VCX With or Without Attack Shuttle?

By Tsiegtiez, in X-Wing

Posted at

I'm trying to debate the merits of bothering with a docked Ghost/Phantom combo. Is it worth it? Has anyone played matches where they really wished they had or hadn't docked an Attack Shuttle?

I'm looking at two very similar builds that cost about the same, but I'm torn on swapping out Zeb in the Phantom for a Protoype A-Wing. I figure having the A-Wing from the start of the match will aid in damage output, board control, and blocking. As a result, I feel I need Torpedos to balance out the rear arc on the VCX and give it some arc flexibility.

The point ceiling I've got is pretty strict, and I want to fly both options more but won't have as much time as I'd like.

Lothal Rebel + Prototype Pilot

Lothal Rebel (35)
Fire-Control System (2)
Autoblaster Turret (2)
Extra Munitions (2)
Proton Torpedoes (4)
Hera Syndulla (1)
"Chopper" (0)
Guidance Chips (0)
Prototype Pilot (17)
Chardaan Refit (-2)
______________________________
Lothal Ghost + Zeb Phantom
Lothal Rebel (35)
Fire-Control System (2)
Autoblaster Turret (2)
Hera Syndulla (1)
Han Solo (2)
Ghost (0)
"Zeb" Orrelios (18)
"Chopper" (0)
Phantom (0)
I feel as though the A-Wing on the board will be more useful overall, and I can simulate the docked Phantom rear arc spread with the pair of Proton Torpedos. Along with FCS and Guidance Chips, I feel like they can offer a fair amount of damage while the VCX is still on the board.
That said, I feel the FCS/Hera/Han combo on the second VCX is more potent overall, and has better damage potential from turn to turn. This of course is because of the Phantom onboard giving a proper 4ATK primary out the rear arc, plus the way Han interacts with the FCS Target Locks. But as a result I have to wait to deploy the third ship of the list, which can be either very good or very bad. I like the surprise and control I can have with deploying the Phantom but generally I'm only doing so as a last resort, since it hampers my VCX and the Attack Shuttle isn't the sturdiest thing around. Plus now I'm down a ship for the initial engagement, throwing fewer attack dice, and potentially taking more damage for longer because of this.
Is it worth it to bring the A-Wing for better damage and flexibility up front? Or is the Phantom more likely to provide assistance and responsiveness? What have you all tried and found?
Any insight appreciated!
Posted at

I strongly prefer flying the VCX without the Phantom . The Attack Shuttle isn't terribly expensive, but it's also not a particularly efficient or effective fighter on its own--and it's even less efficient if you spend several rounds without even bringing it into the play area. And 20+ points is too much to get a single extra attack on the Ghost , especially given the relatively poor damage done by the available turret choices.

Posted at

I strongly prefer flying the VCX without the Phantom . The Attack Shuttle isn't terribly expensive, but it's also not a particularly efficient or effective fighter on its own--and it's even less efficient if you spend several rounds without even bringing it into the play area. And 20+ points is too much to get a single extra attack on the Ghost , especially given the relatively poor damage done by the available turret choices.

I completely forgot about the extra Turret attack with the Phantom title. I'm running an Autoblaster Turret anyway for Ace/Biggs insurance and while the AbT double-tap has been neat I can't see it really determining my tournament standings. Maybe 1/10 matchups will really have that ability seal the game for me while I probably won't (or won't be able to) use it much of the rest of the time.

I'm leaning towards the A-Wing, even though Han is tough to leave at home. Thanks for sharing!

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I like that. If we have to discuss which is better, with or without shuttle, then balancikg was awesome

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I have had great success flying VCX without the shuttle. I have won a few games with the attached shuttle, but never BECAUSE of the attached shuttle. Even if I ran a shuttle I'd just fly it without the title.

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What the rest of the list? As than can matter a lot :)

I prefer ghost without shuttle my self :)

Posted at

What the rest of the list? As than can matter a lot :)

I prefer ghost without shuttle my self :)

Ah! But that would be telling!

The rest of the list is pretty independent, so I'm looking to maximise my potential ~60 points. I like running 5 Headhunters but they don't quite have the same oomph as the VCX can. I need something that responds well to both Aces and Jumpmasters, and with the Autoblaster Turret and the 16HP the VCX fits the bill both ways.

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I've largely been using the ship without it. The Lothal Rebel is an absolute all-star of a generic. 35 points for that statline is a steal, especially when you can carry Hera crew for absolutely ridiculous mobility options. FCS means you don't care about actions, the turret slot lets you cover your arcs with an Autoblaster turret, and you still have another crew slot for whomever you'd prefer.

Han Solo, Dash Rendar, Chopper and Kanan are all solid candidates for that second slot, depending on what you want the ship to do.

Edited by PhantomFO