Darth Vader

+Push the Limit

+Adv. Targeting Computer

+Twin Ion Engine Mk. II

Maarek Steele

+Push the Limit

+Adv. Targeting Computer

+Twin Ion Engine Mk. II

Captain Yorr

+Emperor Palaptine

Total: 98 points

I've played this build a few times, and while it has some pretty obvious weaknesses (High Agility ships, gunner, and anything that starts with IG and ends in 88 etc.) I'm having a lot of fun with it so far.

Having Yorr taking stress from K-turns and PTL is a game changer for me. It helps with keeping things in arc with the TIE Advance's less than stellar dial and helps with overall survivability and doubles the utility of the Space Cow. The Emperor with Yorr means I'm okay with the shuttle getting targeted or left alone as it slowly circles the board.

Maarek Steele is a must include for pretty much all of my Imperial lists now, I'm trying not to throw too many points into him since he is such a high priority target as is.

Darth Vader is where I'm looking for advice. Being able to triple up on his actions helps his survivability which is nice since the list is fairly squishy as is, but I'm not sold on PTL. I've been thinking of Predator which would make the Mk. II less important and swapping that for a Hull Upgrade or Veteran Instincts and Engine Upgrade. The initiative bid isn't super important to me so I have a few points to play with. Any suggestions on the Vader build?

Note: Standard Soontir Fel could squeeze in the list, but the idea of finally flying a list without him is appealing.

Any input would be appreciated!

The nice thing about Vader (as I've said before) is that his EPT is quite open and flexible. The 'core' of x-1 + ATC + engine upgrade turn him into a beast so the EPT is kinda gravy (a missile even more so if you have the points to spare).

Since you are looking to keep him survivable, my suggestion is to switch his current upgrades for the 'core', since that leaves you at the same total of 98. From there, you have just enough room to add in Lone Wolf which helps offense and defense (especially with Palpatine around). The nice thing about this build, is that you can have Maarek and Yorr stick close together on one side of the board, and Vader can flank from the other. I should warn you though, that lone wolf requires quite a bit of practice, so don't give up on it if you feel it seems lacking after a couple of matches. Once you start to get used to it (and you can visualize that range 2 bubble around Vader----that's so important to keep your other ships out of), it eventually becomes quite a valuable card. Don't break the bubble unless you are certain Vader is not going to get shot at (or not much anyway).

Alternatively, you could throw veteran instincts on Vader and sit at 99 pts. However, with a PS11 Vader, you don't need any initiative bid really, so no reason not to throw a tactical jammer on Yorr (even though you might never use it).