Let me preface by giving my background. I'm still rather new to the game, I only own a few scum ships and that's it, none of which would be classified arc-dodgers. However, I've decided I want to branch to a 2nd faction to keep things from getting stale, and also because I've only ever played my friend who got me into this game, and I want to change that soon so I should probably have something other than scum. I've done some reading about what makes a good arc dodger, saw that stuff like multiple actions in a turn, the ability to take them before your move (Advanced sensors), initiative, and high PS are the most important things. So just browsing online I came up with this list:

Darth Vader - 29
Title: Tie/x1 - 0
Systems: Advanced Sensors - 0
EPT: Outmaneuver - 3
Modification: Engine Upgrade - 4
Total: 36

Soontir Fel - 27
EPT: Push the Limit - 3
Modification: Autothrusters - 2
Total: 32

The Inquisitor - 25
EPT: Push the Limit - 3
Modification: Autothrusters - 2
Total: 30

I know soontir fel is THE premier arc dodger, so he was a given. Darth Vader was interesting to me because of his stress-free 2 actions (as long as it's during the perform action step), which helps counter his very few green maneuvers. Outmaneuver seems good for Vader since he doesn't need to take PTL and it helps offset his 2 attack dice. The Inquisitor seemed cool because of his ability of 3 attack dice with no defense bonus all day erry day, but the reason I didn't take the title on him was because I figured a 2 point bid for initiative would be a much safer choice than a 1 point bid. Autothrusters seemed like a given because arc dodgers can get ripped to shreds by turrets, so I've read.

Any input would be welcome, I haven't actually purchased any additional ships yet so i was hoping to get feedback on what would make a good squad before I went in on it, you know? Thanks!

You're on the right track, but a few things that I suggest changing:

1) Advanced Sensors OFF of Vader: this system does not actually work with Vader's ability. If you activate Advanced Sensors, you cannot use Vader's ability. Vader really, really wants Advanced Targeting Computer. Other people will suggest Juke + Accuracy Corrector, but then you are not building an arc-dodger (because one of your actions is stuck on evade). One might argue that ATC has a similar effect (an action stuck on Target Lock), but you don't actually have to take the TL action very often.

2) V-1 Title ON Inquisitor. There is no point in running Inquisitor without the title, frankly. It is incredible value for 1 point (should probably have been worth more points, but whatever, its not like the Imperials get many 'freebies' from these FFG designers).

Another possible change is Vader's EPT. Outmaneuver is not terrible on Vader, and to be fair, almost any EPT can work on Vader thanks to his incredible ability, but predator and lone wolf are actually the best EPTs on Vader (use predator while inexperienced---lone wolf is for advanced players because its harder to use effectively). Another popular EPT is Veteran Instincts because PS11 gives you the ability to move last against pretty much everything. This has become an even more attractive option since recently the meta has seen a greater number of PS9 and PS10 ships springing up or making a return.

Some advice: arc-dodging is actually hard. The only way to get good at it is to practice. The best way to practice is to get LOTS of games in. The most feasible way to play a ton of games is on VASSAL (online). The trick really is to be able to predict what you're opponent will do and then visualize what move your ship needs (+barrel roll/boost) to escape their firing arcs. Little known fact: the WIDE moves are actually the best for arc-dodging (most of the time---its a situation-specific thing, so there are always exceptions). For that reason, Vader is actually a superior small-base arc-dodger than Fel because he has access to the 3 hard turn & 3 bank pretty much all the time (Fel's 2 turns/banks are still pretty good). It also means that Inquisitor is actually worse than either Fel or Vader at arc-dodging when stressed because its somewhat rare that the 1 hard turn/1 bank can actually escape enemy ship arcs (another reason the V-1 title is so important on him!)

I was aware that vader's ability doesn't work with Sensors but I figured at least the flexibility of using 1 action before maneuver would be worth it, but I do admit that Targeting Computer was the other big one that I considered there. Instead of VI for an EPT, what about the one that's free but just gives +1 or -1 to PS? I forget what it's called. I wasn't aware that people actually using PS boosting skills on ships already at PS9 was something that was done frequently. That would at least save points. I guess if I took the Targeting Computer that would kind of make Outmaneuver obsolete, huh? Since that's the case, would fel and inquisitor need PS boosting skills as well or are they better off sticking with PTL?

I didn't realize the inquisitor title was that good on account of not actually having experienced such a thing, so I'm not quite at the point yet where I can just look at something and go "wow that's really good" so I will run with it on.

Yeah, I have been working a bunch on my own as far as just trying to visualize how far a ship will move/end up with any given template, and I have read the stuff like you said, about how moving wide is better for getting out of their arc. Getting out of their arc, even if you can't shoot, is superior to shooting and getting shot due to the fragility of the ships from what I've read. I'm actually really psyched to get the new Starviper title because that funky barrel roll looks like it would be really good for arc dodging.

Adaptability on vader isn't bad, but VI makes sure that you're going to be the one that moves after everyone else. Fel is just going to be PS9, not much you can do about that. The Inquisitor is good enough, but I'd recommend either Omega Leader (comm relay/juke) or a couple cheap tie fighters of your choice (wampa, someone else you enjoy, or add TC to fel). The lower PS ties can move to block (so can the inquisitor, I just like more ships on the table) in the case of someone else at ps9 or above, that way Fel doesn't have to worry too much.

6 hours ago, blade_mercurial said:

You're on the right track, but a few things that I suggest changing:

1) Advanced Sensors OFF of Vader: this system does not actually work with Vader's ability. If you activate Advanced Sensors, you cannot use Vader's ability. Vader really, really wants Advanced Targeting Computer. Other people will suggest Juke + Accuracy Corrector, but then you are not building an arc-dodger (because one of your actions is stuck on evade). One might argue that ATC has a similar effect (an action stuck on Target Lock), but you don't actually have to take the TL action very often.

2) V-1 Title ON Inquisitor. There is no point in running Inquisitor without the title, frankly. It is incredible value for 1 point (should probably have been worth more points, but whatever, its not like the Imperials get many 'freebies' from these FFG designers).

Another possible change is Vader's EPT. Outmaneuver is not terrible on Vader, and to be fair, almost any EPT can work on Vader thanks to his incredible ability, but predator and lone wolf are actually the best EPTs on Vader (use predator while inexperienced---lone wolf is for advanced players because its harder to use effectively). Another popular EPT is Veteran Instincts because PS11 gives you the ability to move last against pretty much everything. This has become an even more attractive option since recently the meta has seen a greater number of PS9 and PS10 ships springing up or making a return.

Some advice: arc-dodging is actually hard. The only way to get good at it is to practice. The best way to practice is to get LOTS of games in. The most feasible way to play a ton of games is on VASSAL (online). The trick really is to be able to predict what you're opponent will do and then visualize what move your ship needs (+barrel roll/boost) to escape their firing arcs. Little known fact: the WIDE moves are actually the best for arc-dodging (most of the time---its a situation-specific thing, so there are always exceptions). For that reason, Vader is actually a superior small-base arc-dodger than Fel because he has access to the 3 hard turn & 3 bank pretty much all the time (Fel's 2 turns/banks are still pretty good). It also means that Inquisitor is actually worse than either Fel or Vader at arc-dodging when stressed because its somewhat rare that the 1 hard turn/1 bank can actually escape enemy ship arcs (another reason the V-1 title is so important on him!)

Welcome to the empire !

Those 3 pilots are great but as @blade_mercurial suggests Inquisitor needs the title and imho Soontir needs Hull Upgrade.

Duchess + Veteran I + title is a super fun ship and top arc dodger for cheap as you can go as low as 24 points if not using Lightweight Frame.

Quick list trading Inquisitor for Duchess:

"Duchess" (23)
Veteran Instincts (1)
Adaptive Ailerons (0)

Darth Vader (29)
Lone Wolf (2)
Cruise Missiles (3)
Advanced Targeting Computer (1)
Engine Upgrade (4)
TIE/x1 (0)

Soontir Fel (27)
Push the Limit (3)
Autothrusters (2)
Hull Upgrade (3)
Royal Guard TIE (0)

Total: 98

2 points init to upgrade Cruise M to Homing M or LWF on Duchess are all good options.

have fun!

Ah, I didn't know that duchess character was a thing, that's something that's interesting as well. All good suggestions, thanks everyone!