There seems to be a LOT of confusion about what Targeting Scrambler does. So let's go over it so we're all on the same page. I don't want to turn this into another thread about how bad it is (it's super bad), but a lot of the arguments about its value are based on misunderstanding it.

Sentiments like "it's good if you spam it" or "giving up a shot to protect friendly ships is totally worth it" are common and incorrect. So let's go over it.

1) It's unique. The bullet point to the left of the name of the card indicates that you can have only one in the squad. There will be no spamming it.

2) The scrambled condition states that when attacking the ship equipped with the scrambler at range 1, you may not modify dice. It has no support function, it only protects the ship it's on.

3) The condition is assigned at the start of the planning phase, so before dials are set. Your opponent will assign dials and take actions knowing your ship isn't shooting, and which ship will be less effective if he still decides to, or is unable to avoid, moving into range 1.

4) The condition card is removed in the end of the combat phase. Whether or not it affects the Ghost's end of phase turret shot (obviously not TLT) will be decided based on initiative, and it will have no effect on Corran Horn's second shot because that's in the end phase.

So, to recap. You can have only one, it protects only the ship it's on, the timing provides the maximum amount of counter-play opportunity, and there are a couple edge cases that can ignore it somewhat.

Its function is strictly as a disincentive to hammer the ship carrying it at range 1.

Thank you for reading and happy gaming!

In fewer words: Niche role. It's not very good, even for free.

19 minutes ago, Sekac said:

Its function is strictly as a disincentive to hammer the ship carrying it at range 1.

Finally, the nerf to TLT we've been waiting for.

Its unique?

Had no idea.

And here I thought this was going to be my 3x Engine Upgrade B-Wing fix.....oh well

7 minutes ago, Boom Owl said:

Its unique?

Had no idea.

And here I thought this was going to be my 3x Engine Upgrade B-Wing fix.....oh well

That's what I'm here for: shattering dreams with crushing reality.

You're welcome!

Really feels like it would be OK (and a lot more useful and FUN) if it prevented ANY enemy ship at Range 1 of it from modifying dice, not just any ship shooting at the Big Red Button™ carrier.

tl;dr - It is garbage even for free with the current spoiled cards. The ships it would be useful on can't use it (gunboat and kimo).

I think it's auto-take on a Palp shuttle because why not? It might keep Palp on the table for one more turn.

6 minutes ago, Sekac said:

I think it's auto-take on a Palp shuttle because why not? It might keep Palp on the table for one more turn.

My thoughts exactly. Put it on the shuttle and use it when he isn't going to have a shot anyways.

I'd rather have collision detector.

4 minutes ago, Hoffburger said:

I'd rather have collision detector.

What if you never rolled a crit, but someone blew up the shuttle because they had modded range 1 attacks.

Would you still be glad you took the collision detector?

I'd rather wave a "don't shoot me" flag and hope it works.

1 hour ago, Sekac said:

2) The scrambled condition states that when attacking the ship equipped with the scrambler at range 1, you may not modify dice. It has no support function, it only protects the ship it's on.

This is my biggest disappointment about it. It would be nice if this game developed significant non-combat support ships. This would have been a great start.

Could be a good card for a budget Scum Nym? You’re going to end up at R1 of something if you’re trying to throw bombs around.

Budget scum Nym should at least have an autoblaster, IMO. Broke-*** scum Nym should probably be a cheaper pilot with other upgrades.

So on to the real question, when you push that button, does it launch nukes or just order you a Diet Coke?

5 minutes ago, Kieransi said:

So on to the real question, when you push that button, does it launch nukes or just order you a Diet Coke?

Hands down the second option if a classic British butler brings the Diet Coke on a silver platter.

Yea, people are really underestimating how useful this free card will be on a Palp Shuttle or a Palp Reaper. I mean, it's certainly a lot better than Collision Detector, which is taking the spot now, typically.

I just like the idea of Papa Palp doing doughnuts in his shuttle while banging away at this comically large red button and cackling like a madman.

7 minutes ago, Kieransi said:

So on to the real question, when you push that button, does it launch nukes or just order you a Diet Coke?

I'm 90% certain it deploys the "EEP!" sign that Wile E. Coyote would hold up as the shadow of a falling anvil is expanding directly over him.

Just now, Sekac said:

I'm 90% certain it deploys the "EEP!" sign that Wile E. Coyote would hold up as the shadow of a falling anvil is expanding directly over him.

+1 for this if it simultaneously deploys the world's smallest lacey pink umbrella.

4 minutes ago, AllWingsStandyingBy said:

Yea, people are really underestimating how useful this free card will be on a Palp Shuttle or a Palp Reaper. I mean, it's certainly a lot better than Collision Detector, which is taking the spot now, typically.

TIE Reaper doesn't have a system slot.

12 minutes ago, AllWingsStandyingBy said:

Yea, people are really underestimating how useful this free card will be on a Palp Shuttle or a Palp Reaper . I mean, it's certainly a lot better than Collision Detector, which is taking the spot now, typically.

27 minutes ago, Estarriol said:

Could be a good card for a budget Scum Nym ? You’re going to end up at R1 of something if you’re trying to throw bombs around.

Suggested #5 entry to the OP: It's a system slot! You aren't going to be able to put it onto the ship you want, because that ship doesn't have a system slot. (At least, unless you title one in, if you can.)

11 minutes ago, xanderf said:

Suggested #5 entry to the OP: It's a system slot! You aren't going to be able to put it onto the ship you want, because that ship doesn't have a system slot. (At least, unless you title one in, if you can.)

I have literally no idea why you quoted me in this...

1 hour ago, Hoffburger said:

I'd rather have collision detector.

I've seen way more games where my opponent gets a range 1 shot at Palpatine from outside the shuttle's arc, than games where I've both had to fly my shuttle over an obstacle and rolled a crit.

The ability of this card to troll the Inquisitor already makes it worth the cost of admission.

49 minutes ago, PhantomFO said:

I've seen way more games where my opponent gets a range 1 shot at Palpatine from outside the shuttle's arc, than games where I've both had to fly my shuttle over an obstacle and rolled a crit.

The ability of this card to troll the Inquisitor already makes it worth the cost of admission.

You have to already be in range 1-3 before you move and give up any chance you might have had at a shot. You also are giving your opponent free information so if they end up face to face with the shuttle they don't even have to worry about being shot back at.

It is only useful when they get behind you and focus on the shuttle and you know you don't have a shot, but if they are just letting you hammer them while the shuttle tanks damage you have already won. If they are sticking to the shuttle and not avoiding your aces because they aren't there, you need to fly better. Basically, for a good player using a lambda, the collision detector will be more useful because you either want them to be shooting the shuttle or want to be able to shoot back.

Lastly, none of this matters anyways because the Reaper replaces the shuttle immediately when it comes out due to lightweight availability, likely better maneuverability, an evade action, a jam action, and is likely the same price as an omicron.