so I was playing around with the squad builder, hunting for random combos, and I hit on this... thing?

The problem with R2F2 is that he takes an action to activate, and the extra defence die is totally not worth losing a focus action.

But Luke gets a single focus result to evade, on defence only, on every attack without any action at all. It's no Autothruster Poe, but if you stack on Lone Wolf and Stealth Device...

So, all these cards have been in the game for ages. Is it just that the Xwing has sucked sine forever, that R2D2 is flat out better? Does this combo have any use at all?

It's really not bad. More vulnerable to blocking than R2-D2, but lone wolf pairs well as its aciton free.

I'd still stick with integrated Astromech ratherthan stealth device: if using this route youre taking a points efficient budget option.

And if cost is not a problem, You could fit him with Experimental Interface (instead of Stealth Device), same cost, and get that focus to modify more of your eyeballs, or leave it for next defensive bad rolls. Of course it generates a stress, but it is only if Luke is in a really bad situation. That could give him more survivability i think.

Interesting. I've been looking for a 3rd mate to fly alongside Jake and Sabine:

Jake w/ PTL, test pilot, VI, prockets & thrusters = 33

Sabine w/ predator, TLT & intel agent = 31

Luke w/ lone wolf, R2-F2 & integrated astro = 33

97

Although, is R2-F2 better than R2-D2 here? Its a rebel '3 amigos list', but Luke is no arc-dodger. Even with 1 extra green, pseudo-focus and a re-roll, he's going to have to be careful about getting shot up...

True, but R2-F2 and lone wolf is essentially two extra green dice - that's TIE interceptor levels of dodging, especially since luke's ability keeps working with multiple attackers.

in a list like the above, youve got two arc dodgets already - you need an 'anvil' - and R2-D2 id arguably less useful in this case - it means luke can pull speed 2-3 moves and make hard turns without losing the Astromech bonus, and if he gets concentrated on by the whole enemy squad (not unlikely) , getting an extra focused greem die on each incoming attack will do more good than getting one shield back.