My local store championships is coming up soon and I'm yet to settle on a list to fly. Here's a few ideas I've been mulling over, lists 1 & 2 had some success but list 3 I've found to be rather disappointing. Advice is welcome, but I want to use my own stuff and next wave won't be available at my store in time for the championship so no Jumpmaster or Boba (crew).

<1> Talonbane becomes an ace hunter, Guri ruins the day of turrets and a TLT is always nice. In my test of this list we had an amazing turn where Guri S-Looped into range 1 behind his TIE Defender, Vader boost/rolled into R1 of Guri's side, Cobra boosted into R1 of Vader's side and Soontir bumped the Y-Wing thanks to it doing something he didn't predict (couldn't capitalize on this part, but it kept him out of the main fight a little longer while my Y-Wing still had a TLT shot on the Defender).

Kihraxz (Talonbane Cobra) (28)[35]

- Veteran Instincts (1)

-Glitterstim (2)

-Engine Upgrade (4)

StarViper (Guri) (30)[40]

-Predator (3)

-Autothrusters (2)

-Virago (1)

|-Sensor Jammer (4)

Y-Wing (Syndicate Thug) (18)[24]

-Twin Laser Turret (6)

TOTAL = 99pts

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Scum%20and%20Villainy&d=v4!s!135:27,-1,128:-1:3:;101:57,-1:16:15:U.44,U.-1;123:135,-1,-1,-1:-1:-1:&sn=Unnamed%20Squadron

<2>Punches hard and hopefully getting Kavil and the Slaver in their face will draw attention away from Laetin long enough for him to not be vaporized.

M3-A Interceptor (Laetin A'shera) (18)[30]

-"Heavy Scyk" Interceptor (Cannon)(2)

|- Heavy Laser Cannon (7)

- Stealth Device (3)

Y-Wing (Kavil) (24)[31]

- Veteran Instincts (1)

- Blaster Turret (4)

- R4 Agromech (2)

YV-666 (Trandotian Slaver) (29)[38]

- Bossk (2)

- Tactitian (2)

- Gunner (5)

TOTAL = 99pts

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Scum%20and%20Villainy&d=v4!s!105::17:1:U.23;120:27,37,-1,-1,121:-1:-1:;134:-1,-1,133,61,21,-1:-1:-1:&sn=Unnamed%20Squadron

<3> I've wanted to use Kallus for a while and on Chiraneau he changes 2 focus into a hit and crit if his target is within range 2. However I'm not convinced about the TIE Fighters, I might drop them for a TIE Phantom (Echo).

VT-49 Decimator (Rear Admiral Chiraneau) (46)[64]

- Predator (3)

- Agent Kallus (2)

- Gunner (5)

- Ysanne Isard (4)

- Engine Upgrade (4)

TIE Fighter (Academy Pilot) (12)[12]

TIE Fighter (Academy Pilot) (12)[12]

TIE Fighter (Academy Pilot) (12)[12]

TOTAL = 100pts

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Galactic%20Empire&d=v4!s!99:57,-1,142,21,102,-1:-1:3:;10::-1:-1:;10::-1:-1:;10::-1:-1:&sn=Unnamed%20Squadron

I've also flown Guri + 3 Kihraxz in a fair few other smaller tournaments recently, but I really want to move away from that list as I've played it a lot and I don't want to be that guy who always flies the same thing.

I'm not too keen on scum lists since I don't have most of the ships yet, but I think your deci is a little heavy. Agent Kallus really doesn't belong on Chiraneau, because it will rarely roll any evade dice. I have a build with Kallus on Kenkirk that makes a little more sense because of the increased agility after shields go down. If you want to run Kallus on a deci, I'd suggest Kenkirk as your pilot, or else you'd probably wanna go with something else. Also I'm not a huge fan of throwing gunner on something that has a lot of dice modification because it will be more likely to hit with Predator and his pilot ability, so 5 points for Gunner might be steep. I dunno maybe just me on that one but if it's tried and tested then go for it. I prefer gunner paired with Vader and on a stripped down deci.

I'm not too keen on scum lists since I don't have most of the ships yet, but I think your deci is a little heavy. Agent Kallus really doesn't belong on Chiraneau, because it will rarely roll any evade dice. I have a build with Kallus on Kenkirk that makes a little more sense because of the increased agility after shields go down. If you want to run Kallus on a deci, I'd suggest Kenkirk as your pilot, or else you'd probably wanna go with something else. Also I'm not a huge fan of throwing gunner on something that has a lot of dice modification because it will be more likely to hit with Predator and his pilot ability, so 5 points for Gunner might be steep. I dunno maybe just me on that one but if it's tried and tested then go for it. I prefer gunner paired with Vader and on a stripped down deci.

I agree with you completely about the Decimator and it is my least favorite of the three lists for basically the reasons you just gave. I might drop Chiraneau to Kenkirk, drop gunner and swap the TIE Fighters for a Phantom (Wisper with Fire Control, Advanced Coaking, VI, Intelligence Agent and have a 3pt bid).

VT-49 Decimator (Commander Kenkirk) (44)[57]

- Predator (3)

- Agent Kallus (2)

- Ysanne Isard (4)

- Engine Upgrade (4)

TIE Phantom ("Wisper") (32)[40]

- Veteran Instincts (1)

- Fire Control System (2)

- Intelligence Agent (1)

- Advanced Cloaking Device (4)

TOTAL = 97pts

My local store championships is coming up soon and I'm yet to settle on a list to fly. Here's a few ideas I've been mulling over, lists 1 & 2 had some success but list 3 I've found to be rather disappointing. Advice is welcome, but I want to use my own stuff and next wave won't be available at my store in time for the championship so no Jumpmaster or Boba (crew).

<1> Talonbane becomes an ace hunter, Guri ruins the day of turrets and a TLT is always nice. In my test of this list we had an amazing turn where Guri S-Looped into range 1 behind his TIE Defender, Vader boost/rolled into R1 of Guri's side, Cobra boosted into R1 of Vader's side and Soontir bumped the Y-Wing thanks to it doing something he didn't predict (couldn't capitalize on this part, but it kept him out of the main fight a little longer while my Y-Wing still had a TLT shot on the Defender).

Kihraxz (Talonbane Cobra) (28)[35]

- Veteran Instincts (1)

-Glitterstim (2)

-Engine Upgrade (4)

StarViper (Guri) (30)[40]

-Predator (3)

-Autothrusters (2)

-Virago (1)

|-Sensor Jammer (4)

Y-Wing (Syndicate Thug) (18)[24]

-Twin Laser Turret (6)

TOTAL = 99pts

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Scum%20and%20Villainy&d=v4!s!135:27,-1,128:-1:3:;101:57,-1:16:15:U.44,U.-1;123:135,-1,-1,-1:-1:-1:&sn=Unnamed%20Squadron

<2>Punches hard and hopefully getting Kavil and the Slaver in their face will draw attention away from Laetin long enough for him to not be vaporized.

M3-A Interceptor (Laetin A'shera) (18)[30]

-"Heavy Scyk" Interceptor (Cannon)(2)

|- Heavy Laser Cannon (7)

- Stealth Device (3)

Y-Wing (Kavil) (24)[31]

- Veteran Instincts (1)

- Blaster Turret (4)

- R4 Agromech (2)

YV-666 (Trandotian Slaver) (29)[38]

- Bossk (2)

- Tactitian (2)

- Gunner (5)

TOTAL = 99pts

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Scum%20and%20Villainy&d=v4!s!105::17:1:U.23;120:27,37,-1,-1,121:-1:-1:;134:-1,-1,133,61,21,-1:-1:-1:&sn=Unnamed%20Squadron

<3> I've wanted to use Kallus for a while and on Chiraneau he changes 2 focus into a hit and crit if his target is within range 2. However I'm not convinced about the TIE Fighters, I might drop them for a TIE Phantom (Echo).

VT-49 Decimator (Rear Admiral Chiraneau) (46)[64]

- Predator (3)

- Agent Kallus (2)

- Gunner (5)

- Ysanne Isard (4)

- Engine Upgrade (4)

TIE Fighter (Academy Pilot) (12)[12]

TIE Fighter (Academy Pilot) (12)[12]

TIE Fighter (Academy Pilot) (12)[12]

TOTAL = 100pts

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Galactic%20Empire&d=v4!s!99:57,-1,142,21,102,-1:-1:3:;10::-1:-1:;10::-1:-1:;10::-1:-1:&sn=Unnamed%20Squadron

I've also flown Guri + 3 Kihraxz in a fair few other smaller tournaments recently, but I really want to move away from that list as I've played it a lot and I don't want to be that guy who always flies the same thing.

I've used a build very similar to your first, replacing VI with Crack Shot on Cobra and adding Unhinged Astromech to the Y-Wing. A fun and effective list.

The second list is very interesting and I might try it. I haven't flown the Scyk often or with any success so far.

As for the third list, I like that Chiraneau but he's costly and his support seems weak. It might work though.

I tried the "Guri (Predator, Virago title, Sensor Jammer, Autothrusters) + 3 Cartel Marauders" only once but really enjoyed it. The key is to be able to deal damage quickly, as the low-PS Kihraxz tend to blow up before shooting back.

I've used a build very similar to your first, replacing VI with Crack Shot on Cobra and adding Unhinged Astromech to the Y-Wing. A fun and effective list.

The second list is very interesting and I might try it. I haven't flown the Scyk often or with any success so far.

As for the third list, I like that Chiraneau but he's costly and his support seems weak. It might work though.

I tried the "Guri (Predator, Virago title, Sensor Jammer, Autothrusters) + 3 Cartel Marauders" only once but really enjoyed it. The key is to be able to deal damage quickly, as the los-PS Kihraxz tend to blow up before shooting back.

The reason for having VI on Cobra is to push him higher than the other aces (particularly Soontir and VI Poe) so the fight is on my terms rather than theirs, if I had a 2nd elite slot then i would LOVE to have Crack Shot on him. The astromech on the other hand, I just simply overlooked, no idea how I didn't notice something that obvious when a bid isn't needed too much.

I agree that my Chiraneau build isn't that great, the test game of it was very lackluster and I couldn't place the reason at the but you and Skeether pointed out the flaws enough that I can now see what exactly the flaws were and agree with the assessment.

My Guri + 3 Kihraxz had Guri with Outmaneuver and Advanced Sensors and relied on unpredictable flying (have fun predicting where Boost + S-Loop will land when planning) rather than the more common version of Predator and Jammer. and yes, the Kihraxz had a tight formation that hammered single targets down.

Very cool Guri build that I will try for sure.

I recently played this Chiraneau list:

Chiraneau (VI, Palpatine, Engine)

Wampa (Hull)

Colzet (x1 title, Advanced Targeting Computer)

100 points

I read some posts about this kind of combo and was curious to try it out. It's potent. In the end, I lost Wampa and Chiraneau was down to 5 hulls but Colzet was untouched. I managed to destroy all 4 of my opponent's ships (2x Blues w FCS+Tactician, Biggs w R4-D6+IA and Blount w Ion Pulse Missiles). I need to test it more, but I liked it very much.

I find it increasingly difficult to decide on a competitive build, and Wave 8 + Imperial Veterans will of course bring many new options. The game is evolving nicely though. Many were complaining about large ships and turrets a while back, branding the game "turretwing". Now, it seems to be more balanced, but like others I'd call it "acewing". Here's a list I'm very fond of, which I brought to a tournament after having played it only once :

Black Sun Enforcer (Autothrusters) x 2

Cartel Marauder

Black Sun Ace (Predator)

100 points

Very simple, yet it proved solid. I got 3 wins and 2 losses (top 4) at the event. One loss was very close (modified win for my opponent by 4-6 points I believe) and the other was, well, entirely my fault (I flew badly - last game of the day). The highest PS I faced were Aggressors (PS6, no VI on them). I'd need to play the list again now to see, but I suspect it wouldn't fare as well against today's lists that almost always include at least one high-PS ace.