I want to fly triple aces with vader but vader's taken down pretty easily. How do I deal with that?
So far, my list is -
Darth Vader- 32
Lone wolf-2
TIE/x1-0
ATC-1
Soontir Fel- 35
Autothrusters-2
Stealth Device-3
Royal Guard TIE-0
Push the limit-3
The Inquisitor - 31
Autothrusters-2
TIE/v1-1
Push the limit-3
Total points: 98
I'd drop Lone Wolf on Vader and add Engine Upgrade. This gives you much more mobility with Vader's awesome 2 actions. You do lose the initiative bid, but I think it's worth it.
I agree with lurq. Vader is unplayable without Engine upgrade.
Also, I am not a fan of Lone wolf. It requires him to fly off on his own, which is often not the best strategy.
Assault Missiles and Ruthlessness
Drop lone wolf for adaptability increase
Add engine upgrade
Drop ATC for sensor jammer to help with survivability
I like to run him with ATC, engine upgrade, and lightning reflexes. The latter helps him stay unpredictable while making it easier to keep your TLed target in your sights.
It's fun to give Vader a third action with push the limit. And with the Twin Ion engine Mk. 2, you get a little more flexibility as far as shedding stress tokens. I was surprised by how long I was able to survive alone against three X-Wings. I would have been better off with the engine upgrade, though.
Lightning Reflexes would kill his actions for a turn, and make you very predictable the next turn when doing a green move. In the same vein of thinking unpredictable, I like using Adrenaline Rush. That way, I can K turn without stress, still have my double action, so possibly reposition in a really unexpected way. Either that, or Veteran Instincts or Adaptability are also extremely useful on him.
I agree with everyone here that Engine Upgrade is a must. Getting two actions per turn is just too good to not have a boost available. My Vader setup is Adrenaline Rush, TIE x1, ATC, and EU. For 35 points. Some argue Soontir is better at 35 points, but I like Vader here just because of the unpredictability he has.
Predator on vader with EU title and atc.
Soontir is probably better overall, but Vader has a few things going for him:
- He has better firepower. I have lost many games because my opponent had gotten an early lead and Soontir just couldn't kill enough before time ran out.
- He has more hit points. If you face a lot of autodamage (Autothrusters, Feedback array, Vader crew, Captain Oicunn,...) Soontir can die quickly. Vader lasts a little bit longer, which might be enough for him to finish the job.
- His EPT is completely open. You can tailor him to your play style. Predator, Juke, Veteran instincts and Adaptability would be my top choices. But there are many others worth trying.
Make sure you're focus/evading every turn that you're getting shot. People say how hard it is to kill the x7 Defenders, and Vader has the same durability.
Another option would be to use Carnor with SD or HU instead of Inq or Soontir (you'd have to swap Vader's LW for something cheaper if you sub out Inq).
And stay with ATC. Sensor Jammer is cute, but it's useless when your opponent realizes Vader can only hit as hard as an Academy Pilot and ignores him.
Don't listen to people suggesting to drop Lone Wolf. They just don't know how to fly it.
Vader w/ lone wolf, title, ATC & engine = 36
Best Vader build ever.
Predator is not bad too, but then you tend to use him sacrificially for the damage rather than keeping him safe (and keeping him alive = more damage over the course of the game). LW vader is great for closing out games. However, you do need to practice flying him and you do need to build the list around him (the other ships need to be things that are easily kept R3 away from him).
Vader no matter how you build him is also weak against turrets, so no matter what you end up putting on him, you definitely need something else in the list that survives well against turrets (probably a ship with autothrusters).
Edited by blade_mercurialIt's unconventional, but I like Vader with Title, ATC, Predator, and Stealth Device. It's no Inquisitor, but he works well with Palpatine.