Ok so after about 4 months in the game I think it's time to improve my skills and leave my comfort zone.

I typically play with rebels or scum and my usual list includes TLT Y Wings and Bossk or some B wings. I feel pretty comfortable flying these ships now but I want to learn other aspects of the game.

With this in mind, coupled with an imperial raider for Christmas I have decided to give the Palpmobile a try with some arc dodging and aces thrown in: I've not really tried these and you don't get a lot of arc dodge in my meta either.

Here's what I have so far:

Omicron group pilot + Palpetine (29)

Soontir Fell, Royal guard tie, PtL, stealth device, auto thrusters (35)

Vader, tie X1, Advanced targeting computer (30)

That's 94 points total, my question is what do I do with the remaining 6 points? Vader needs an ept and I'm thinking marksmanship but I'm not sure, do I stick a hull or shield upgrade on the space manatee to increase Palpy's longevity? Or do I look at a named shuttle pilot? I'm thinking the stress remover to keep Vader unpredictable (Soontir wants the stress) or Jendon for target locks for Vader's ATC. Advice would be appreciated.

Could give Vader some proton rockets, switch the omicron for Yorr, takes stress in place of vader an soontir

Well, if you want your list to feature 'true' arc-dodgers, you kind of need engine on Vader. He can technically dodge arcs with barrel roll alone, but it requires a bit more skill, ability to plan 2 moves in advance (usually) and a bit more careful positioning. Since you are new to this sort of list, I would suggest making it easy on yourself to start and slap engine on Vader. As for EPT, veteran instincts is the standard 'go-to' in this sort of list. Moving at PS11 makes it even easier for you to use Vader and react to enemy movements. That leaves you at 99 points, which is not ideal (a bigger initiative bid is better for Soontir), but its the best you can do in this list, so I would leave it there.

Well, if you want your list to feature 'true' arc-dodgers, you kind of need engine on Vader. He can technically dodge arcs with barrel roll alone, but it requires a bit more skill, ability to plan 2 moves in advance (usually) and a bit more careful positioning. Since you are new to this sort of list, I would suggest making it easy on yourself to start and slap engine on Vader. As for EPT, veteran instincts is the standard 'go-to' in this sort of list. Moving at PS11 makes it even easier for you to use Vader and react to enemy movements. That leaves you at 99 points, which is not ideal (a bigger initiative bid is better for Soontir), but its the best you can do in this list, so I would leave it there.

+1. I won't fly Vader without EU. Calculation works ok and goes well with ATC, but as blade said VI is pretty much standard. You could also do Targeting Computer for Fel instead of Stealth Device. Unfortunately there's not a lot of wiggle room. I want my opponent to see a juicy flying steak when they see my lambda, not a porcupine.

Based on playtesting and review of similar builds I have a few thoughts...

1) give Sensor Jammer to the shuttle (4 points)

2) give Vader "Lone Wolf" and Stealth Device (5points)

3) give Vader "Expert Handling" and Stealth Device (5 Points)

4) give Vader either of the EPTs from option 2 or 3 and Engine Upgrade (6 Points)

5) give Vader "Crack Shot" and Engine Upgrade (5 Points)

6) give Vader "Veteran Instincts" and Engine Upgrade (5 Points)

I personally have tried all but options 5 and 6.

Option 1 is way more useful than it looks. The longer Palp lives the more terrible things you can do.

Option 2/3 are outstanding - Vader with Expert Handling and supported by Palpatine is kinda nuts. Lone Wolf is ideal for this build.

Option 4 is fun, and even though you likely give up initiative - Vader is a beast with so many options.

Option 5 looks good - but i think I'm going to next try option 6. I want Vader to be an impossible target. PS 11 will help

Predator is a good fit for Vader as well.

Predator is a good fit for Vader as well.

I was going to suggest that as well, but then the OP wouldn't have enough left to give Vader EU.

Vader with EU and VI is my go to dark lord. Hard to pin down plus decent dmg output.