Just curious with the new advanced targeting computer if we will see more use of the expert handling ept. Thoughts? IMO it's a tough ept to take since it's strictly defensive AND takes an action. Oh by the way, if the ship doesn't have the barrel roll action you gain a stress.

Not necessarily only defensive. You could use it on a ship like an X-wing that can't normally use it and barrel roll into a closer shot.

I would like to think we'd see more of it but I think everyone pretty much sticks to the same 2-3 EPTs, so I doubt it.

You're right. I should say MOSTLY defensive. It would be nice to see more variety in ept's.

Who knows, maybe after the x-wing fix we'll actually see Porkins flying around like a madman with EH, R5-D8, and EI?

Generally players will see Expert Handling as a gateway to the barrel roll action and see little value in adding it to ships that already have it.

It may be more useful now as a way to get rid of the TL from the ATC.

The big question is will we see PWTs take EH.

I can't see the value in taking an upgrade just to counter one system upgrade on a specific ship. It doesn't help much against any other build unless you really want that barrel roll.

So: what pilots need defense, have have an EPT slot, and (if they don't have barrel roll) don't mind stress.

The first 2 pilots that come to mind are (oddly) Soontir Fel and Tycho Celchu.

I'd give Tycho PTL, AutoThrusters, and EH. Fel would get EI, EH, and Autothrusters.

The downside of these builds is that you need to be BRing every turn. Tycho would still be vulnerable to Vader, and Fel would be protected 50% of the time.

That's kinda the downside, actually- it requires a higher PS than the pilot doing the TLing. And you give up a lot for a tiny bit of protection.

If munitions come roaring back, I might start seeing EH on Large ships- they will tend to be the most vulnerabl to Torpedoes.

I love Expert Handling, especially on my A-Wings. Anything that can shed Stress easily (or doesn't give a Womp Rat's @$$ about collecting it *cough*Tycho*) is a candidate for it in my book. Having the extra movement option is great, and the ditching of Target Locks is icing on the cake.

I think EH might find a home on HWKs with TLT and either Kyle or K4 as crew. Especially if ATC Advanceds become as common as Brobots have been.

I think EH might find a home on HWKs with TLT and either Kyle or K4 as crew. Especially if ATC Advanceds become as common as Brobots have been.

The most common candidates for ATC are Maarek, Vader and Juno. They'll generally get to move after most named HWKs, minimizing their ability to shed locks before the attacker has a chance to shoot. Jan is the only one with a real chance, but the stress from EH prevents her from using her ability, which is still a win for the Empire.

That may be so, but if you are forcing them to acquire a new one every turn you strip their action economy.

It's all the little inefficiencies that being about defeat.

Tycho!!!!!!!

I love it on him, just amazing! Breaks the target lock and gives him BR. I use him all the time, so much fun!!!

eagletsi

Two Main problem with EPTs,

1. It was made to enhance charachter pilots so for the most cases the generic pilots that need them are unable to carry any and many unique pilots that could use an EPT does not have one.
2. EPT upgrades have been around since the core set and each wave has been releasing more so that slot is super satuated and there is a lot of competition. Out of that slot you have VI, PTL, Predator and with the A-wings being the only pilot that can take 2 EPTs you won't be seeing much of other EPTs.

Now of course I did mentioned A-wings having 2 EPTs so EH does seem like a good card however the stress effect doesn't combine well with PTL or EI (unless you are tycho). Now Tycho PTL EI with EH might be a neat trick however I think he might get paired up with crack shot more.

The thing about EH on Tycho is Tycho is already making tough choices when it comes to that second EPT slot, specifically between VI and Daredevil. VI is near mandatory if you expect to see Soontir, RAC, Brobots etc, but Daredevil is so good. So if you expect to see a PS arms race, you go with VI. If you don't, you can choose between Daredevil and EH. In that matchup Daredevil strikes me as a better defensive option than EH, as unlike EH you can just Daredevil into opposing ships to deny them a shot altogether, and a ninety degree turn is a much more interesting positioning tool than a barrel roll is.

That calculus may change once the tracer missile arrives.

Expert Handling is one of the best Elite Talents in the game already, even before Advanced Targeting Computers come out.

Barrel-Roll is incredibly potent.

The TL Removal? That's just gravy.

Barrel roll is potent on low PS ships you want to use as blockers. It also has other uses. But in most cases, high PS ships want to modify their dice more than they want to BR and take a stress doing so.

Barrel roll is potent on low PS ships you want to use as blockers. It also has other uses. But in most cases, high PS ships want to modify their dice more than they want to BR and take a stress doing so.

I disagree.

BR on higher PS ships gives you arc-dodging, which is the strongest defensive action possible in the game.

It's also mathematically offensive, as your unanswered attack is free damage.

Indeed, a barrell roll can be the difference between exchanging range 2 shots and getting off a range 1 shot without retaliation. It really is one of the best actions in game.

Expert Handling is one of the best Elite Talents in the game already, even before Advanced Targeting Computers come out.

Barrel-Roll is incredibly potent.

The TL Removal? That's just gravy.

Not to mention hilariously good fun on large based ships.

Scum Kath, EH and K4, or Lando EH and Kyle Katarn being prime examples

I like Expert Handling on Luke with R2-D2. You want to fly greens anyway, so you can remove the stress as well. And with only four greens, you can make good use of the barrel roll to reach more spaces on the board.

I like Expert Handling on Luke with R2-D2. You want to fly greens anyway, so you can remove the stress as well. And with only four greens, you can make good use of the barrel roll to reach more spaces on the board.

Yeah, I think the designers had a reason for picturing a x-wing on the card itself.

What about EH rgp EI AT Carnor Jax?

Keyan + Expert Handling + Experimental Interface= Good fun.