So my favorite ship has always been the TIE Defender and with the Imperial Veterans pack coming out it looks like they may be viable again so of course I want to make a list with them. I decided I'd go with another beefy ship in the TIE Advanced and why not run Vader. So here's the list:

Darth Vader

Predator

TIE/x1

Shield Upgrade

Advanced Targeting Computer

2 x Omega Squadron Pilots

TIE/x7

Twin Ion Engine Mk II

I don't own either the TIE Advanced or the Raider expansions so I'd like some input on this build before I make the investment. My idea is to keep them in formation and just take advantage of the maneuverability of the Defenders and have Vader keep throwing crits. Thank you for any help you offer in advance.

Engine Upgrade costs the same as Shield and is incredibly useful on Vader with his double actions. Other than that, it looks like a pretty solid list I would enjoy flying.

I think its a great idea. One that I have already been practicing. One of my favourite lists is Vader + 2 royal guards. This is basically the same but replacing the interceptors with defenders. The Defenders have an advantage here, because they are more durable and have target lock for slightly better damage potential (and x-7 makes getting target locks less risky).

You do have to be careful with Vader though. While he can be tough to kill, focus fire will bring him down, so he's not very good for jousting (he really does not like k-turning because of the loss of both actions). For that reason, I think engine is definitely the way to go. I normally run Vader with lone wolf, because he typically throws 2 dice and rarely needs to re-roll more than one, plus the extra re-roll on defense always helps out (its not as good as autothrusters, but something is better than nothing).

My list is:

Vader w/ lone wolf, x-1, ATC & engine = 36

2 onyx defenders w/ x-7 & TIE mk 2 = 31 x 2

98

I like a bit of an initiative bid so Vader is moving last against other PS9. I also don't fly in formation....Vader ideally wants to flank, although your opponent may go straight for Vader first, and that's fine because with boost + BR, he kites with the best of 'em, and the defenders are fast enough to close in and will punish the opponent for ignoring them...

I believe I've decided to change this list for a tournament coming up in a couple of weeks. I'd like to run Vader with Outmanuver, the title, and ATC with two Deltas with ion cannons. The idea being to ion ships to allow Vader to utilize the outmaneuver and get the Deltas range one shots before they ion again. They would also be able to double ion large ships quickly between the two of them.

I believe I've decided to change this list for a tournament coming up in a couple of weeks. I'd like to run Vader with Outmanuver, the title, and ATC with two Deltas with ion cannons. The idea being to ion ships to allow Vader to utilize the outmaneuver and get the Deltas range one shots before they ion again. They would also be able to double ion large ships quickly between the two of them.

That's not a bad idea. I still don't like the thought of Vader without engine, but if the ions work, he won't need it so much. Keep in mind that this will only be 'okay' with defenders as is. Once the TIE/D title is available, it will become much better, obviously!

I believe I've decided to change this list for a tournament coming up in a couple of weeks. I'd like to run Vader with Outmanuver, the title, and ATC with two Deltas with ion cannons. The idea being to ion ships to allow Vader to utilize the outmaneuver and get the Deltas range one shots before they ion again. They would also be able to double ion large ships quickly between the two of them.

Let me just caution you that Vader without EU only works really well if you have other ships that can cover the angles that he can't. The most "conventional" choice is Soontir Fel, so if you're running this list make sure you practice the 1 bank and 4K boogaloo that defines most Defender's piloting - you'll be needing them to be flown very well.

But hey, it could be fun!

Thanks for the input. I am definitely anxiously awaiting the Imperial Veterans pack and I will definetly be trying to get in as much practice with this list as I can.

I have also tried two deltas with ions, but instead of Vader I have added Maarek Stele.

2 x Delta squadron pilots, ion cannon 33pts

Maarek Stele 34

- outmanuevre

- title

- advanced targeting computer

- advanced homing missiles

Total 100

You can swap advanced homing missiles for anothe rupgrades.. I play them for funzies but they are good. Deltas ion somebody, I crit them with maarek and choose nice crit for defender.. Double dmg, blinded pilot, etc...

I have also tried two deltas with ions, but instead of Vader I have added Maarek Stele.

2 x Delta squadron pilots, ion cannon 33pts

Maarek Stele 34

- outmanuevre

- title

- advanced targeting computer

- advanced homing missiles

Total 100

You can swap advanced homing missiles for anothe rupgrades.. I play them for funzies but they are good. Deltas ion somebody, I crit them with maarek and choose nice crit for defender.. Double dmg, blinded pilot, etc...

I keep wanting to play defenders like this and then think of how much better they will be with the title and then decide to wait

I've modified this list slightly to deal with the new stress meta and have given both of the Defenders the TIE mm 2 upgrade to give them more ways to deal with stress. I really like the Maarek build that you put up so I'm going to try that out tonight.

I've been looking at....

Vader with TIE/X1, Advanced Targeting Computer & Engine Upgrade....

Vessery with TIE/D, Flechette Cannon & Veteran Instincts....

Delta Pilot with TIE/X7

Delta is your blocker with Vader doing his business and his TL giving Vessery an enhanced double tap ability!!! Can't wait to try this out...