I'm a somewhat casual player, I go to tournaments, and I try to do well, but I can't bring myself to use the real top-tier popular pilots very often or at all. I generally play with a different list every game. the last couple months, i've been trying to settle down on something, and here's the evolution.
1st try, before the Raider came out.
DECOY SHUTTLE
99 Points
31 points
• Turr PhennirTIE Interceptor
Royal Guard TIE
Veteran Instincts
Autothrusters
Stealth Device
34 points
• Captain KagiLambda-Class Shuttle
Sensor Jammer
Rebel Captive
34 points
• Carnor JaxTIE Interceptor
Push the Limit
Royal Guard TIE
Autothrusters
Stealth Device
This list was great, the idea was to force the shuttle down their throats, and then punish them for attacking it. I played it a handful of times, switching to Mara Jade, as the shuttle was usually in a traffic jam of enemies. This list was pretty effective, though susceptible to the Interceptors getting one-shot if i put a toe out of line. I love this list, and will probably pick it up again. I'll mention here that I am a die-hard Turr Phennir fan. He is my go-to ace.
I tried a few things before I came to my next candidate list.
TARGET LOCKED
99 Points
37 points
• Colonel VesseryTIE Defender
Veteran Instincts
Twin Ion Engine Mk. II
32 points
• Juno EclipseTIE Advanced
TIE/x1
Predator
Advanced Targeting Computer
Epsilon Squadron Pilot TIE/fo Fighter
15 pointsEpsilon Squadron Pilot
TIE/fo Fighter
The Idea here is setting things up for Vessery, who can really hold his own. I like Juno the best because of her added maneuverability compared to other Advanced pilots, but she was definately the weak link of this list, I couldn't figure out how to use her well. I did, however, come to really appreciate the TIE/fo. I've always flown really well with tie fighters, and the FO improves it in all the right ways. another thing that was difficult for this list was the influx of PS8 with Poe and Miranda. I was bemoaning how I'd like to put Turr into this list, but he's hard to get synergy, since he (1) doesn't have target lock capability for Vessery, and (2) wants initiative, when his ace counterparts usually don't. Someone else heard this, and suggested using a VI Whisper with a VI Turr Phennir. Hmm, a phantom, I've only flown it once before, a long time ago. I guess it's time to dust her off and practice, i still have time.
TURRWHISPJUNO
100 Points
31 points
• Turr Phennir
Royal Guard TIE
Veteran Instincts
Autothrusters
Stealth Device
37 points
• “Whisper”TIE Phantom
Veteran Instincts
Advanced Cloaking Device
32 points
• Juno EclipseTIE Advanced
TIE/x1
Predator
Advanced Targeting Computer
I tried it, and it worked all right, but Juno was still pretty awkward.it was also tough to figure out how exactly to open with these ships, which is my biggest weakness. i liked how Whisper and Turr worked together, but i felt like there was something missing, something that would fill a different role than the other two. And then it hit me, Blockers! I am a seasoned TIE pilot, and can block like the best of them, and hey, it fits with wanting initiative, as well! Not to mention get a few more points to beef up whisper a bit.
TURRWHISP- BLOCKERS
98 Points
31 points
• Turr Phennir
Royal Guard TIE
Veteran Instincts
Autothrusters
Stealth Device
43 points
• “Whisper”
Agent Kallus
Sensor Jammer
Veteran Instincts
Advanced Cloaking Device
12 points
Academy Pilot
12 points
Academy Pilot
I used this in a couple casual games, to great effect. one game had turr and an academy one-shotted unexpectedly, and still felt pretty confident with just whisper and an AP. (game got interrupted, though) I also played it this evening, where i lost to rebel regen. I realized that each game, I kept forgetting some ability, forgetting to keep a decloaking lane open for whisper, and it only worked out because it was a casual game where my opponent didn't mind. It was just too much work, and a little slip-up could cost me one of my big-investment ships in a tournament. I'm not ready to play whisper. I wouldn't mind having more ships, but another ship with some tricks would be nice. I played around with the squadbuilder a bit, and came up with the following
TURR W/ ZETA ACE + APS
100 Points
31 points• Turr Phennir
Royal Guard TIE
Veteran Instincts
Autothrusters
Stealth Device
21 points
• “Zeta Ace”TIE/fo Fighter
Push the Limit
Academy Pilot x4
Perfect! Turr phennir seems to work best as the lone true ace, in my experience. (Or maybe my mental capacity can only handle one at a time!) Zeta ace w/ PTL provides some cool tricks at an unbeatable budget, and blends in with the ties enough to not compete with turr. (i've always liked zeta ace, but found that the barrel roll is tough without a focus, now i don't have to choose) Luckily, Zeta ace works pretty well whether he is at a higher or lower PS than the opponent, making his ps5 fine.
This list fit like a glove. I even opened well, knew exactly where i wanted everything. I really like having six ships.The best counter I have against aces is to come in and furball them.
I'll be honing this and practicing. I'm not particularly worried about how well I do at Store Championships, but at least I know that I'm bringing a list that I can have a blast flying, and won't give me mental stress. (and looks mighty fine on the table, i might add.)
Wave 8 will be out for a week by the tourney day, but I'll try not to freak out, and just trust in my simple ships, blocking them, limiting their choices, arc-dodging (well, not dengar, at least) and focusing fire.
To everyone else who still has a store champs ahead of them, good luck.