1 hour ago, superdave said:

For those who may not want to open the video:

Quickdraw + Expertise + Fire Control + Spec Ops + Pattern Analyzer + Lightweight Frame
Omega Leader + Juke + Comm Relay
Col. Vessery + Crack Shot + TIE/x7 + Twin Ion Engine Mk 2

Whoaaa. So spending extra 7 points on QD for Expertise and PA and FCS.

Did not choose Hull for OL. Vessery questionably doesn't need a PTL.

Anyone have any comments on these choices of upgrades?

Is this considered an efficient QD load out? Its very expensive.

Would you put anymore on OL and Vess?

20 minutes ago, Blail Blerg said:

Whoaaa. So spending extra 7 points on QD for Expertise and PA and FCS.

Did not choose Hull for OL. Vessery questionably doesn't need a PTL.

Anyone have any comments on these choices of upgrades?

Is this considered an efficient QD load out? Its very expensive.

Would you put anymore on OL and Vess?

I've played with a similar list, using a Predator, x7 Ryad instead of Vessery.

That QD loadout is frightening. Her regular shot and and revenge shot can be fully modded with Expertise and FCS. PA is a really nice way to take the edge of of slooping. Only thing this build really fears is stress control, but FCS can keep at least some offensive modding up. If you know stress is gonna be every where, a friend of mine suggested A Score To Settle instead of Expertise, which is super duper cheap.

That gives four points to work with. I honestly think Vessery is pretty well set up as is, so I'd go for giving a hull or shield upgrade on OL.

Edit: Another option is to give OL a Hull Upgrade and give Vessery Juke with the extra point. Up to personal preference.

Next up ghosts! ?

Heragator? I haven't seen her around in competetive meta... If she is in your meta I would caution against counting on high PS as a counter because she blocks aces like it's her job, especially with an Intel Agent or Cassian crew.

More popular ghosts include Kanan+Biggs (I've never seen Engine or R3-A2 in that list though), double ghost+y, or a Lothal (w/ Hera crew, Han crew, and Fire Control System) in the "Ace" slot next to Rey/Dash.

I usually see Kanan with something like: TLT, Advanced Sensors, Tactical Jammer, title to dock the cheapest attack shuttle(Zeb) and pick two crew: Jyn, Jan, RecSpec, or Rey. Biggs with regen integrated Astro since there's just enough points and Kanan will be limiting the damage with his ability and Tac Jammer. Special note for the "Calen's Pride" variant popular in my area: Kanan w/ FCS, TLT, Rey, Finn, Tac Jammer, title(dock ZebShuttle), and Biggs with M9-G8.

Double Ghost + Y is two Lothal and a Y-wing all with Autoblaster Turrets, sprinkle in FCS and cheap crew(Hera/Han is good) or Anti-Pursuit Lasers to taste. Might see one Lothal upgraded to Chopper for a stress mechanic.

The "Ace Slot Ghost" is simply a Lothal Rebel w/ FCS, Autoturret, Hera (crew), Han(crew) coming in at 42 points fits perfectly with Super Dash or Rey.

2 hours ago, Chumbalaya said:

It'd be hell of an initiative bid clocking in at 77 points

Pffft, what can you get for 23 points nowadays anyway!

4 hours ago, superdave said:

For those who may not want to open the video:

Quickdraw + Expertise + Fire Control + Spec Ops + Pattern Analyzer + Lightweight Frame
Omega Leader + Juke + Comm Relay
Col. Vessery + Crack Shot + TIE/x7 + Twin Ion Engine Mk 2

Imperial triple aces is a presence in the meta. Including such pilots as QuickDraw, Backdraft, Omega Leader, Col. Vessery, Countess Ryad, the current crop is more durable than the classic arc dodgers which are less common now (Vader, Soontir, Carnor Jax, and Inquisitor).

The above QD is pretty good. I prefer it with Sensor Cluster instead of PA for a little extra damage control, worth the points either way.

Do we ever want QD with Adaptability over Expertise or Rage or PTL? Is it relevant to get the jump on the other PS9 Tier 1: Fenn Rau?

Are there any other Tier1 PS9s? Dengar??

I know you can get Rey PS10 and Bossk PS9 but neither of these happen often. And only Rey really repositions.

Urghhhh, does the 39 pt QD die? It feels totally different from the 33 pt near suicidal QD I run with Rage Baffle Frame

Or if you get outflown and lose shields on QD very quickly is it a horrible loss?

The suicidal QD is really fun, but terrible against all but a few ships.

28 minutes ago, Goseki1 said:

The suicidal QD is really fun, but terrible against all but a few ships.

idkkkk. I've pulled huge wins with it into the endgame also. ><. She's really good with Frame

12 hours ago, MalusCalibur said:

Complaining that the Empire isn't viable at all right now is misinformed nonsense.

That's right! Look at all the major events Imperials have won since the JM5K and Captured TIE came out. Just to show all this misinformed Cretans, why don't you list them all out for us (I'd not count a tournament where non Imperials were required to run a B-Wing or a Y-Wing, just unsporting)

1 hour ago, Blail Blerg said:

Do we ever want QD with Adaptability over Expertise or Rage or PTL? Is it relevant to get the jump on the other PS9 Tier 1: Fenn Rau?

Are there any other Tier1 PS9s? Dengar??

I know you can get Rey PS10 and Bossk PS9 but neither of these happen often. And only Rey really repositions.

Adaptability is a solid choice, especially if you are looking to out PS Fenn.

6 minutes ago, SabineKey said:

Adaptability is a solid choice, especially if you are looking to out PS Fenn.

Is it actually? Like for real?? In comparison to the other EPTs. In comparison to efficiency damage. In comparison to another EPT and a bid? How high of a bid? 1-2-3??

To clarify, I'm not asking for Tier2 good, I'm asking if its a solid Tier1 hyper competitive choice.

I will never run Quickdraw without the 39 pt setup. It's just so good. Expertise and FCS make him incredibly consistent in terms of damage and frees his Focus tokens for defense. Pattern Analyzer opens up the dial so much and makes you much less vulnerable when slooping. I killed a Fenn Rau once because of a suprise hard-1 I once pulled. Finally, Lightweight Frame is practically mandatory.

I will never run a different Quickdraw build. I've tried Sensor Cluster in PA's place, but I find that I really miss getting actions after red maneuvers.

17 minutes ago, Blail Blerg said:

Is it actually? Like for real?? In comparison to the other EPTs. In comparison to efficiency damage. In comparison to another EPT and a bid? How high of a bid? 1-2-3??

To clarify, I'm not asking for Tier2 good, I'm asking if its a solid Tier1 hyper competitive choice.

While I believe it has potential as tier 1, I have little data to conclusively prove that.

With FCS and Pattern Analyzer, most of the go to EPTs are redundant or not well supported. PS increasing EPTs will help keep you moving after your opponents, which isn't a good thing for people who like repositioning after everyone, like Fenn.

Bids depend on the rest of the team. Kit them out well, and see what can be shifted around for a bid.

I would like to again mention a Score To Settle as a potential option for EPT for QD. One of my friends goes with this option. It is a two way street, but it is free, is immune to stress control, and on the right target, can work more for you than for your opponent.

Agreed on A Score to Settle. It's my go-to if I feel like running a budget Quickdraw. AStS, FCS, LWF comes in at 33 points and fits into most lists quite comfortably.

1 hour ago, defkhan1 said:

I will never run Quickdraw without the 39 pt setup. It's just so good. Expertise and FCS make him incredibly consistent in terms of damage and frees his Focus tokens for defense. Pattern Analyzer opens up the dial so much and makes you much less vulnerable when slooping. I killed a Fenn Rau once because of a suprise hard-1 I once pulled. Finally, Lightweight Frame is practically mandatory.

I will never run a different Quickdraw build. I've tried Sensor Cluster in PA's place, but I find that I really miss getting actions after red maneuvers.

I don't think Quickdraw would like being called a dude, dude.

17 minutes ago, MegaSilver said:

I don't think Quickdraw would like being called a dude, dude.

=P make another thread for this. I actually wanna know if QuickDraw and Duchess are female. I think I sadly recall some xwing article calling "Duchess" "he".

Let's not derail this a 2nd time.

Just now, Blail Blerg said:

=P make another thread for this. I actually wanna know if QuickDraw and Duchess are female. I think I sadly recall some xwing article calling "Duchess" "he".

Let's not derail this a 2nd time.

I know QD is for sure, it's mentioned in the preview article. Dutchess should be too, unless it's a reference to Archer.

7 hours ago, nitrobenz said:

Next up ghosts! ?

Heragator? I haven't seen her around in competetive meta... If she is in your meta I would caution against counting on high PS as a counter because she blocks aces like it's her job, especially with an Intel Agent or Cassian crew.

More popular ghosts include Kanan+Biggs (I've never seen Engine or R3-A2 in that list though), double ghost+y, or a Lothal (w/ Hera crew, Han crew, and Fire Control System) in the "Ace" slot next to Rey/Dash.

I usually see Kanan with something like: TLT, Advanced Sensors, Tactical Jammer, title to dock the cheapest attack shuttle(Zeb) and pick two crew: Jyn, Jan, RecSpec, or Rey. Biggs with regen integrated Astro since there's just enough points and Kanan will be limiting the damage with his ability and Tac Jammer. Special note for the "Calen's Pride" variant popular in my area: Kanan w/ FCS, TLT, Rey, Finn, Tac Jammer, title(dock ZebShuttle), and Biggs with M9-G8.

Double Ghost + Y is two Lothal and a Y-wing all with Autoblaster Turrets, sprinkle in FCS and cheap crew(Hera/Han is good) or Anti-Pursuit Lasers to taste. Might see one Lothal upgraded to Chopper for a stress mechanic.

The "Ace Slot Ghost" is simply a Lothal Rebel w/ FCS, Autoturret, Hera (crew), Han(crew) coming in at 42 points fits perfectly with Super Dash or Rey.

Its acutally the mass upgrade ones that frighten me: like Calens Pride and the EU r3a2 variant. These create more and more things to remember that its very hard to keep track of and you might fall into some trap zone cuz you can't reliably distinguish which danger zone is actually most dangerous. These lists have the most ability to swing games vs even experienced player if hey aren't too familiar with ghosts (me). Also EU for me was a big deal cuz it lets me avoid death by jousters, namely torpboats and missile spam and the like. To that end R3A2 is also a nice filler random extra threat zone.

Good tip for Heragator: what stops it then? Just good flying and punching through dmg?

Is the M9G8 to further nerf opponent attacks?

Group question time: Is EU worth it over passing TacJammer for protecting Biggs??

I think M9G8 is to get more rerolls on Kanan's TLT attacks

1 hour ago, Gersun said:

I think M9G8 is to get more rerolls on Kanan's TLT attacks

@Blail Blerg this^ at least for the first pass. M9-G8 gives Kanan access to Finn's blank die and a re-roll on all TLT shots on the initial engagement before FCS kicks in. After that it's a matchup call wether to move it to an enemy ship or not.

It occurs to me that you were asking for tactical advice rather than list outlines when you asked for clarification. I guess I needed clarification on your clarification

For Heragator it's pretty much superior firepower and flying. It's a pretty expensive ship with zero agility so it's not a huge stretch to bring more dice to bear. Turrets particularly don't care about her moves. A mini-swarm (or large base blocker) can cut off a lot of her favorable options, allowing a heavy to take advantage while also adding plink damage. As I said before, I wouldn't count on using aces because she's such a proficient blocker herself, but it's not an impossible matchup since you can still throw more dice faster if you're not blocked into oblivion. Do you have a specific build/list in mind for Heragator?

3 minutes ago, nitrobenz said:

@Blail Blerg this^ at least for the first pass. M9-G8 gives Kanan access to Finn's blank die and a re-roll on all TLT shots on the initial engagement before FCS kicks in. After that it's a matchup call wether to move it to an enemy ship or not.

It occurs to me that you were asking for tactical advice rather than list outlines when you asked for clarification. I guess I needed clarification on your clarification

For Heragator it's pretty much superior firepower and flying. It's a pretty expensive ship with zero agility so it's not a huge stretch to bring more dice to bear. Turrets particularly don't care about her moves. A mini-swarm (or large base blocker) can cut off a lot of her favorable options, allowing a heavy to take advantage while also adding plink damage. As I said before, I wouldn't count on using aces because she's such a proficient blocker herself, but it's not an impossible matchup since you can still throw more dice faster if you're not blocked into oblivion. Do you have a specific build/list in mind for Heragator?

Cool. That helps.

Currently I play things like this:

Colonel Vessery (35)
A Score to Settle (0)
TIE/x7 (-2)

"Quickdraw" (29)
Rage (1)
Electronic Baffle (1)
Lightweight Frame (2)
Special Ops Training (0)

Major Stridan (32)
Electronic Baffle (1)
Inspiring Recruit (1)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

or I just tried a self-test game of this vs KananBiggs with EU.
Note to forum: EU isn't necessary. =/ I was wronggggg

Colonel Vessery (35)
A Score to Settle (0)
Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)
TIE/x7 (-2)

The Inquisitor (25)
Push the Limit (3)
Autothrusters (2)
TIE/v1 (1)

Major Stridan (32)
Electronic Baffle (1)
Kylo Ren's Shuttle (2)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

I would honestly love to run some aces, the old "Palp" Aces, either with Palp or with the new Ups shuttle. So I'd look for some tips running Soontir, Vader, Inquisitor and other squishies against the annoying high number of threat zones the various Ghost builds have.

Does anyone else have a chunky ghost build? Surprise Torps from the back + FCS maybe? I'm really feeling 4 dice attacks over TLT. TLT to me has been meh on such an expensive ship.

Yeah, for that 3 point difference in cost you can pick some upgrades that help keep Biggs alive longer.

Your first list with rage baffle QD is missing out on the FCS combo for Vessery while the second one is missing the VI needed to take advantage of Inquisitor's TL. In both cases Stridan and Vessery are competing for limited points and it's costing opportunities.

10 minutes ago, nitrobenz said:

Yeah, for that 3 point difference in cost you can pick some upgrades that help keep Biggs alive longer.

Your first list with rage baffle QD is missing out on the FCS combo for Vessery while the second one is missing the VI needed to take advantage of Inquisitor's TL. In both cases Stridan and Vessery are competing for limited points and it's costing opportunities.

Whoops yeah. I'll bring some more lists later tommorrow

1 hour ago, Blail Blerg said:

I would honestly love to run some aces, the old "Palp" Aces, either with Palp or with the new Ups shuttle. So I'd look for some tips running Soontir, Vader, Inquisitor and other squishies against the annoying high number of threat zones the various Ghost builds have.

If you want to run 2x aces + an Upsilon give this a go:

31 Inquisitor w/ PtL, AT, V1.
26 Omega Leader w/ Juke, Comms.
43 Dormitz w/ AdvS, Vader, Recon, WGuidance, HWCScanner.

Omega Leader, and Inquisitor are just solid ships, especially if they are ignored. The Upsilon with Advanced Sensors, Vader, Recon, and Weapon Guidance hits like a train, with a double-modded shot + Vader crit. Vader also makes Dormitz a higher priority target, helping shield Omega Leader from being focused down early.

Dormitz + the Hyperwave Comm Scanner allows Inquisitor (who I try to flank with) to setup further up the board (at a 45 degree angle), with a focus. Dormitz can then Coordinate a boost for him before he reveils a 5-forward. It’s an excellent way to move the Inquisitor in a flank position early in the game.

I've also tried the same list with Dormitz, Vader, and Hyperwave swapped for Striden and Systems Officer for TL shenanigans with Inquisitor and Omega Leader, but I found it a bit hard to pull off, though it was occasionally useful.