Ok, by the title of this thread, you think it's about tournaments, right? Well, the truth is . . . IT ISN'T. No wait, it is, scratch that. So I am pretty new to the game of X-Wing. I don't have enough good upgrade cards to play any competitive ships. Working on getting some new scum ships. Maybe some Vipers and stuff like that. Anybody have any good Competitive squads here? I love to hear from people who did well in tournaments, or just need help with their squad. The soul point of this thread, is to get people talking about tournament squads.

P.S. I would love to hear about some Starviper squads, since that is the first ship I am going to buy next.

There's plenty of people who attend tournaments at my LGS who don't have an extensive collection, lack a few of the most recognised "good" upgrade cards, and don't run meta-competitive lists

They do it because they enjoy it

You should check out this site:

http://lists.starwarsclubhouse.com/tourneys

It's a listing of hundreds of tournaments around the world with squads and their placement.

As for a competitive StarViper squad, you could try running Xizor (Title, VI, FCS, AT, Glitter) + 5 Pirates.

I've won 4 out of my last 5 tournaments with following squads:

Scum Kath [PTL, K4, EU, HLC]

Scum Boba [VI, EU, Inertials]

Scum Kath [PTL, K4, EU]

Scum Boba [VI, Tactician, EU, Cluster Missiles, Glitterstim]

Whisper [intel, FCS, ACD, VI]

5 x Academy Pilots

Howlrunner [Hull Upgrade, Swarm Tactics]

Omicron Group Pilot [intel, Vader crew]

4 x Obsidian Squadron Pilots

In terms of list building, I usually try to split my list into two blocks: (1) a durable jousting "anchor" (e.g. mini-swarm or SuperKath) that I want to force engagements with and don't expect to survive late-game, and (2) a high-PS closer that can outmaneuver low-PS ships that ideally wields some sort of anti-ace mechanism (e.g. Whisper, Boba). When the game begins, the opponent will want to kill the closer; but it's hard to ignore 4-5 TIEs or a SuperKath if you force that down their throats.

Primary meta threats that I try to account for: (1) PS8+ Aces like Poe, Soontir, and Corran and (2) TLTs even if it's just one or two. As long as you cover these threats, you should be well-equipped for most of your matchups. Also expect to see Stress Hogs and TLT Tacticians. I'd advise against PTL if you have worthwhile alternatives.

With Scum, VI Boba and Xizor are natural counters to aces and boost lets you stay within TLT donut holes. Imperial Swarm is still very effective - especially with all the Poes running around. His ability can deflect a lot of damage, but at the end of the day he has 2 agility only and damage will leak through consistently. Intelligence agent has been critical for me in securing Soontir kills with Swarm and lets me ignore initiative bidding - highly recommended. Swarm is also a natural counter to TLTs in my opinion.

The above is just my playstyle and preference. Clearly, Rebel regen lists are very strong, and Palp Aces are an incredible threat.

The great thing about this meta is how diverse it is - most lists are viable nowadays. Choose something that you like the feel of and matches your level of aggression/defensiveness, and most importantly have fun.

I hate seeing brand new players at tournaments struggle with a Superdash Corran their friend suggested only to have less fun than they would have with 4 X-wings.