Who should I fly with RAC

By Hrathen, in X-Wing

I am starting my regionals prep, and I am pretty sure that I will be flying RAC, with Preditor, Rebel captive, Isard, and either Vader or Kylo Ren (probably Kylo). I also will may or may not give him engine upgrade.

My question is who to fly him with. I tried him with an expertise Rexler. I love Defenders, but it turn out so well. I have recently given Vader another try and found that even with his upgraded Targeting thing-a-ma-jig he just doesn't throw enough dice. I would like to try out Inquisitor or Quickdraw. But I wanted to ask you all what you think is best.

First, I highly recommend flying the Decimator, and most other large base ships, with EU. It's invaluable for adding a little longevity to RAC because you can boost out of arcs with it or make important blocks more plausible.

Second, you probably want the other pilot to be good at range three, with high pilot skill. You need to beat TLT and bombs with it.

Maybe try Vader with Veteran Instincts, Advanced Targeting Computer, Guidance Chips, Cruise Missiles, and title. You can beat PS 10 bombers, have a little punch with Cruise missiles, and can take some shots with focus / evade against TLT.

You're right that he doesn't hit that hard but he gives you the tools you need alongside RAC. Countess Ryad could also be good for similar reasons. Just fly carefully and play for the long game with Vader.

Edited by AceWing

I think Vader really is the best option. You’re not going to get an ace that consistently throws more damage than he does—as long as he has a target lock, he’s better than a 3-attack ship (or really, even a 4-attack ship). Downside is...no autothrusters. TLTs can tear that list apart.

If you really want more damage, try QuickDraw. She can also get up to PS 11, which helps deal with Nym, and two attacks per round is real nice.

Next choices for me would be (in no particular order) Carnor with VI, Ryad, Vessery, Inquisitor, Whisper. With any of those except maybe Carnor, I think you’ll really want VI on RAC, though...

Also, yeah, definitely Engine. Lets you kite infinitely better.

Darth Vader — TIE Advanced 29
Intensity 2
Advanced Targeting Computer 1
Engine Upgrade 4
TIE/x1 0
Ship Total: 36
Rear Admiral Chiraneau — VT-49 Decimator 46
Veteran Instincts 1
Seismic Torpedo 2
Kylo Ren 3
Agent Kallus 2
Hotshot Co-pilot 4
Engine Upgrade 4
Dauntless 2
Ship Total: 64

Kylo on RAC. Vader in a Patrol Leader. Go big or go home.

7 minutes ago, FTS Gecko said:

Kylo on RAC. Vader in a Patrol Leader. Go big or go home.

Not enough points

44 minutes ago, Frostthorn said:
Darth Vader — TIE Advanced 29
Intensity 2
Advanced Targeting Computer 1
Engine Upgrade 4
TIE/x1 0
Ship Total: 36
Rear Admiral Chiraneau — VT-49 Decimator 46
Veteran Instincts 1
Seismic Torpedo 2
Kylo Ren 3
Agent Kallus 2
Hotshot Co-pilot 4
Engine Upgrade 4
Dauntless 2
Ship Total: 64

That's close to mine:

Vader (29): Adaptability (0), Guidance Chips (0), Cruise Missiles (3), Advanced Targeting Computer (1), TIE/x1 (0)

RAC (46): Veteran Instincts (1), Engine Upgrade (4), Kylo Ren (3), Hotshot Co-pilot (4), Gunner (5), Dauntless (2), Seismic Torpedo (2)

I guess I'm going to be the only one voting for Quickdraw.. :P

I think PTL Quickdraw with harpoon missiles is a strong option. Her double tap is always strong, and if you're running rebel captive on RAC it makes for an annoying target choice for the opponent.

Either way with Quickdraw/Vader shooting first (before predator RAC) you can really double down on the crit damage with harpoons.

'Reardraw' - 98pts

RAC - Predator, Rebel Captive, Ysanne Isard, Kylo Ren (59pts)

'Quickdraw' - Push the Limit, harpoon missiles, Fire Control Systems, Primed Thrusters, Spec Ops, Guidance Chips (39pts)

2 hours ago, Hrathen said:

Not enough points

Pilots ------ Patrol Leader (43) VT-49 Decimator (40), Darth Vader (3)

Rear Admiral Chiraneau (57) VT-49 Decimator (46), Adaptability (0), Ysanne Isard (4), Kylo Ren (3), Engine Upgrade (4)

Plenty of points.

Rear Admiral Chiraneau — VT-49 Decimator 46
Adaptability 0
Emperor Palpatine 8
Kylo Ren 3
Dauntless 2
Ship Total: 59
"Whisper" — TIE Phantom 32
Veteran Instincts 1
Fire-Control System 2
Agent Kallus 2
Advanced Cloaking Device 4

Ship Total: 41

Think it's my preferred RAC recipe

5 hours ago, Frostthorn said:
Darth Vader — TIE Advanced 29
Intensity 2
Advanced Targeting Computer 1
Engine Upgrade 4
TIE/x1 0
Ship Total: 36
Rear Admiral Chiraneau — VT-49 Decimator 46
Veteran Instincts 1
Seismic Torpedo 2
Kylo Ren 3
Agent Kallus 2
Hotshot Co-pilot 4
Engine Upgrade 4
Dauntless 2
Ship Total: 64

I like this one, but drop Seismic Torps and Kallus and add rebel captive for a control element. Or trade Intensity for VI on Vader as well and squeeze in Gunner on RAC.

I'll go with Kylo, RAC's pilot ability just works so well with IWSYTDS.

For Vader I would put him on just a Patrol leader and maybe junk it up with Jerjerod and courier droid. That way you can take care of and face up with as little points spent possible. Since Vader makes any ship a suicide unit you want to keep it as cheap as possible. Getting a free use from Moff JJ can help deal with the face up crits that are thrown at you.

Edited by Marinealver

I have been playing around with squad builders, and I really like a couple (or maybe one ace) mangler cannon equipped star wing to fly with RAC (wiht kylo on board)

On 11/14/2017 at 3:36 PM, BVRCH said:

I guess I'm going to be the only one voting for Quickdraw.. :P

I think PTL Quickdraw with harpoon missiles is a strong option. Her double tap is always strong, and if you're running rebel captive on RAC it makes for an annoying target choice for the opponent.

Either way with Quickdraw/Vader shooting first (before predator RAC) you can really double down on the crit damage with harpoons.

'Reardraw' - 98pts

RAC - Predator, Rebel Captive, Ysanne Isard, Kylo Ren (59pts)

'Quickdraw' - Push the Limit, harpoon missiles, Fire Control Systems, Primed Thrusters, Spec Ops, Guidance Chips (39pts)

Nope, I’m on board with you in QuickDraw rac but hold my beer

Quickdraw" — TIE/sf Fighter 29
A Score to Settle 0
Fire-Control System 2
Harpoon Missiles 4
Primed Thrusters 1
Lightweight Frame 2
Special Ops Training 0
Ship Total: 38
Rear Admiral Chiraneau — VT-49 Decimator 46
Adaptability 0
Kylo Ren 3
Gunner 5
Hotshot Co-pilot 4
Engine Upgrade 4
Ship Total: 62

Thats how it’s done ;)

Edited by TheOz

Phantom obviously, it is the best ship ever.

3 hours ago, TheOz said:

Nope, I’m on board with you in QuickDraw rac but hold my beer

Quickdraw" — TIE/sf Fighter 29
A Score to Settle 0
Fire-Control System 2
Harpoon Missiles 4
Primed Thrusters 1
Lightweight Frame 2
Special Ops Training 0
Ship Total: 38
Rear Admiral Chiraneau — VT-49 Decimator 46
Adaptability 0
Kylo Ren 3
Gunner 5
Hotshot Co-pilot 4
Engine Upgrade 4
Ship Total: 62

Thats how it’s done ;)

I like the list, and I really like lightweight frame on Quickdraw (would of been in my list if points allowed) but he OP stated they already had a specific RAC build they were doing to use. Hence the RAC build in my list is the same as the OP had mentioned.

On 2017-11-14 at 1:09 PM, Ailowynn said:

Next choices for me would be (in no particular order) Carnor with VI, Ryad, Vessery, Inquisitor, Whisper. With any of those except maybe Carnor, I think you’ll really want VI on RAC, though...

I would not put Carnor in there because of the current meta. Triple Scurrg builds with autoblaster ...

I have had a fair amount of success with this:

QRAC

RAC, VI, Gunner, Vader, Kylo, EU, Dauntless - 64

Quickdraw, Adaptability (+1), FCS, LWF, Pattern Analyzer, Title - 35

13 hours ago, Hrathen said:

I have been playing around with squad builders, and I really like a couple (or maybe one ace) mangler cannon equipped star wing to fly with RAC (wiht kylo on board)

I really like this build:

Major Vynder — Alpha-class Star Wing 26
Deadeye 1
Harpoon Missiles 4
Jamming Beam 1
"Mangler" Cannon 4
Advanced SLAM 2
XG-1 Assault Configuration 1
Ship Total: 39
Rear Admiral Chiraneau — VT-49 Decimator 46
Veteran Instincts 1
Kylo Ren 3
Rebel Captive 3
Darth Vader 3
Engine Upgrade 4
Ship Total: 60

You can replace the jammer by a tractor. In the same ship you get a good regular attack that complement RAC (mangler), alpha strike with harpoon (also complement RAC nicely) and control with jam/tractor.

Other option would be:

Major Vynder — Alpha-class Star Wing 26
Veteran Instincts 1
Harpoon Missiles 4
XX-23 S-Thread Tracers 1
Advanced SLAM 2
Os-1 Arsenal Loadout 2
Ship Total: 36
Rear Admiral Chiraneau — VT-49 Decimator 46
Veteran Instincts 1
Kylo Ren 3
Gunner 5
Hotshot Co-pilot 4
Engine Upgrade 4
Ship Total: 63

1 hour ago, Jagos said:

I have had a fair amount of success with this:

QRAC

RAC, VI, Gunner, Vader, Kylo, EU, Dauntless - 64

Quickdraw, Adaptability (+1), FCS, LWF, Pattern Analyzer, Title - 35

Please rename this build

QUAC(K)

What does RAC mean again?

I wonder if one of the TIE Silencer pilots would be good?

I'm in favor of Quickdraw.

RAC - VI, Kylo, Palp, Engine, Dauntless (or 2pt bid)

Quickdraw - VI, FCS, Title, LWF, Sensor Cluster OR Pattern Analyzer

1 hour ago, Captain Lackwit said:

What does RAC mean again?

Rear Admiral Chiraneau. Top end Decimator pilot that converts 1 focus to a critical when attacking at Range 1-2

Edited by Crimsonwarlock

I don't really think Intensity is the best choice on Vader but the ability to have 2 evade tokens does sound kinda fun.