vader if you are running ATC (which you should). Really all you are getting is 1 more attack die when you think about it and unless you roll crits, you don't have the automatic potential for one. At range 1, 3 attack dice with Focus + predator, and auto crit are nearly just as good as 5 dice with TL + F. With Predator you get a lot more utility at other ranges as well.

Palpatine on Oicunn with an Ion Projector, flying alongside a souped up Vader.

and of course the 35 point Soontir with a two point initiative bid. Lots of options for a wingman with the 63 point Kenkirk. I don't think Prockets are all that great on Vader if you are running ATC (which you should). Really all you are getting is 1 more attack die when you think about it and unless you roll crits, you don't have the automatic potential for one. At range 1, 3 attack dice with Focus + predator, and auto crit are nearly just as good as 5 dice with TL + F. With Predator you get a lot more utility at other ranges as well.

I've been running Vader quite a bit lately with: Predator, title, ATC, engine & prockets. So far, I have dealt 5 damage with them. Every. Single. Game. With palpatine, that's an extra gauranteed crit (I say extra, because I think like maybe once I didn't roll at least 1 crit on the procket shot). The nice thing with predator is that you don't need the TL. So if you have it great, its still there for future shots. If you don't have it, you don't have to worry about the decision to grab it now (if you happen to be in enemy arc). Take the focus + evade and unload the procket. Your opponent eats likely 5 damage and you have an evade token for their retort (which is probably not going to be 5!). So while its true that its 'only' 1 extra damage (compared to what Vader can throw out with his primary at range 1), I feel its been totally worth the 3 points. Plus, in my particular list, there's nothing else to spend those points on anyway

Palpatine on Oicunn with an Ion Projector, flying alongside a souped up Vader.

And then you could be really rude and drop a proton bomb on the newly ionized target. Add in Mara too for good measure.

Captain Oicunn (42)

Determination (1)

Extra Munitions (2)

Emperor Palpatine (8)

Mara Jade (3)

Proton Bombs (5)

Ion Projector (2)

Darth Vader (29)

Outmaneuver (3)

Advanced Targeting Computer (1)

Engine Upgrade (4)

TIE/x1 (0)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

OP, You might regret not having Gunner! Every Decimator I play without Gunner has a hard time hitting 3+ agility ships and what not.

Just my 2 cents! Palpatine might fix that though!

I've now used this list a number of times: https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/184604-slayers-of-the-republic/

It works brilliantly. Though maybe having Oicunn/Saboteur murdersquish things has tainted my objectivity.

To discourage attacking the shuttle, I think you need a heavier hitter than Soontir (Vader works okay). Perhaps Vader & Juno?

Vader & Stele canonically flew protection for the Emperor's shuttle at one point in TIE Fighter. Granted, I think they were in TIE Defenders at the time, but meh.

One other comment - I know Vader+engine upgrade is a classic, but if you play vader as an arc dodger, your opponent will probably go straight for palpatine because he knows he can kill the old man, whilst getting the dark lord in arc will be a right bugger.

As a result, I'd be tempted to configure the escorting TIE advanceds as gunships - with Hull or Shield upgrades - rather than engine upgrades. You still have barrel roll in your pocket if you want it.

In fact, doing it the other way around - with the shuttle with the engine upgrade, and the escorts without, might work better. A shuttle with an engine upgrade still has trouble keeping someone in arc, but it's **** good at getting the hell out of dodge if you don't care about shooting.

Oh - came across this Juno Eclipse configuration recently. Just possibly the most ridiculously manouvrable opponent I can remember outside of Echo...

Juno Eclipse

~ Lightning Reflexes

~ TIE/x1

~ Advanced Sensors

~ Engine Upgrade

~ Proton Rockets

It was ridiculous (not to mention the person using her was a **** good player anyway), and the game can more or less be summed up on my side with the phrase "How the !£$!!??*?! did she end up over there!?!?!!"

No Lambda lists? Even though SableGryphon was in the thread? What has the world come to?

Omicron Group Pilot (21)
Emperor Palpatine (8)

Darth Vader (29)
Lone Wolf (2)
Advanced Targeting Computer (1)
Engine Upgrade (4)
TIE/x1 (0)

Soontir Fel (27)
Push the Limit (3)
Stealth Device (3)
Autothrusters (2)
Royal Guard TIE (0)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Not completely sold on Lone Wolf on Vader, but meh, no other good options (perhaps Veteran Instincts?... or Calculation? since he has only 2 dice to roll most of the time?).

The other list is a personal favourite of mine, the archetype I call "Vader's girlfriend", where Echo get bumped up to whatever Vader has as PS. Please don't discuss how you think the range on Decoy is not enough, it's been discussed to death.

Omicron Group Pilot (21)
Emperor Palpatine (8)

Darth Vader (29)
Veteran Instincts (1)
Advanced Targeting Computer (1)
Engine Upgrade (4)
TIE/x1 (0)

"Echo" (30)
Decoy (2)
Advanced Cloaking Device (4)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Don't know about best. But I have been toying with:

Shuttle + Palpatine

Firespray

Echo + Lone Wolf + Agent Kallus + ACD

Seems like it could be a fun list. Lots of dice manipulation. Although I don't know if I like Echo without being at PS8.

A buddy of mine was running the Vader, Soontir, and OGP with Palpatine build chilligan against my Han/Jake. After multiple games, I found it next to impossible to crack Soontir even with prockets while he had the Emperor dice mod. Those two are a perfect pair, but I think Vader is better without an EPT foe a 2 point bid.

I actually like OGP, soontir, and carnor jax as a list. Palpatine lets carnor fly more aggressive than normal and can be pretty mean

But I think Kenkirk + palpatine + isard + ptl + engine is probably my go to awesome palpatine easily

How about this list? 'Cause I'm evil.

TIE INTERCEPTOR: · Carnor Jax (26)

Push The Limit (3)

Autothrusters (2)

Royal Guard TIE (0)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

TIE ADVANCED: · Zertik Strom (26)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

TIE/x1 (0)

Advanced Targeting Computer (1)

LAMBDA-CLASS SHUTTLE: · Captain Kagi (27)

Sensor Jammer (4)

· Emperor Palpatine (8)

How about this list? 'Cause I'm evil.

TIE INTERCEPTOR: · Carnor Jax (26)

Push The Limit (3)

Autothrusters (2)

Royal Guard TIE (0)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

TIE ADVANCED: · Zertik Strom (26)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

TIE/x1 (0)

Advanced Targeting Computer (1)

LAMBDA-CLASS SHUTTLE: · Captain Kagi (27)

Sensor Jammer (4)

· Emperor Palpatine (8)

Interesting...

I've had some fun with the following:

OGP

Palp

Amaareka

Tie/X1

ATC

VI

Whisper

VI

ACD

FCS

Int Agent

Whisper is so hard to kill while Emperor is alive, but gunning for the Emperor means Maarek and Whisper get free reign. Been thinking of switching out Maarek with Juno outfitted with VI, Title, and AC. Thoughts?

How about this list? 'Cause I'm evil.

TIE INTERCEPTOR: · Carnor Jax (26)

Push The Limit (3)

Autothrusters (2)

Royal Guard TIE (0)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

TIE ADVANCED: · Zertik Strom (26)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

TIE/x1 (0)

Advanced Targeting Computer (1)

LAMBDA-CLASS SHUTTLE: · Captain Kagi (27)

Sensor Jammer (4)

· Emperor Palpatine (8)

I like it - Having flown Jax + Kagi before, its incredibly annoying for your opponent. Throwing in Zertik is like the ultimate list of denial! Can't use focus, can't use evade, no range 1 bonus red die, and if you really want to target lock, its gotta be on Kagi (and he has sensor jammer to make even that a bad choice!)

How about this list? 'Cause I'm evil.

TIE INTERCEPTOR: · Carnor Jax (26)

Push The Limit (3)

Autothrusters (2)

Royal Guard TIE (0)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

TIE ADVANCED: · Zertik Strom (26)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

TIE/x1 (0)

Advanced Targeting Computer (1)

LAMBDA-CLASS SHUTTLE: · Captain Kagi (27)

Sensor Jammer (4)

· Emperor Palpatine (8)

Oh my god, I love this. It's hilarious

Why do most people wanna pair palpatine with a pair of flankers? Imo the list will need a bit more meat. Then again I try to have balance in my lists. 1 anchor ship, 1 support and 1 flanker.

Seems like a shuttle with Palpatine along with a Firespray would be a good starting point. From there add in any of the typical flankers. Vader, echo or soontir.

I shy away from lists with more then 1 flanker. Too fragile.

Been toying with this:

I am thinking

Vader

-Predator

-Engine Upgrade

-X1 Title

-Advanced targeting Computer

Marrek

-VI

-Engine Upgrade

-X1 Title

-Advanced Targeting Computer

Omicron Group Pilot

-Palpatine

99 points

Darth Vader — TIE Advanced 29

Predator 3

Advanced Targeting Computer 1

Stealth Device 3

TIE/x1 0

Ship Total: 36

Omicron Group Pilot — Lambda-Class Shuttle 21

Emperor Palpatine 8

Ship Total: 29

Soontir Fel — TIE Interceptor 27

Push the Limit 3

Autothrusters 2

Stealth Device 3

Royal Guard TIE 0

Ship Total: 35

100 points

I think I like this one better

Darth Vader — TIE Advanced 29

Predator 3

Advanced Targeting Computer 1

Stealth Device 3

TIE/x1 0

Ship Total: 36

Omicron Group Pilot — Lambda-Class Shuttle 21

Emperor Palpatine 8

Ship Total: 29

Soontir Fel — TIE Interceptor 27

Push the Limit 3

Autothrusters 2

Stealth Device 3

Royal Guard TIE 0

Ship Total: 35

100 points

I think I like this one better

Drop the SDs and put EU on Vader and TC on Soontir and you have my next (to be flown) list!