U-Wings, X-Wings, & The Falcon - Tourney Builds?

By Tharcas, in X-Wing Squad Lists

[Sorry in advance for all the bold type, I pasted this in from a Google doc and this editor will not let me un-bold anything. It was not bold in the Google doc!]

Hello all. I have a store tournament coming up. I think I can expect to be fighting some swarms and some TIE/D squadrons. Maybe a variation on the Ray/Finn build. Maybe some supped-up T-70s or E-Wings. I would like to get some feedback on some squadrons I’m thinking of. So which of these squadrons or ships do you like and why? Which do you not like and why? I suggested a general strategy for each group, but how would you fly them? I am looking for any improvements I could make. There are a few improvements I've considered but I can't make because I don't have the upgrade or pilot. I've noted those cases.

Many thanks for your input. I look forward to some discussions!

A “Heff”ty Bump for Your Aces

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel%20Alliance&d=v4!s!236:71,-1,199,198:47:14:;198:27,-1,148,203:39:20:;88:96,43,-1,-1,-1:-1:11:U.75&sn=A%20Heffty%20Bump%20for%20Your%20Aces&obs=

Tobber bumps and gets in the way to disrupt the enemy so Snap and Keyan can blast them. Keyan is what I call the dodgy B-Wing as he has Jan Ors to give him an evade token. He also has Stay on Target I can abuse to get him stress to use his ability. Snap can disrupt target locks. The general strategy for this squadron is find out what the enemy is doing and disrupt it!

This squadron would be really good with Zeb in the U-Wing, but unfortunately I don’t own Zeb (or any of the stuff that comes with the Ghost Expansion). I also don't have the Rebel Transport expansion, so none of the droids from there.

Red Opportune Vets & Cassian

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel%20Alliance&d=v4!s!234:54,186,-1,198,213:47:-1:;177:49,-1,163,-1:-1:20:;177:49,-1,60,-1:-1:20:&sn=Red%20Opportune%20Vets%20%26%20Cassian&obs=

Cassian supports two Red Vets by striping focus tokens to enable opportune shots and removing stress to allow MORE opportune shots. Jyn can also provide Focus to an ally in need. The Rev Vets each have a different droid for a slightly different feel to their flying (i.e. they don’t have to be in formation to do their thing). The general strategy with this group is to point it at something and hit is hard.

Cassian Supports Aces

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel%20Alliance&d=v4!s!234:214,172,-1,75,198:47:-1:;198:27,-1,148,203:39:-1:;197:96,-1,163,204:-1:20:&sn=U-Wing%20Support%20Of%20Aces&obs=

Cassian supports two very mobile aces by several means, stress removal, Jyn token drop, Jan evasion token, the ability to stall behind a rock and shoot at something (which might be pretty annoying). The general strategy with this group is pretty flexible. Snap is a good arc dodger. Nien Nunb can really dog someone if he keeps hitting his range 1 shots. I would either try keep Cassian out of the direct line of fire by keeping him behind rocks, or I would use Cassian as bait and have the T-70s hit things that try to go after the easy target.

Miranda Doni, Doomsayer

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel%20Alliance&d=v4!s!139:120,126,-1,17,29,-1,-1:-1:24:;205:27,-1,213,148:41:-1:;9:0,-1,-1,2:21:-1:&sn=Miranda%20Doni%2C%20Doomsayer&obs=

Miranda pronounces ‘Doom’ upon two targets (with a target lock); then Shara strips a focus token from one of The Doomed; finally Miranda uses her ability, her own focus token, and a the aforementioned target lock to get a 5 die shot with only naked green dice to defend on one of The Doomed (BOOM?). Gold pilot is just there for added firepower and blocking. Shara provides backup targeting for Miranda in case I meet any Black Ones.

I have seen Miranda in this configuration flown with Biggs to keep the pressure off while she fires. Unfortunately I don’t have the original core set (I started with the Force Awakens Core set). I am also concerned that this is a bit of a 1 trick pony (or maybe a 2 trick pony) and does not have the firepower to finish what it starts.

Ray/Finn/Bistan & Etahn

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel%20Alliance&d=v4!s!201:220,-1,200,221:40:-1:;74:54,107,1,185:-1:25:&sn=Ray%2FFinn%2FBistan%20%26%20Etahn&obs=

Etahn can fire a proton torp and get up to 3 crits pretty easy. Then he becomes Ray’s very evasive wingman. Ray uses Finn and Bistian to make scary damaging hits. If she syncs targets with Etahn, her attacks are even scarier. The general strategy with this group is to pop off Etahn’s torp ASAP, Then I’d fly Etahn and Ray in formation or just keep them close and use Ray as the hammer. Etahn is a consistent attacker with the accuracy corrector, plus he has a good change of getting two evade tokens, or a focus and evade every turn with R3. Etahn is a tempting target with only 5 hits, but can you hit him?

An alternate form of this build would use Coran instead of Etahn with the same upgrades, but no torpedo. I don’t like this one as much because it doesn’t have the raw firepower (to get firepower with Coran you can’t use Wingman).

I know that Ray loves to have Kanan Jarrus fly with her (then she doesn’t need a wingman). However, again, I don’t have Kanan, so this is my solution with what I have.

Ray/Finn/Bistan & Cassian/Jyn/Jan

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel%20Alliance&d=v4!s!201:220,-1,200,221:40:27:U.202,m.14;234:18,43,1,75,198:47:25:&sn=Ray%2FFinn%2FBistan%20%26%20Cassian%2FJyn%2FJan&obs=

This is an alternate build for the build above with Cassian in a U-Wing. With this build I get more support possibilities and almost as much firepower. Plus I am not as reliant on being able to fire to get extra defense on the Ray’s wingman. My only real concern about this one is can Cassian keep up with Ray?

Edited by Tharcas

I like the idea of the Heff bump.

I have a build for him with Sabine crew that is just mean.

Heff - Sabine Wren, Chopper, EM, cluster mines, anti-pursuit lasers, collision detector, Title.

With Sabine and Chopper, you could do the STOP maneuver, turn 180 degrees, and cluster mine with choppers ability. I don't think it's competitive, but the one time I ran this list, I got it to work, and the look on my opponents face when he took cluster mines to the face was priceless.

You can also use Heff's ability to drop the mines when a ship bumps you if can't, or don't want to take a damage from chopper.

Did you post that Heff - Sabine build here? I think I saw it and it inspired me to make something that abuses Heff's ability (so thanks for that). With no Ghost crew I went with Anti-Pursuit Lasers, Jyn, and the Saboteur. But I didn't like how inconsistent is was. So I settled on just getting in the way and a little psychological warfare (i.e. who's dial will I use Cassian to look at?).

I have not posted it before. But I ran the list about a week or 2 ago. Unfortunately, it died after dropping his bombs. The problem is that you need the title to be in landing position to do the maneuver, and that means 8 hull and shield with 1 defense die. It explodes quite quickly.

I like the Etahn build for cheek and creativity. I'm not a very experienced tournament player, but I feel that a TLT build with your K- and Y-wings will be recommended. Maybe something like this?

Miranda Doni (29)
Twin Laser Turret (6)
Extra Munitions (2)
Plasma Torpedoes (3)
Rey (2)
Conner Net (4)
Advanced SLAM (2)

Jess Pava (25)
BB-8 (2)
Integrated Astromech (0)

Gold Squadron Pilot (18)
Twin Laser Turret (6)
R2 Astromech (1)
BTL-A4 Y-Wing (0)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Jess isn't Biggs, but her ability is really strong for about the same points. Slow-roll it and use Rey to stock up focus tokens on Miranda for turns where she SLAMs, shoots a torpedo, or just wants to modify multiple TLT shots.

1 minute ago, TheHumanHydra said:

I like the Etahn build for cheek and creativity. I'm not a very experienced tournament player, but I feel that a TLT build with your K- and Y-wings will be recommended. Maybe something like this?

Miranda Doni (29)
Twin Laser Turret (6)
Extra Munitions (2)
Plasma Torpedoes (3)
Rey (2)
Conner Net (4)
Advanced SLAM (2)

Jess Pava (25)
BB-8 (2)
Integrated Astromech (0)

Gold Squadron Pilot (18)
Twin Laser Turret (6)
R2 Astromech (1)
BTL-A4 Y-Wing (0)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Jess isn't Biggs, but her ability is really strong for about the same points. Slow-roll it and use Rey to stock up focus tokens on Miranda for turns where she SLAMs, shoots a torpedo, or just wants to modify multiple TLT shots.

I like Miranda Jess, but if you want to run the Y-wing title, than use the stressbot. Otherwise, you're going to get more shots out of the TLT's by keeping the 360 turret.

6 minutes ago, Biggsy_boy said:

I like Miranda Jess, but if you want to run the Y-wing title, than use the stressbot. Otherwise, you're going to get more shots out of the TLT's by keeping the 360 turret.

Derp. I just put that on there by instinct without even remembering what it did, lol. Thanks.

1 hour ago, TheHumanHydra said:

I like the Etahn build for cheek and creativity. I'm not a very experienced tournament player, but I feel that a TLT build with your K- and Y-wings will be recommended. Maybe something like this?

Miranda Doni (29)
Twin Laser Turret (6)
Extra Munitions (2)
Plasma Torpedoes (3)
Rey (2)
Conner Net (4)
Advanced SLAM (2)

Jess Pava (25)
BB-8 (2)
Integrated Astromech (0)

Gold Squadron Pilot (18)
Twin Laser Turret (6)
R2 Astromech (1)
BTL-A4 Y-Wing (0)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Jess isn't Biggs, but her ability is really strong for about the same points. Slow-roll it and use Rey to stock up focus tokens on Miranda for turns where she SLAMs, shoots a torpedo, or just wants to modify multiple TLT shots.

If you are running this group, what does BB-8 add? He might get you some good repositions, but Jess needs to stay in formation for her ability to work. Maybe I would use this group but dump the R2 off the Y-Wing (doesn't need it anyway without the BTL-A4 title) and add M9-G8 to Jess instead of BB-8. I think I would get more use out of M9-G8 then BB-8.

3 minutes ago, Tharcas said:

If you are running this group, what does BB-8 add? He might get you some good repositions, but Jess needs to stay in formation for her ability to work. Maybe I would use this group but dump the R2 off the Y-Wing (doesn't need it anyway without the BTL-A4 title) and add M9-G8 to Jess instead of BB-8. I think I would get more use out of M9-G8 then BB-8.

Yes, definately go M9G8, helps Mirandas missile attack, then TLT as well.

3 hours ago, Tharcas said:

If you are running this group, what does BB-8 add? He might get you some good repositions, but Jess needs to stay in formation for her ability to work. Maybe I would use this group but dump the R2 off the Y-Wing (doesn't need it anyway without the BTL-A4 title) and add M9-G8 to Jess instead of BB-8. I think I would get more use out of M9-G8 then BB-8.

Sorry, I just forgot what set that droid was in and thought you might not have had access to it. BB-8 was an afterthought. By all means, do that instead!

53 minutes ago, TheHumanHydra said:

Sorry, I just forgot what set that droid was in and thought you might not have had access to it. BB-8 was an afterthought. By all means, do that instead!

NP! BB-8 is fun too. I find with Primed Thruster BB-8 is very useful.

Thanks for great input so far.

I think due to my general inexperience with tournament play I am jittery about playing a flight with a requirement for some precision flying. That said, I am also not shy of taking a risk. So I think I have narrowed it to the following builds.

Miranda Doni/Ray, Doomsayers

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel Alliance&d=v4!s!139:135,126,-1,17,201,-1,-1:-1:16:;9:135,-1,-1,-1:-1:-1:;206:-1,184,-1:41:26:&sn=Miranda Doni%2FRay%2C Doomsayers&obs=

A mod of the Doomsayer above based on Hydra's good advice. I took out some weapons from Miranda so I could have Thane Kryell join the group. I figure Miranda will be the primary target, and Thane can make them pay for trying to beat up on his friend. Gold Squadron Pilot also gives up his control ability for fire power. I figure each of these guys has a good way to get out of a bad situation and live to fight another round.

Ray/Finn/Bistan & Cassian/Jyn/Jan

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel%20Alliance&d=v4!s!201:220,-1,200,221:40:27:U.202,m.14;234:18,43,1,75,198:47:25:&sn=Ray%2FFinn%2FBistan%20%26%20Cassian%2FJyn%2FJan&obs=

Cassian may not make as consistent (or cheeky) a wingman as Etahn, but I really want to try that U-Wing out!

A “Heff”ty Bump for Your Aces

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel%20Alliance&d=v4!s!236:71,-1,199,198:47:14:;198:27,-1,148,203:39:20:;88:96,43,-1,-1,-1:-1:11:U.75&sn=A%20Heffty%20Bump%20for%20Your%20Aces&obs=

Again, gotta try that U-Wing. Plus I wonder... People on this site talk a lot about what their plans are, but not a lot about planning for what the other guy might do. (Maybe I am wrong about that. I don't read this site a lot) I wonder if people are ready for that jerk pilot that gets in the way and makes those action heavy aces cry for their momma! ;)

Thoughts?

I don't know if it's better than Tail Gunner, but there's a synergy between Thane and Jyn that might be fun to try out.

I feel like Miranda really wants a bomb with Advanced SLAM. That's my only real criticism for that list.

I'm really interested in how the U-wing performs as well, since I'd like to get one for the cards but have really struggled to build a list with it. If you fly it and have time, let us know!

Try this one: https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel Alliance&d=v4!s!234:220,36,-1,160,200:47:19:&sn=Unnamed Squadron&obs=

Block with Cassian. Because of Zeb, you an attack them, with 4 dice plus one blank. FCS ensures that you can usually re-roll. After they collide, ion projectors goes off, so they'll get ionized, be unable to clear your base next round, and be stuck right there again. Now you can pound them with Finn turn after turn.

41 minutes ago, BlackOne said:

Try this one: https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel Alliance&d=v4!s!234:220,36,-1,160,200:47:19:&sn=Unnamed Squadron&obs=

Block with Cassian. Because of Zeb, you an attack them, with 4 dice plus one blank. FCS ensures that you can usually re-roll. After they collide, ion projectors goes off, so they'll get ionized, be unable to clear your base next round, and be stuck right there again. Now you can pound them with Finn turn after turn.

Neat ... I just wish there was a way to be sure the ion would go off.

You could add a K-Wing with Ion bombs. That way, you get some guaranteed ionization. Cassian will get ionized too, but that's OK; Between FCS and Expertise, he doesn't really need actions at all.

Looking at my build for Miranda/Ray I realize my primary goal for the build was to abuse the synergy of Hotshot Copilot (to remove a focus token) and Homing Missiles (to ignore evade tokens), but I left the Hotshot out of the build... oops! So this is Miranda/Ray with the hotshot...

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Rebel Alliance&d=v4!s!139:120,126,-1,17,201,-1,-1:-1:25:;205:27,-1,213,60:41:-1:;9:135,-1,-1,-1:-1:-1:&sn=Miranda Doni%2C Doomsayer&obs=

If it were not for wanting to try to stick those homing missiles home, I agree Thane and Jyn would be fun to try out, but does not have the pilot skill to be the Hotshot, so not this build here. I still don't think this one has the closing power after I use the Homing Missiles. So now I am leaning toward the U-Wing builds (with no Zeb, as I don't have him). I am thinking more as a support ship with lots of dirty tricks.