Title says it all.

Go!

I've been just putting ATC and Engine on him. He doesn't really need an EPT plus it saves some points to spend on the rest of the Squad.

If there's anything left over I'll consider giving him VI or Lone Wolf. Possibly a procket.

X1, ATC, Predator or Lone Wolf, Engine Upgrade

But really, drop the Predator/Lone Wolf unless you've got the points. If you've got exactly 1 spare point, consider VI on him then.

Engine upgrade, Title, ATC, Predator. Seen him rip and tear.

Predator actually makes a good bit of difference. Leatin was being such a slippery little ***** till vader got to him...

I had some pretty amazing success with.

ATC, Predator and Prockets, won three in a row against Brobots, I know the perceived wisdom is always go for engine upgrade but I alwys find him just as deadly without.

He was teamed up with Juno PTL ATC and prockets, it's fun pairing to fly.

Engine upgrade, Title, ATC, Predator.

I think this is the optimal build for most generic situations. Predator is worth it as it makes him even more effective.

Is it the must ultimate build? No. For that, I'd go with a Concussion Missile on him. You can TL and Focus to have a 93% chance of getting at least 3 hits. You can even use Predator beyond that for an even higher chance of doing even more damage. That would probably be the most assuredly best chance to do a lot of damage with a missile. Is it necessary? No, but the title was asking about the most awesome.

What of prockets?

Vader is now the ultimate missile delivery power in the galaxy! It can be very easy to put almost half your points into Vader if you're not careful though.

Prockets is also a lot of fun on Tempests with AC! At 24 points, they pack a punch!

I've also flown this:

Strom+ATC+VI

3x Tempest+AC+Prockets

Fly them in fast without fear of extra red die and then unload! Knowing your Tempest will always score two hits, their actions can be used for defense. Makes them very hard to kill!

What of prockets?

I dunno. They are more situational. They could potentially do more damage, but I think you would find yourself trying so hard to get into the sweet spot that you would probably get yourself info a bad spot. Your opponent would be so scared of the Proton Rockets that Vader attracts too much attention and gets blasted fast.

If Vader had Concussion Missile, do you think your opponent would freak out and try to blast him more because of it? Most likely not. In fact, they would probably think it a waste of points. Or at least not consider hitting Vader earlier due to the missile.

I like the Concussion Missile as it works at R 2-3 where your defender might get the extra evade die at R3 (if you didn't use the missile). Your chance of doing 3-4 damage is really high. It's a fantastic alpha strike to get things started. I've used him this way before Predator was even out. Works great. I used to do Vader w/ Concussion and a bunch of regular Tie Fighters. I've hit a B-wing in the first shot of the game and done 3-4 damage to it's shields. Then, 4 or so Tie Fighters firing at the same B-wing usually means the B-wing is dead.

I like Concussion Missile as there is almost no way for an opponent to stop you from using it. I mean, you go at PS 9 and the only way to go after Vader is go also have PS 9 (or higher) and win the bid. Even then, it's hard to stay out of R3 from Vader. I like to have Vader coming in as a flanker from the main force. Have him fire at the lowest agility target and the rest of the list pound the same target. That's more reliable than a Proton Rocket in my opinion.

**** Vader! STEEEEEEEEEEEEEELE!!!

As an alternative to just throwing VI on him should you have a spare point to use, with the Khirax expansion, I look forward to adding crackshot to him, along with the ATC/EU. Cancelling dat evade combos nicely with the autocrat from ATC, whereas jumping from 9 to 11 in PS is probably overkill most of the time

Yeah you sold me on conc, but then also lone wolf rather than predator.

I agree that you don't really need an EPT on Vader and reducing that one die at that critical moment could win you certain games. Still, Predator works more often against more opponents, even if it might not have as dramatic an impact as that one Crackshot.

Yeah you sold me on conc, but then also lone wolf rather than predator.

Depends on the rest of your list, really. Going with just 2 or 3 ships? Sure, Lonewolf is better. I really don't like lists that small. I really want at least 4 ships. At that point, Lonewolf doesn't get used as much. I'd rather have Predator.

True, I generally prefer 4 ship lists. Or bigscary/miniswarm.

What of prockets?

Oh yes Prockets all the way

I actually prefer Outmaneuver on Vader, as with EU he can reasonably arc dodge. Paired with Title/ATC it means the target will roll one GD less while you add that sweet Crit, throw in missile of choice (see above) for good measure.

I actually prefer Outmaneuver on Vader, as with EU he can reasonably arc dodge. Paired with Title/ATC it means the target will roll one GD less while you add that sweet Crit, throw in missile of choice (see above) for good measure.

I see where it will cause the crits to do more damage and it's not bad, but it won't be used as much as Predator. It won't work on the approach and other times when you will be in someone's firing arc. There will just be times when this EPT won't be used. Is it powerful enough to compensate for that? I say it depends on the match. It could win you the game, or it could just be meh. Predator will only not be used if you roll so amazing that you don't need a re-roll.

I've had good success with Title, ATC, EU, LW but want to try Outmaneuver. It almost feels sacrelig to NOT have an EPT on Vader.

Whenever I used Vader before the buff I had Daredevil on him (and Engines of course). He was such a slippery beast, but he lacked the punch. Now ATC comes along, so I will do a few Daredevil dances again. Of course the game changed a lot since back then (not as many turrets around then), but just to see him do his slippery magic again will be fun... :-)

Other than that, engines, ATC and Predator looks like the standard outfit for the modern Vader.

Am I missing something, how did the T adv just suddenly get improved? Did they post a faq to fix it somewhere or release a revised version of the model kit? Sorry i'm brand new to FFG and the X wing game.

Raider comes with a new title for the Advanced, allowing you to add a sensor slot with a -4 cost, and theres a new sensor option Advanced Targetting Computer, Advanced only, which adds a crit to your dice when you maintain a TL on the defender

Why are people talking about using ATC with Missiles?

It's primary only.

I actually prefer Outmaneuver on Vader, as with EU he can reasonably arc dodge. Paired with Title/ATC it means the target will roll one GD less while you add that sweet Crit, throw in missile of choice (see above) for good measure.

I see where it will cause the crits to do more damage and it's not bad, but it won't be used as much as Predator. It won't work on the approach and other times when you will be in someone's firing arc. There will just be times when this EPT won't be used. Is it powerful enough to compensate for that? I say it depends on the match. It could win you the game, or it could just be meh. Predator will only not be used if you roll so amazing that you don't need a re-roll.

I agree with your analysis, however I like to see opportunity instead of limitations: Flying Vader to outmaneuver successive targets of opportunity while in that furball instead of going after and focus firing a single ship might also upset your opponent's cohesion and plan....Vader's two actions should also help you switch TLs more liberally. This should also lead attention away from the rest of the list that is actually killing stuff.

It almost feels sacrelig to NOT have an EPT on Vader.

Agree. If nothing else can be afforded, VI or Calculation are always options.