So I had to take a long (about a year):break from X Wing due to unforseen circumstances, and now I back.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for good Imperial and Scum builds other than scrolling through page after page?

Mainly looking to see what the current Meta is.

For Scum, mindlink is the hot business right now. All lists start the same: Fenn Rau, exactly as follows:

Protectorate Starfighter: · Fenn Rau (28)
Attanni Mindlink (1)
Autothrusters (2)
Concord Dawn Protector (1)
-- TOTAL ------- 32p. --

After that, some combination of Asaaj, Old Teroch, Manaroo, Serissu, Palob, 2 Zs, torp boats, all rocking mindlink. Really efficient action economy. Even against stress, if even one ship can perform a green maneuver, everybody gets a focus. Mindlink is definitely at the top of the meta.

For imperials, x7 defenders, even after a recent nerf, are still very efficient ships that simply require slightly more careful flying. Special Forces Ties have really come into their own with lightweight frame greatly enhancing their survivability, espcially with 2 great named pilots. Strikers give the imperials another cheap ace option and are a blast to fly.

Finally, Kylo Ren has created a new variant on decimator lists - RACLo. Kylo Ren on RAC with Gunnar and Predator lets you hand out blinded pilots and damaged cockpits like horrible licorice candy. Usually, he's paired with an X1 Tie Advanced with ATC or Backdraft in the Tie s/f to help push through the crit required to trigger Kylo. Something like this:

VT-49 Decimator: · Rear Admiral Chiraneau (46)
Predator (3)
· Kylo Ren (3)
Gunner (5)
Hotshot Co-pilot (4)
· Dauntless (2)
TIE Advanced: · Darth Vader (29)
Predator (3)
Engine Upgrade (4)
TIE/x1 (0)
Advanced Targeting Computer (1)
-- TOTAL ------- 100p. --

Of course, the Decimator's paper thin defences continue to plague it, so be extra strategic in handing out those blinded pilots.

Thanks.

So I guess I need to pick up a few new ships then.