Two Imperial Tournament Lists

By ArdusKaine, in X-Wing Squad Lists

Got a tournament soon, and I'm looking at running one of two lists. I've been wanting to give Juno a shot in a competitive environment, so she's in both lists. Really, the biggest decision is going with a Palp + Aces variety that includes Juno, or a Defender-Juno-TIE list. There are also a few decisions to be made in aggressive vs. defensive playstyles with the upgrades, so any suggestions are welcome.

With both lists, these are the pilots I'll be taking; the only exception is the TIE in the second list -- any suggested changes would be welcome. So please try to limit any discussion to just the upgrades / playstyles. Thanks!

List 1

Juno Eclipse (32)

TIE/x1 (0)

Push the Limit (3)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

Sensor Jammer (4)

Darth Vader (35)

TIE/x1 (0)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Engine Upgrade (4)

Advanced Targeting Computer (5)

Omicron Group Pilot (33)

Sensor Jammer (4)

Emperor Palpatine (8)

Total: 100

List 1 is a bit more defensive than normal. I feel like Juno with Sensor Jammer, PtL and Palpatine's help (if he survives long enough) could be absolutely maddening for any TLT players or other unmodified attacks. I enjoy the defensive nature of the list but I'm weary of throwing more points into the Shuttle than necessary. Another variant is dropping Sensor Jammer from the Shuttle and throwing Proton Rockets on Vader for a mean damage spike against slippery ships.

List 2

Rexler Brath (50)

Predator (3)

Heavy Laser Cannon (7)

Hull Upgrade (3)

Juno Eclipse (33)

Push the Limit (3)

TIE/x1 (0)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

Advanced Targeting Computer (5)

Night Beast (15)

List 2 is the more aggressive of the two, especially with Juno taking ATC this time. In other 3-ship builds I've used Backstabber as the filler tie, but perhaps my luck with him is just awful as he seems to go down in one shot consistently. He does get in a few shots normally, though, which helps, but I think Night Beast with his recently FAQ'd ability would do nicely.

I play list 1 but with the proton rockets on Vader and Advanced Targeting Computer on Juno. I really like it, Juno has more green moves open to her and can be slippery with that 1 hard!

After worlds tho I saw a lot of SJ shuttles doing well so I would like to try that more! Vader will be targeted down quickly so protect him as much as you can

I personally hate VI on vader, and would fly him with crackshot because (especially with ATC) you can force a crit through pretty much at will, and WHO DOESNT LOVE CRITS.

I think your first list is better, but really, you don't want sensor jammer on Juno. You only have 3 ships. One of which can't shoot very often (shuttle). So that means Vader is doing all of your heavy lifting. If he dies, Juno's pathetic nerf bat blasters are not going to win you any games. She needs ATC in order for a 3 ship build to have a chance, because at the end of the day, you win by killing stuff (not saying survival isn't important, and I love sensor jammer, but its got its place, and on Juno in this kind of list is not the spot).

In your second list, I don't think Juno works well. Yes its nice that Rexler will draw more attention, so she can put on the TL and apply her crits after Rex strips shields, but nightbeast is meh. Even if you switch him to any other TIE, its still pretty much meh. I've flown 3 ships lists where the third ship is a TIE, and while it provides some handy blocking here and there, it rarely adds enough punch. Better to build a list where all 3 ships can contribute meaningful firepower, imho.

Having said that, I think Wampa (if you can somehow get more guaranteed crits) or Scourge have better potential as your 'third wheel'. Alternatively, you could consider a TIE interceptor (such as an Alpha with autothrusters). Its a plucky little bugger that deals better damage overall and is harder to kill. Also makes an excellent blocker (best in the game, imho). However, then the points don't work out so well. In the end, you'd probably have to go with Vessery, like so:

Vessery w/ HLC, vet instincts & TIE mk 2 = 44

Juno w/ x-1, ATC, push the limit & engine = 36

Alpha pilot w/ autothrusters = 20

100

You could drop engine off Juno for some tinkering (like maybe go with Rexler & crack shot?) or to take a different mod on Juno, but engine is best, imho.

Edited by blade_mercurial

A well built Tie Advanced uses either Advanced Targeting Computer or Accuracy Corrector.

End of list.