Autothrusters essential for Starvipers?

By HargraveActual, in X-Wing Squad Lists

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I love using the Starviper (the actions available are a cocktail for kicking ass), but in many cases I'm having trouble reconciling taking Autothrusters as an essential upgrade. When they work, awesome. But the conditions for them 'firing' are so specific that I'm not sure they're always worth it.

I know that TLT's are the flavor of the season but, even then, do they make up for making an already pricey ship, pricier?

Thoughts?

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I would say yes, renewable defense at such a small cost is to good to pass.

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It depends on what you think you're facing. Against turrets, autothrusters are great. To me, Stealth Devices are almost as good (on Agility 3 ships only), and are more useful when engaging in closer combat against non-turret ships.

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I would say yes, renewable defense at such a small cost is to good to pass.

This. If you are good at getting range 3 engagements, the autothrusters only has to activate once to be more than worth its cost (considering a shield upgrade stops the same amount of damage but costs twice as much as autos). On the other hand, if you are not facing any turrets at all, then it becomes an optional upgrade.

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I'd say it's pretty much mandatory if you're planning to fly it at a tournament. Although PWTs are not as prevalent as they were before, the popularity of TLTs still makes Autothrusters a very good investment.

And since Starvipers are so expensive to begin with, the extra 2 points can easily pay for itself many times over.

The Starviper is also very good at being able to control range with its tight dial, so keeping at Range 3 is easier than it is with most ships.

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I would say Autothrusters are more essential the more expensive the ship. An 18 point Interceptor probably doesn't need it. A 30-35 point Guri definitely does.

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It's 2 points, and you're going to roll a blank at range 3 or out of arc at least once per game. On ships that can take it there is literally no reason not to. Even on punishers.

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do you trust green dice?

you shouldn't.

invest in thrusters.

save a life.

(seriously, I put that **** on Redline and it's worth it every time. Saved 4 damage the last time I ran into TLT Miranda :D)

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If you are willing to purchase a space superiority fighter in the first place, why would you not upgrade to the premium package?

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I find StarVipers to be much better up close. Unlike an Aggressor, they're not as interested in staying at range 3 because they don't have a cannon. In pick-up games, I think I'd leave them behind. In a tournament, I think I'd take them. Your StarVipers may not want to be at range 3, but you'll find opponents who do. Oh, and turrets.

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Yea, Super Dasg and TLT will make you want autothrusters so badly. Vipers like range 1 but they can't get there if they blank a roll on a full HLC or the 8 points of damage from 4 TLTs

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When in doubt, Autothrusters!

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And don't forget if you are out of the front firing arc of your opponent at any range you get the Autothruster even if he fires a turret at you. I love 'em.

Edited by General Mayhem
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Are Autothrusters essential for Starvipers? No, but Starvipers are essential for Autothrusters... At least until FFG include them with another ship! ;)

Edited by HoundsTooth
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Yes, against any try hard who plays PWT or TLT. Miranda. Dash. Han. TLT. Hwk-TLT. Any of these sound like tier 1 lists? Chiraneau