Defenders of the Empire

By SlotcarDiehard, in X-Wing Squad Lists

Yes, I just want to play Tie Fighter for PC on my kitchen table.

Nu Squadron Pilot — Alpha-class Star Wing

18
Heavy Laser Cannon 7
Long-Range Scanners 0
XG-1 Assault Configuration 1
Ship Total: 26
Nu Squadron Pilot — Alpha-class Star Wing 18
Heavy Laser Cannon 7
Long-Range Scanners 0
XG-1 Assault Configuration 1
Ship Total: 26
"Wampa" — TIE Fighter 14
Ship Total: 14
Countess Ryad — TIE Defender 34
Intensity 2
TIE/x7 -2
Ship Total: 34

Could this list be more competitive though? I don't want to changes the 2 Gunboats because I love them. I'd like to keep it a four ship list as well. Thanks.

I'd swap Intensity for Juke, but otherwise seems like it should work.

3 hours ago, Biophysical said:

I'd swap Intensity for Juke, but otherwise seems like it should work.

Agreed. Juke is a pretty good choice for a TIE/x7. Intensity is okay, but double-evade-tokens at a cost of not having a focus instead isn't as amazing as it sounds.

The XG-1s have a pretty impressive punch, and Wampa is never a bad pick.

It should work - it's certainly worth a try

Seems like a solid list. The only think I'm thinking about is if there's a reasonable way to get Linked Batteries on those Nus. It'd require dropping Countess down to something like a PS 1 Delta Squadron, and giving it TIE Mk. II. I don't think that'd be better.

As to Juke/Intensity, I think both are worth experimentation in casual play, to figure out which suits you more. I don't think there's too much of a difference, and if Intensity is your jam, it's probably fine. I should also mention Lone Wolf, which I think has potential to be strong on a Defender, but I don't really like here since there are so many ships.

I get what folks are getting at with Juke, but personally I don't really love it unless I've got some way to ensure that my opponents don't have a focus token. With Countess attacking first, you can't even rely on your other ships having stripped tokens. I guess you'd be relying on Countess to strip tokens for others, then. Lack of focus against upcoming HLC shots is pretty nice, when I put it like that. Hrm. I'm getting a bit more bullish on Juke in this list. It's certainly worth considering.

Intensity is something I've liked on the table. I'll frequently take a Focus token from Intensity, same as I'd normally take if I didn't barrel roll, but getting barrel rolls in there greatly increases Ryad's maneuverability. Defenders are frequently so limited on what moves they can realistically take, and expanding that feels really valuable to me. With those 3 attack dice, I kinda want a focus every turn. Using Intensity to allow me to turn unused Evade tokens into Barrel Rolls can be handy. Folks often won't have shots, or may be focusing someone else, so it's not too hard to flip Intensity back in a short amount of time.

12 hours ago, SlotcarDiehard said:

Yes, I just want to play Tie Fighter for PC on my kitchen table.

Nu Squadron Pilot — Alpha-class Star Wing

18
Heavy Laser Cannon 7
Long-Range Scanners 0
XG-1 Assault Configuration 1
Ship Total: 26
Nu Squadron Pilot — Alpha-class Star Wing 18
Heavy Laser Cannon 7
Long-Range Scanners 0
XG-1 Assault Configuration 1
Ship Total: 26
"Wampa" — TIE Fighter 14
Ship Total: 14
Countess Ryad — TIE Defender 34
Intensity 2
TIE/x7 -2
Ship Total: 34

Could this list be more competitive though? I don't want to changes the 2 Gunboats because I love them. I'd like to keep it a four ship list as well. Thanks.

You could exchange Ryad for Carnor Jax with Autothrusters and Stealth Device. His area of effect ability can really shut down a list, then if you have ships focusing fire on one he is near, it'll melt them really quickly.

Of course, probably discard this suggestion if you're in a bomber meta.

Thanks for all the advice! I definitely see how Juke would be awesome. I do think I'm going to try both. I envision Ryad swarming a target like a bee while the Nu Age Outlaws bombard from a distance. Having her BR and token up just about every turn seems annoying (which I like), but Juke does seem a little punchier. Bummer, guess I'll just have to play more games until I figure out my style! And I love the idea of using Carnor too! Any excuse to dust off the Squints is always welcome.

Wouldn't Mareek be more thematic?

@malasombra You are right about that. I might even have to bring a joystick to my FLGS with that list.