Hello! So, I've recently been trying to get beyond using really simple lists like BBBBZ as I've played a bit more and I really like the idea of taking these old T65 pilots and using them. Not a competitive thing really, I just like seeing a bunch of X-Wings on my table.

What I've been struggling with is a newb (cuz I am one) friendly way to make them work. My experience so far is that they get arc dodged like it's no ones business, and it's hard to take advantage of their high PS without either some repositioning abilities or ways to put stress on enemy ships so I can more easily predict/control where they go. My first two attempts used the more "standard" loadouts like R2-D2 on luke, engine upgrade on Wedge, etc... But except for Wedge I found flying Luke and Wes difficult and without their firepower where I needed it Wedge still couldn't do much on his own.

I was thinking about taking the following list for that reason, taking advantage of the Integrated Astro and using droids to give me some repositioning options and to free up points for the ordnance. The torpedoes I am not 100% sure on though. Would it make more sense to get rid of them and spend more points on my EPT upgrades like Predator for Luke, PTL for Wedge, and VI for Wes instead of adaptability? THanks for any help.

TRIPLE T65 ACES

100 points

PILOTS

Wes Janson (33)
X-Wing (29), R3-A2 (2), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Adaptability (0), Integrated Astromech (0)

Wedge Antilles (35)
X-Wing (29), R7-T1 (3), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Crack Shot (1), Integrated Astromech (0)

Luke Skywalker (32)
X-Wing (28), BB-8 (2), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Adaptability (0), Integrated Astromech (0)

drop the torps. that will allow you to add engine upgrade to at least one of them, then you can upgrade one of the bots to R2D2 to give you some regen.

Yes drop the Torps. Here my suggestion:

Actually, R3-A2 on Wes is quite good, as is Veteran Instincts:

Wes w/ VI, R3-A2 & IA = 32

Wedge w/ predator, BB-8 & IA = 34

Luke w/ R2-D2 & IA = 32

98

With the last 2 points, I'd either give Luke crack shot and take a 1 pt bid, or if you want a double stress possibility, you can put a flechette torp on Luke and give him Adaptability.

Despite BB-8 shenanigans, I still think predator is superior on Wedge over PTL. You want the re-rolls on attack all the time, especially on k-turns and when you can't use BB-8.

Thanks for the replies! I figured the Torps were kind of a waste, but the idea of putting out stress made sense in my head. I think I agree though it makes more sense to just make them better with better Astros or EPTs.

Is there a noted difference between predator or the extra action with PtL? Would a focus token be better than predator in most situations or vice versa?

Finally, what do you think about r7-t1? It seems like a good way to get wedge or anyone in a perfect spot with a target lock. Why don't I see it used?

Finally, what do you think about r7-t1? It seems like a good way to get wedge or anyone in a perfect spot with a target lock. Why don't I see it used?

I like R7-T1, but he doesn't get used because he's dependent upon the opponent's position. Poor guy's slightly over costed, too - extra actions typically cost 3 points, but he's so situational he probably should've been 2. Then look at the TIE/v1 title for the TIE Advanced Prototype... 1 point for a second action. Poor R7-T1.

Is there a noted difference between predator or the extra action with PtL? Would a focus token be better than predator in most situations or vice versa?

You aren't choosing between Predator and a Focus token - you'll have both. With PtL, it's a Focus token and a Target Lock. TL lets you re-roll more dice against any target, but you have to choose a target, while Predator lets you re-roll against say a higher-PS enemy that happens to float into your arc after you move. Plus, as noted above, Predator is still active even when k-turning or the like.

Hmm I see. You and blade mercurial are saying is that it's benefit is that it's always active, whether I have stress, k turned, etc... Hadn't really thought of it that way, I was always comparing it to an action like focus or target lock in my head, especially when deciding between it or push the limit. It does seem better than I thought, especially on wedge.

If you've got the points spare, R3-A2/Flechette torps is a good pairing on wes specifically. Massed torpedoes aren't worth it on x-wings because you haven't got multiple shots and don't want to give up your lovely integrated astromech for guidance chips.

Flechettes are an exception, because they don't require you to actually hit, though, and paired with R3-A2, it gives you one turn of double-stressing (or more!) a target. On a PS10 ship (like VI wes) that can be very useful for crippling Soontir Fel or IG-88, because you don't need a good shot, any shot will do - even range 3 through a rock when he has all the tokens imaginable.

A combination which remains surprisingly nasty is Luke with Lone Wolf. Whilst you've got wingmen, he gets no real benefit without flying him wide, but he's still effective because your opponent has to kill him first - facing someone with R2-D2, essentially unlimited defensive focus and lone wolf in a solo endgame would be very unpleasant.

I've seen a friend do well with Wedge(adaptability)+BB-8 and Wes(veteran instincts)+R3-A2 - getting everyone PS10 means you can chop and change movement and firing order to taste.

He pairs them up with VI Poe Dameron, but you could equally pair them with a more lavishly equipped Luke Skywalker.

Also, one other nasty trick I've seen for a 'flying solo' luke is Luke Skywalker, Lone Wolf, R2-F2, Integrated Astromech.

No regeneration, but It's surprising and annoying how hard it is to hit the bugger, and whilst you're not tied to green moves, you're instead vulnerable to being blocked. It's a matter of taste.