But which 2 ARCs?

Squad 1: FGD's classic selection (100 pts).

Norra Wexley: Push the Limit, R2D2, Tailgunner, Alliance Overhaul, Vectored Thrusters

Braylen Stram: R3A2, Gunner, Alliance Overhaul

Biggs: R4D6, Integrated Astromech

Squad 2: 98 pts

Norra: as above

Shara Bey: Draw their Fire, R5P9, Rey, Alliance Overhaul

Biggs: as above

Rey allows focus tokens to be banked for later use, after a very slow beginning to the match. I'm not a fan of R5P9 on Norra since she wants to use focus tokens rather than save them for regen.

Variation: Predator on Norra - she can use Shara's Locks, if necessary, or use banked focus tokens to regen & still get her own focus; Push on Shara & switch droids & crew. Shara then wants to do green moves, but Biggs won't live quite as long.

I've been using the first squad, and it's pretty effective - except against Fangs Mindlinked with Manaroo. The stress from Braylen has been ineffective since Manaroo can get them Focus and Target Locks anyway, and so they still do too much damage/dodge too much of Norra's.

The 2nd squad does a lot more damage, but loses the stress control - which neuters most Imperial Ace lists (and Defenders).

Any advice/suggestions?

Probably List 1 for me.

Shara just isn't quite up there in terms of performance. Also with a list that maxes out at PS7, you don't really need an initiative bid, better to spend all 100 points on stuff that will have an effect during the game.

Having said that, if you are running List 2, maybe give Biggs M9-G8 instead of R4-D6. With Shara to pull off the odd Crit with DTF, he will last a little longer than usual and M9-G8 can be used early on to give your ARCs a little extra offensive punch or interfere with enemy attacks.

3rd squad for your consideration

Adaptability on Biggs allows you to match his PS with Thane's. May be swapped for R4-D6.

Im glad you mentioned Thane,

Here is a list that I ran and won a Store Championship:

Corona Squadron (Thane's Squad) (100 pts).

Norra Wexley: Push the Limit, BB8, Kyle Katarn, Alliance Overhaul, Vectored Thrusters

Thane Kyrell: R2D2, C3PO, Alliance Overhaul, Vectored Thrusters

Biggs: R4D6, Integrated Astromech

The trick to this build is that it is all about Control and Regeneration.

Your opponent will see the Regen aspect of the build, but not the Control part.

The Control is all about Thane's ability. Fly him close to Biggs. Your opponent will obviously try to pick off Biggs first.

As they shoot at Biggs, they will see all of the Crazy actions you can do with Thane's ability. Because of this, Thane will quickly become their next target for fear of him getting more actions.

This is the reason why Thane has C3PO and R2D2... to keep him alive longer...

All this time, Norra is in the background taking Double Focus Target Lock Shots with her ability until the enemy is no more.

During my last store championship, the only ship that I loss was Biggs... and that was only once in my 3 games.

People don't see it coming and It performs really well.

Some good and interesting suggestions, thanks folks! I shall have to try some of them out. Or put Miranda in...

CBS - Does Norra make good use of both BB8 and Vectored Thrusters in your list? And Thane can only get 2 bonus actions (2 on his bar + Vectored Thrusters; he'll normally be doing one of the three as his normal action) - is that really so powerful?

And Thane can only get 2 bonus actions (2 on his bar + Vectored Thrusters; he'll normally be doing one of the three as his normal action) - is that really so powerful?

With M9-G8 you can make TL on Biggs and Norra on first turn.

Fire with Norra (and in case enemy has PS <5) Biggs and after first enemy attack do TL action and place TL on enemy ships to debuff them.

Some good and interesting suggestions, thanks folks! I shall have to try some of them out. Or put Miranda in...

CBS - Does Norra make good use of both BB8 and Vectored Thrusters in your list? And Thane can only get 2 bonus actions (2 on his bar + Vectored Thrusters; he'll normally be doing one of the three as his normal action) - is that really so powerful?

Here is how Norra works.

You Reveal a Green Manuver, Barrel Roll, PTL to Focus, execute the maneuver, Kyle Katarn gives you another Free Focus when your maneuver clears the stress, then you Target Lock the opponent.

You can also do all of these actions in different orders.

Like: You Reveal a Green Manuver, Barrel Roll, PTL to TL, execute the maneuver, Kyle Katarn gives you a Free Focus when your maneuver clears the stress, then you take your second focus.

I keep VT on there because you will not always want to use BB8. If you don't, You can till use barrel Roll for positioning.

Thane works great with only 3 optional Actions. Most of the time, he can only proc his ability once or twice per round so when you first do a maneuver, give yourself a focus.

Then when someone shoots your buddy, you can take the target lock on whomever you choose, giving you a Focus TL attack the entire life of Biggs.

Which means, you need to be smart about how you use Biggs. He's not a Meat-Shield... he is there to spread out the damage to everyone.

I also like to keep VT on Thane because it makes him an EXCELLENT Blocker. Think about it... He moves to block, gives himself a focus token. Then your opponent runs into Thane removing his ability to take actions.

Then, when the guy you blocked shoots at someone else, you can then take a barrel Roll off of the Blocked player, AND SHOOT AT HIM AT RANGE 1!!! Gosh I love it!

Thanks (again). Now I have even more variations to try. Shame they don't come with more time to do so.

I also like to keep VT on Thane because it makes him an EXCELLENT Blocker. Think about it... He moves to block, gives himself a focus token. Then your opponent runs into Thane removing his ability to take actions.

Then, when the guy you blocked shoots at someone else, you can then take a barrel Roll off of the Blocked player, AND SHOOT AT HIM AT RANGE 1!!

Yeah, I have been at the mercy of Thane's stupid (well, which stemmed from my stupidity) post activation BR into shot.. Jesus he is annoying.

I've got a weekender event this weekend, and one of the ideas I'm considering (because I'm a contrarian sod) is a trio of ARC-170s without Norra Wexley. Thane's ability is really good for his cost, and I suspect he'll be one of the most important ships.