Thematic games I will still play him but I'm looking forward to a cheaper option for commander like Veers when he comes out

It's hard to say whether we'll see him down the line. If FFG learnt their lesson from previous game they will follow the Armada path. Only a few of Wave I stuff is not regularly played (namely Tarkin), and what's getting left behind soon gets a boost in some interesting upgrade card.

That said, I do believe people underestimate Vader's capabilities. Sure, he costs a lot, but he brings a lot as well. Not only he's a monster in dealing damage, he's the best area denial piece in the game that is mostly about being in the right place at the right time. He can get force push to move crucial troopers towards death/away from objectives, and Master of Evil is one of the best command cards shown yet, even if it requires a lot of practice. So his ability to play objective is really strong, stronger than anyone else right now. Playing him, one can and should abuse condition cards - since he doesn't care about suppression, he also doesn't care for Hostile Environment. Or you can abuse Limited Visibility to get him forward early without worrying for cover and then proceed with the destruction (possibly with Implacable turn 2, Master of Evil turn 3). Be mindful of your deployment also - Major Offensive and Disarray* are not beneficial, as forces are either further apart or spread out - not something that Vader wants.

Also note, that with New Ways to Motivate Them you can issue the order to yourself, even if you don't get the extra action benefit. It is useful in some cases. Also abuse NWtMT to push for victory points, unless you're crushing your opponent and you can table them.

* - this one might be really hurtful, as with Vader you will struggle to get another Leader on the board.

Just play to his strengths, pick and remember about the objectives/condition/deployment and treat him for what he is - a powerful centerpiece with both strong support and denial abilities far more important than his formidable staying power and offense.

10 hours ago, kaffis said:

Some people just like having a juggernaut of a commander, period. It means they can be aggressive with them (and having your commander on the front lines makes for convenient order issuing) without losing them quickly. In a game where you can only play your commander specific cards while they're alive, that's not nothing.

One could say he's worth building a deathstar around. sic

15 hours ago, starrius said:

Been thinking about this and while vader is really good having a - against suppression has it' downsides too.

Units not getting suppression means that they don't get cover from it which has actually saved units for my rebels before

Also means they lose one of their actions. but Vader always gets to use his 2 actions

Double post

My concern with Vader is Luke. Because Luke is so fast and deadly in melee, taking any Commander besides Vader and you'll just end up with a dead Commander. Luke's ability to leap over buildings in a single bound means that he can hide from incoming fire and still threaten a double move + attack.