It's really bugging me how so many interesting pilot cards in the low to mid pilot skill range lack an EPT slot, specifically unique pilots. I just wonder why this is the case.

I feel it leads to people either using the highest PS pilots with EPTs or only the most efficient generics available. There are so many interesting pilots in that category like Blue Ace, Hobbie, Tarn, Dutch, etc... I see the new U Wing pilots are the same way, no EPT slots except for cassian. I think it would lead to some cool builds in the mid PS range that would be good for the meta.

Has there ever been an interview or anything where it's explained why this is so?

I think the simple answer is because they're called Elite Talents. Elite pilots, those with a higher pilot skill, are those who have elite talents.

Also, it allows them to keep the interference of broken combos out of the picture. Some pilots shouldn't get certain Elite Talents given their abilities. Restricting access is one method for maintaining game balance.

Jacob

I think the simple answer is because they're called Elite Talents. Elite pilots, those with a higher pilot skill, are those who have elite talents.

Jacob

Also anyone who pilots a Pogostick 5000 for some reason.

If i recall correctly they technically arent called Elites anymore, we just keep calling them EPTs anyway.

It does feel like theyre randomly slapping them out there. I can understand if an entire ship class doesnt have it (punisher, kwing, ghost, lambda, rebel y) but i dont get why named pilots dont have it. Even lowly TIE Fighters should have it if theyre named.

Especially since they started handing out EPTs to generics it makes no sense that uniques even with a HIGHER PS dont have it.

I think the simple answer is because they're called Elite Talents. Elite pilots, those with a higher pilot skill, are those who have elite talents.

Jacob

Also anyone who pilots a Pogostick 5000 for some reason.

That reason being that FFG wanted to make a generic, large base ship competitive - and, as demonstrated by their recent upgrade inclusions, they also want more low-PS pilots with an EPT too.

Elite pilots are Elite ... except when they're not.

I can see the argument on the A-wing since it's supposed to be so difficult to fly, but then by the same logic all of the Defenders should have had EPTs. Not sure what the rationale for the JM5K is ... temporary insanity?

I think the simple answer is because they're called Elite Talents. Elite pilots, those with a higher pilot skill, are those who have elite talents.

this is also a completely irrelevant reason that has nothing to do with gameplay

it's something one can easily ignore in favor of making more interesting (and viable) gameplay elements by giving pilots such as Kir Kanos an ept, rather than allowing them to languish in unusable limbo for eternity

as for game balance, it is very often the higher PS ept bearing pilots have the superior (more easily exploited) pilot ability anyway (see basically literally every imperial ace)

FFG may be a bit inconsistent at times, but at the end of the day precluding some pilots from having access to the EPT slot reduces OP pilots.

Could you imagine Biggs with an EPT?

Or Miranda Doni?

I won't bury myself in examples but there are some pilots who would be too much if they had EPTs.

Having said that, you're more than welcome to home-brew some builds with added EPTs to try during casual play.

I think FFG has started to realize giving the highest PS pilot the best ability with an EPT slot is kinda pushing the game towards top pilot or no pilot. When you look at Wave 8, the best Ghost pilot is Kanan (ps5), AS is Sabine (PS5), I would argue 4-LOM's ability is better than Zuckuss', Manaroo is definitely better than Tel, and Dengar is the first real PS9 ace that Scum has. The inquisitor is really the only pilot that's the top pilot in the ship (again, discounting Dengar because they needed an PS9 ace).

W9 is similar. Old Teroch sounds better than Fenn, though I expect they'll both be of similar quality at the end of the day (either both awesome, or both garbage), Asajj is much cooler than Ketsu, Norra is the best Arc ability, Backdraft is better than Quickdraw (though QD sounds more fun).

So it's not 100%, but it's definitely a departure from before, especially when you look at each individual ship release. Exceptions seem to be (imo): Biggs, Dutch(?), Wampa, Jonus, Vessery, Echo, Jendon, and Pablo. So 7 pilots over 7 waves, vs. 6 pilots over 2 waves. Definitely a trend that they're putting better abilities on the lower PS ships.

I think FFG has started to realize giving the highest PS pilot the best ability with an EPT slot is kinda pushing the game towards top pilot or no pilot. When you look at Wave 8, the best Ghost pilot is Kanan (ps5), AS is Sabine (PS5), I would argue 4-LOM's ability is better than Zuckuss', Manaroo is definitely better than Tel, and Dengar is the first real PS9 ace that Scum has. The inquisitor is really the only pilot that's the top pilot in the ship (again, discounting Dengar because they needed an PS9 ace).

W9 is similar. Old Teroch sounds better than Fenn, though I expect they'll both be of similar quality at the end of the day (either both awesome, or both garbage), Asajj is much cooler than Ketsu, Norra is the best Arc ability, Backdraft is better than Quickdraw (though QD sounds more fun).

So it's not 100%, but it's definitely a departure from before, especially when you look at each individual ship release. Exceptions seem to be (imo): Biggs, Dutch(?), Wampa, Jonus, Vessery, Echo, Jendon, and Pablo. So 7 pilots over 7 waves, vs. 6 pilots over 2 waves. Definitely a trend that they're putting better abilities on the lower PS ships.

Wish I had all the time in the world to crunch trend-lines by faction by wave... Points, upgrades, etc.

I bet we'd see some interesting things. FFG is a clever beast...

I think FFG has started to realize giving the highest PS pilot the best ability with an EPT slot is kinda pushing the game towards top pilot or no pilot. When you look at Wave 8, the best Ghost pilot is Kanan (ps5), AS is Sabine (PS5), I would argue 4-LOM's ability is better than Zuckuss', Manaroo is definitely better than Tel, and Dengar is the first real PS9 ace that Scum has. The inquisitor is really the only pilot that's the top pilot in the ship (again, discounting Dengar because they needed an PS9 ace).

W9 is similar. Old Teroch sounds better than Fenn, though I expect they'll both be of similar quality at the end of the day (either both awesome, or both garbage), Asajj is much cooler than Ketsu, Norra is the best Arc ability, Backdraft is better than Quickdraw (though QD sounds more fun).

So it's not 100%, but it's definitely a departure from before, especially when you look at each individual ship release. Exceptions seem to be (imo): Biggs, Dutch(?), Wampa, Jonus, Vessery, Echo, Jendon, and Pablo. So 7 pilots over 7 waves, vs. 6 pilots over 2 waves. Definitely a trend that they're putting better abilities on the lower PS ships.

Early on FFG generally tied high pilot skill, EPTs, and the strongest pilot abilities together. It's taken some time to realize that this is a bad idea and separating these results in a more varied and more interesting meta. Only now are we finally seeing great abilities and EPTs on lower PS models. Ryad is a good example of this being done well I think. Look at Heroes of the Aturi Cluster, it was so indoctrinated back then that these things always come together that they actually price pilot abilities you want to buy as costing the same XP as the PS of the pilot the skill comes on.

I think the simple answer is because they're called Elite Talents. Elite pilots, those with a higher pilot skill, are those who have elite talents.

Jacob

Also anyone who pilots a Pogostick 5000 for some reason.

That reason being that FFG wanted to make a generic, large base ship competitive - and, as demonstrated by their recent upgrade inclusions, they also want more low-PS pilots with an EPT too.

I don't see any EPTs on the low pilot skill ARCs or U-Wings.

Doesn't it seem kinda ridiculous when Manaroo, a dancer, has an elite pilot talent while Thane Kyrell doesn't?

I think FFG has started to realize giving the highest PS pilot the best ability with an EPT slot is kinda pushing the game towards top pilot or no pilot. When you look at Wave 8, the best Ghost pilot is Kanan (ps5), AS is Sabine (PS5), I would argue 4-LOM's ability is better than Zuckuss', Manaroo is definitely better than Tel, and Dengar is the first real PS9 ace that Scum has. The inquisitor is really the only pilot that's the top pilot in the ship (again, discounting Dengar because they needed an PS9 ace).

W9 is similar. Old Teroch sounds better than Fenn, though I expect they'll both be of similar quality at the end of the day (either both awesome, or both garbage), Asajj is much cooler than Ketsu, Norra is the best Arc ability, Backdraft is better than Quickdraw (though QD sounds more fun).

So it's not 100%, but it's definitely a departure from before, especially when you look at each individual ship release. Exceptions seem to be (imo): Biggs, Dutch(?), Wampa, Jonus, Vessery, Echo, Jendon, and Pablo. So 7 pilots over 7 waves, vs. 6 pilots over 2 waves. Definitely a trend that they're putting better abilities on the lower PS ships.

And here's to hoping the new T-70 pilots in HotR follow that trend.

you can squint at the spread image

the ps 3 doesn't have it (red vets always had it though)

snap and nien have em thankfully

I think FFG has started to realize giving the highest PS pilot the best ability with an EPT slot is kinda pushing the game towards top pilot or no pilot. When you look at Wave 8, the best Ghost pilot is Kanan (ps5), AS is Sabine (PS5), I would argue 4-LOM's ability is better than Zuckuss', Manaroo is definitely better than Tel, and Dengar is the first real PS9 ace that Scum has. The inquisitor is really the only pilot that's the top pilot in the ship (again, discounting Dengar because they needed an PS9 ace).

W9 is similar. Old Teroch sounds better than Fenn, though I expect they'll both be of similar quality at the end of the day (either both awesome, or both garbage), Asajj is much cooler than Ketsu, Norra is the best Arc ability, Backdraft is better than Quickdraw (though QD sounds more fun).

So it's not 100%, but it's definitely a departure from before, especially when you look at each individual ship release. Exceptions seem to be (imo): Biggs, Dutch(?), Wampa, Jonus, Vessery, Echo, Jendon, and Pablo. So 7 pilots over 7 waves, vs. 6 pilots over 2 waves. Definitely a trend that they're putting better abilities on the lower PS ships.

And here's to hoping the new T-70 pilots in HotR follow that trend.

you can squint at the spread image

the ps 3 doesn't have it (red vets always had it though)

Well of course it doesn't, giving an EPT to a PS3 ship is absurd. FFG would never do it.

I think FFG has started to realize giving the highest PS pilot the best ability with an EPT slot is kinda pushing the game towards top pilot or no pilot. When you look at Wave 8, the best Ghost pilot is Kanan (ps5), AS is Sabine (PS5), I would argue 4-LOM's ability is better than Zuckuss', Manaroo is definitely better than Tel, and Dengar is the first real PS9 ace that Scum has. The inquisitor is really the only pilot that's the top pilot in the ship (again, discounting Dengar because they needed an PS9 ace).

W9 is similar. Old Teroch sounds better than Fenn, though I expect they'll both be of similar quality at the end of the day (either both awesome, or both garbage), Asajj is much cooler than Ketsu, Norra is the best Arc ability, Backdraft is better than Quickdraw (though QD sounds more fun).

So it's not 100%, but it's definitely a departure from before, especially when you look at each individual ship release. Exceptions seem to be (imo): Biggs, Dutch(?), Wampa, Jonus, Vessery, Echo, Jendon, and Pablo. So 7 pilots over 7 waves, vs. 6 pilots over 2 waves. Definitely a trend that they're putting better abilities on the lower PS ships.

And here's to hoping the new T-70 pilots in HotR follow that trend.

you can squint at the spread image

the ps 3 doesn't have it (red vets always had it though)

Well of course it doesn't, giving an EPT to a PS3 ship is absurd. FFG would never do it.

they'd certainly never to it twice and on generic pilots either

or hey, imagine if they gave a PS 3 two ept slots

that'd just be hilarious!

good thing it'll never happen

Backdraft is better than Quickdraw (though QD sounds more fun).

Bear in mind that X-wing is literally bursting at the seams with nerfs, "fixes," titles, errata, FAQs, and so on. The game is really becoming a bloated mess which hopefully points towards a 2nd Edition (preferably sooner rather than later) that streamlines this. I would really like a lot of point corrections, fixing mistakes (Scout EPT), and eliminating the need for a lot of the titles and ship-only mods that do what should have been done on the ship in the first place. I think the whole EPT interaction will be something they address.

Bear in mind that X-wing is literally bursting at the seams with nerfs, "fixes," titles, errata, FAQs, and so on.

literally?

the game has seams?

why haven't I seen them before ?

remember when ordnance was bad and everyone complained

now ordnance is good and everyone complains the game is broken and needs a new edition lol. makes u think

the game has seams?

why haven't I seen them before ?

They're in the back, behind the curtain. No one ever looks behind the curtain.

the game has seams?

why haven't I seen them before ?

They're in the back, behind the curtain. No one ever looks behind the curtain.

I was told not to pay attention to it

I've heard the EPT slot means they're elite thing before but it didn't make sense. I think it did when the game first came out, maybe. Not only are there lots of cases where this doesn't makes sense (red squad veteran John doe has the slot but blue/red ace don't), but there is no reason a rookie pilot can't have a natural talent at something.

Totally understand there are a few pilots that can carry based on their unique ability alone. I can see where there would be certain pilots or ships where they don't want the option from a design/balancing Pov.

I think there are some great examples where opening up that slot leads to a more varied meta. green Squadron A Wings, generic TIes, Ryad, etc... Knowing those ships are being used makes people more willing to use mid PS ships themselves, and I think that's a good thing. Even the much maligned scout, despite being IMO under costed, has had a positive effect on the PS wars in the meta. I was happy to see the slot used more on some new ships like the fang.

I hope (U Wing aside), this is a trend in the future.

they need to be a little less restrictive with it these days. There are several pilots who have extremely underwhelming abilities who also lack an EPT that would help make those abilities at least niche usable.

Some of these pilots simply had no room on their card for the upgrade to fit (punishers and k-wings), which is fine, I guess, because they have like a million upgrade combinations already. Others have absolutely no good explanation (every named TIE Interceptor that isn't Jax or Soontir).

You should think of the slot as just another upgrade slot, and ignore the "elite" part (which I don't even think is even official any more). They give them (or don't) for (often, flawed) balance reasons.

FFG has been totally inconsistent about applying EPTs to ships, even in the recent past. Blue Ace doesn't get an EPT, I guess because being able to do a green 2 followed by a 1 hard boost followed by PTL for dice modification would be way too strong. Oh, wait, here comes Countess who gets to do a green 180 and gets a free evade token while she's at it and doesn't have to decide if it's a 180 until she's moving.

Any of the VCX pilots would be way too good with an EPT but surely there's nothing wrong with giving an EPT to the PS9 guy who can shoot twice in a round with mods for both shots or the pilot who can pass tokens off to one of her squadmates. Or, lol, the deadeye 4/4 hit torpedo carriers you can bring three of.

And here comes a PS3 T-70 pilot without an EPT. Surely she'd be just as meta warping as Scouts or Dengaroo or Palp if she had access to a pilot upgrade, can't have that.