Hatchetman becomes Huntsman

By LeMightyASP, in X-Wing Squad Lists

Hey all

Recently I've been looking to try to find a good Vynder build that doesn't rely on Jendon for locks. I realize you can get the most out of Vynder with that kind of support, but the shuttle tends to stick out like a sore thumb when with fast ships, like the starwing.

Since we can't be sure we'll have a lock (Vynder is I4), i wanted to try the cannon configuration. One of the more interesting cannons (in my opinion) is the ion cannon, because sometimes the 1st ion token can be more detrimental than a single damage. Advanced SLAM is an auto-include in any ship that has SLAM and can afford it. Outmaneuver is kind of a sneaky pick,. Due to his mobility (and the nature of the rest of the list) Vynder often finds himself behind the enemy, which means he can be a real threat with this talent. Due to the fact that Vynder can range control really well once he ionizes his target, i also wanted to include a package of FCS + Advanced Proton Torpedo to finish off a target with a really powerful attack. Vynder can grab a lock on a ion cannon turn and try to ionize his target with just FCS (and outmaneuver). Once the target is ionized, Vynder can close in on range 1, grab a focusand shoot with 5 dice, focus, lock and the debuff from outmaneuver. Since the gunboat gets a white reload action, Vynder can get multiple Advanced proton Torpedoes off in a game.

The rest of the squad consist of Soontir and Vader. I wanted to see how Vynder would do as the third ship on that classic Imperial Aces archetype, since i don't really like the Grand Inquisitor and I am pretty lukewarm about Duchess (just doesn't have enough bulk, not a good scene when you consider Soontir is also there).

Major Vynder (41)
Outmaneuver (6)
Fire-Control System (2)
Adv. Proton Torpedoes (6)
Advanced SLAM (3)
Xg-1 Assault Configuration (0)
Ion Cannon (5)

Ship total: 63 Half Points: 32 Threshold: 4

Darth Vader (67)
Hate (3)
Fire-Control System (2)
Afterburners (6)

Ship total: 78 Half Points: 39 Threshold: 3

Soontir Fel (53)
Predator (2)

Ship total: 55 Half Points: 28 Threshold: 2


Total: 196

View in Yet Another Squad Builder 2.0: https://raithos.github.io/?f=Galactic Empire&d=v8ZsZ200Z161X126W113W134WW104W144W11Y173X204W113WW105Y179X127WW&sn=Unnamed Squadron&obs=

This second list tries to capitalize on Vynder's Ion cannon to setup blocks with Oicunn. Duchess is just a good Pocket Ace for the points she costs.

Major Vynder (41)
Outmaneuver (6)
Fire-Control System (2)
Adv. Proton Torpedoes (6)
Advanced SLAM (3)
Xg-1 Assault Configuration (0)
Ion Cannon (5)

Ship total: 63 Half Points: 32 Threshold: 4

Captain Oicunn (74)
Intimidation (3)
Darth Vader (14)
Dauntless (4)

Ship total: 95 Half Points: 48 Threshold: 8

"Duchess" (42)
Ship total: 42 Half Points: 21 Threshold: 2


Total: 200

View in Yet Another Squad Builder 2.0: https://raithos.github.io/?f=Galactic Empire&d=v8ZsZ200Z161X126W113W134WW104W144W11Y215X122WW26WWWWWW147Y211XWWW&sn=Unnamed Squadron&obs=

What are your thoughts? What gunboat builds have you been using outside of lean generics and the famous Hatchetman build?

Marksmanship+Autoblaster is fun.

2 hours ago, KingmanHighborn said:

Marksmanship+Autoblaster is fun.

That seems like a pretty budget combo (points-wise) but i think that without barrel roll, boost and at I4 Vynder will have a hard time lining up the bullseye.

I would just about drop outmaneuver. But I’ve been flying the same.

I’ve found Ruthless too be a good talent with right combo. Usually only when I let loose the apt. Or just crackshot.

but I’ll try outmaneuver.

39 minutes ago, JBFancourt said:

I would just about drop outmaneuver. But I’ve been flying the same.

I’ve found Ruthless too be a good talent with right combo. Usually only when I let loose the apt. Or just crackshot.

but I’ll try outmaneuver.

Yes, outmaneuver feels bad probably because it is a tad overpriced. But i think that Vynder is probably the best ship at working with it.

I could see ruthless working pretty well in the Deci list, but i dont think i would put it in the Aces list, because all of the Hp on that list is very valuable

Put passive sensors on Vader, way more important than Hate. If anything else, go FCS+Sense. You have the points.