I'm trying out Vader and black squadron named pilots. What abilities would you add to make this most competitive? Here's what I have for 100 points:

Vader, TIE/x1, predator, adv targ comp

Mauler, expose

Backstabber

Dark curse

Wampa

Comes out to 100 on the head. Any other equip options?

So Vader with a mini swarm... I'll get back to you in a minute.

Would give Vader Veteran Instincts and fly him separately from the swarm. I'm new though, so take my advice with a pinch of salt.

Expose is just terrible. I'd drop it and use a shield upgrade instead if you have it.

So Vader with a mini swarm... I'll get back to you in a minute.

sarcasm?

Give Vader VI and Engine Upgrade if you want to get the most mileage out of him. The others don't need upgrades if you can't afford them.

TIE Fighter: · "Howlrunner" (18)

Swarm Tactics (2)

Stealth Device (3)

TIE Fighter: Academy Pilot (12)

Hull Upgrade (3)

TIE Advanced: · Darth Vader (29)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Engine Upgrade (4)

TIE/x1 (0)

Advanced Targeting Computer (1)

TIE Fighter: Academy Pilot (12)

Hull Upgrade (3)

TIE Fighter: Academy Pilot (12)

Swap out Hull and Shield Device as you see fit, or drop them all and upgrade to a named pilot or two.

expose = never

Tie fighter + hull upgrade = objectively worse Tie/FO

You inspired me. Vader and a themed swarm...

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Galactic%20Empire&d=v4!s!22:170,-1:23:-1:U.124;153::-1:-1:;12:170:-1:-1:;12:170:-1:-1:;12:170:-1:-1:;12:170:-1:-1:&sn=New%20Squadron

I think Vader does okay 20th out engine upgrade. A couple players took a PalpAces based list with Vader sans EU to top 16 at Worlds. I think with a high PS TIE Fighter list, it can work because you're trying to joust stuff down a lot of the time anyway.

So Vader with a mini swarm... I'll get back to you in a minute.

sarcasm?

No, had to research more on Vader, haven't used him.

Why never with expose, get mauler to range 1 and he's shooting off 5 dice?

Why never with expose, get mauler to range 1 and he's shooting off 5 dice?

5 dice without focus. So you might get 3 natural hit rolls if you're lucky.

You're also a 21-point ship with 2 agi and 3 health (same as a half-dead X-wing).

If you're trying to use Black Squadron, given their card artwork, Chaser is Black Squadron - Wampa isn't.

I'd definitely consider Engine Upgrade/Veteran instincts on Darth Vader with the Advanced Targeting Computer.

Another option which works - making for a tankier but less shooty Vader - is Juke and Accuracy Corrector - pull evade each turn and focus/boost/barrel roll as required.

It has the advantage of making it more likely that the TIE fighters can whale on a target with no focus token remaining, and Vader gets the edge of an evade token each turn, even if switching targets.

Expose isn't a great talent. I'd suggest either Crack Shot, or something simple.

It's already be mentioned, but to get the most out of Vader, you should add Engine Upgrade. If you want to have some fun with Dark Curse, I would suggest adding a Stealth Devise.

Vader+ VI+Engine+TIE/x1+Cluster Missile+ATC

Black Squad x 4 + Crack Shot

99 p.

If you want to save a point, you can use Adaptability instead of Veteran Instincts. PS10 is nominally the same as PS11 for most purposes.

Vader and the crackshot swarm.

Darth Vader (29)
Expert Handling (2)
Advanced Targeting Computer (1)
Engine Upgrade (4)
TIE/x1 (0)

"Howlrunner" (18)
Crack Shot (1)

Black Squadron Pilot (14)
Crack Shot (1)

Black Squadron Pilot (14)
Crack Shot (1)

Black Squadron Pilot (14)
Crack Shot (1)

Total: 100

Expert Handling sheds TL's from Omega Leader and FCS from lower pilots. I think you know what Howlrunner and crackshot do for the lot.