With the arrival of the T-70 the T-65 seems pretty expensive for what it is. The extra shield and engine upgrade of the T-70 are worth more than the 3 point increase in cost. However, with the amount of stress builds that are going around now i'm not sure if Luke is now a really viable option.

The main reason for this is that his ability to change a focus to an evade when defending is not, unlike Poe, dependant on having a focus token. If you add predator as his elite ability this means a boost to attack and defence without the need to take an action. Add in R2-D2 and in taking green manoeuvres to remove the stress you get a shield back as well.

Not sure if i'm just too keen to start using Luke again but if I expect to be against a few stress builds he will definitely get a look in.

eh, the 3 point increase in cost isn't always worth it. In fact, it rarely is given the horrible jousting efficiency of the T-70s

especially at the lower PS scale, you get far less out of those 3 points than you'd think. that and you have to consider the needs of every specific list, where the 3 points to a T-70 is worth **** compared to fitting an another upgrade

that, coupled with some truly pitiful pilot abilities (see Red Ace), some pretty incredible T-65 abilities (Wedge, Luke, Wes, Tarn etc.) means that there will always be a reason to consider a T-65 over a T-70

Luke was always good, but he's obviously getting better with the T-70 buffs. Only problem is that he's a stiff bastard, especially when R2-d2ing. His specialty, especially if you're slapping on Predator, is dealing with enemy generic pilots. 2-dice ships especially detest his guts.

I don't think Luke was ever not worth a look. He has a very powerful ability and solid PS, and is well-suited to be a late game closer. With Integrated Astromech, he'll only get stronger.

Luke Skywalker

Lone Wolf

R5-P9

Integrated Astromech

33 well spent points, I'd say. For another point you could go more aggressive and slap on Predator instead of LW, maybe fly Luke in formation then. Still, with R5-P9, IA, LW, and his ability, Luke becomes a tough nut to crack.

Fair points. I've not really looked into it too much but the last few tournaments i've played i've seen plenty of Poe about but not sure i've seen any x-wings, named pilot or otherwise which is a shame really.

Added to that I'm not sure i've ever seen Luke in a tournament list (although i've only been playing for a couple months.

Almost overlooed the biggest bonus of the T-70 from my point of view. Boost = ability to use autothrusters which are probably my favourite upgrade.

Almost overlooed the biggest bonus of the T-70 from my point of view. Boost = ability to use autothrusters which are probably my favourite upgrade.

Yep, that is true. But once wave 8 comes out, there will be a tougher decision there. Autothrusters or Integrated Astro? Its not even a choice for T-65's, but on some T-70's, one is not necessarily better than the other...

Luke has always been viable. While at first glance Wedge's ability looks stronger (because offense is generally better than defense), Luke's ability also has the effect of boosting his offensive potential more often, because Luke never needs to save a token for defense. Therefore, You can grab TLs without worry, or spend your focus tokens on offense every time. Predator and lone wolf are both excellent on Luke.

I think currently there are2 main reasons you are not seeing any Luke atm: 1) Poe is new and shiny and people like new and shiny (whereas Luke has been around since Wave1 and everyone's used him many times by now). 2) Integrated astromech is not out yet. I think most players are going with the T-70 for now, but once that upgrade becomes available, I am certain you will see more T-65's hitting the table, and since Luke has always been one of the most popular x-wing pilots, he won't be an exception.

I'm looking forward to updating the classic Wedge, Biggs, Luke list. It will be hilarious to see it doing well at tourneys (and I think it can with integrated astro). Check it out:

Biggs w/ any 1 point astro + integrated astro = 26

Luke w/ predator, R5-P9 & integrated astro = 34

Wedge w/ predator, R2-D2, integrated astro & proton torpedo = 40

100

Its not to be scoffed at because of the high PS damage potential: wedge can put some serious early game damage on with that torpedo, followed up by Luke & Biggs. Since Biggs is unlikely to die in 1 turn of shooting thanks to the integrated astro, you are looking at a 2nd round of shooting with Luke and Wedge at maximum effectiveness. By the time Biggs goes down, you should have destroyed an equal number of opponent points and so with only 75% of their list left, it will be **** hard to kill 2 regenerating x-wings that deal consistent 2-4 damage every time they shoot...

Fair points. I've not really looked into it too much but the last few tournaments i've played i've seen plenty of Poe about but not sure i've seen any x-wings, named pilot or otherwise which is a shame really.

Added to that I'm not sure i've ever seen Luke in a tournament list (although i've only been playing for a couple months.

that's because integrated astromech has not been released yet

Fair points. I've not really looked into it too much but the last few tournaments i've played i've seen plenty of Poe about but not sure i've seen any x-wings, named pilot or otherwise which is a shame really.

Added to that I'm not sure i've ever seen Luke in a tournament list (although i've only been playing for a couple months.

that's because integrated astromech has not been released yet

And I think, even without it, Luke is worth a look. It'll be auto-include for him (and virtually all T-65s!) when it releases, but even without it Luke is a tough customer. I've seen him run a couple times and both times he was solid. Even had the pleasure of playing against him one of those times, and found out he still doesn't like having four ships fire at him at once, but that was more down to my opponent letting Luke get caught in the traffic jam.

Personally, I think (especially with IA), we'll see lists of Poe+Luke become a thing.

...

I'm now trying to figure out how to fly those two and squeeze RecSpec Esege Tuketu in and make it effective. A bit janky, but right now:

Luke Skywalker

R5-P9

Predator

Integrated Astromech

Poe Dameron

R2 Astromech

Push The Limit

Integrated Astromech

Esege Tuketu

Recon Specialist

Sadly:

• No BB-8 for Poe, R2 Astromech at least gives an impressive number of greens on the T-70 dial
• Esege has neither a TLT nor Advanced SLAM, both of which I'd like
• Luke will need Predator, as he can't synergize with Tuketu with LW.

Really wish I could squeeze Advanced SLAM onto that K-Wing, to let Tuketu just dodge around throwing out Focus tokens for Luke and Poe to abuse and force the shots at the far hardier X-Wings.

EDIT: Alternatively? Drop Luke... for Arvel Crynyd! Finally, a new wingmate for Arvel!

when Integrated Astro hits I'll try this 4 fun (long time not playing clumsy rebels):

Luke Skywalker (28)

R5 Astromech (1)

Integrated Astromech (0)

Wedge Antilles (29)

Crack Shot (1)

R2 Astromech (1)

Integrated Astromech (0)

Corran Horn (35)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Fire-Control System (2)

R3-A2 (2)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Fragile but hell of a couple first rounds of deadly fire

I'll squeeze the three points to take Poe any day.