Can someone explain the main benefit of using an Operative Vader vs a Commander Vader. Seems like an expensive option, since you would still be required to get a commander. I will grant that the Operative Vader has some nice cards and can get into the fray faster because of them and his spur option.

You can use any or all of the cards with either Vader.

41 minutes ago, Tri3 said:

Can someone explain the main benefit of using an Operative Vader vs a Commander Vader. Seems like an expensive option, since you would still be required to get a commander. I will grant that the Operative Vader has some nice cards and can get into the fray faster because of them and his spur option.

By spending only 30 or 25 more points you have another unit/activation (commander Vader has a base cost of 190 or 195 if you consider Saber Throw a must, and operative Vader is 170 plus 50 for the generic commander). Also operative Vader can get faster to engage in melee thanks to Spur.

As for the command cards, as @LunarSol mentioned, all of the Vader cards can be used by any of the Vader versions.

Jedi Hunter trait is extremely useful in battles against luke or Obi. Also having a 3 suppression value is really nice so he has light cover a lot whereas commander vader can't benefit from suppression

Commander Vader can be the centerpiece of your army, fill a commander role, and use Operative Vader's cards as needed. Operative Vader is faster, can get a suppression taken, and if taken with a commander can be lost without losing your army to panicking.

Flexibility is another big reason to take the Operative Vader version. You can throw him at half the board and use him to tie up/lock down whole areas with minimal support. And since he is an operative as opposed to your commander you can have the rest of your army elsewhere. It is a huge threatening piece that your opponent will have to focus down and thus draw fire away from the rest of your army with the added bonus of if he goes down your army won't break/be down a commander.

The real reason is: So that you can enjoy the challenging puzzle of how to explain to the non-gamers in your life why you spent $15 on a character you already had!

2 hours ago, TauntaunScout said:

The real reason is: So that you can enjoy the challenging puzzle of how to explain to the non-gamers in your life why you spent $15 on a character you already had!

i don't plan on getting him, i will participate in a Prime and get all i need.

Now, I personally play casually.

But in a tournament setting, can one have Commander Vader, but use the Operative Vader figure in their place?

2 hours ago, Shadowshand said:

Now, I personally play casually.

But in a tournament setting, can one have Commander Vader, but use the Operative Vader figure in their place?

Yes, as long as you can determine what the miniature is intended to represent. (They word it more precise in the tournament guide)

4 hours ago, Shadowshand said:

Now, I personally play casually.

But in a tournament setting, can one have Commander Vader, but use the Operative Vader figure in their place?

1 hour ago, flightmaster101 said:

Yes, as long as you can determine what the miniature is intended to represent. (They word it more precise in the tournament guide)

So just keep the Operative Vader card in the binder, and you should be good as long as you show your opponent your list.

If you’re looking at replacing Commander Vader with Operative Vader *and* another commander just to fulfill the rank, then you are probably better off sticking with the original. If you have another commander anyway and are just deciding which Vader to use, the operative is cheaper, more mobile (due to Spur), and has a built-in Ranged attack and Training upgrade slot.

Sorry, double post.

2 hours ago, GooeyChewie said:

If you’re looking at replacing Commander Vader with Operative Vader *and* another commander just to fulfill the rank, then you are probably better off sticking with the original. If you have another commander anyway and are just deciding which Vader to use, the operative is cheaper, more mobile (due to Spur), and has a built-in Ranged attack and Training upgrade slot.

The operative makes it so you can run a halfway decent sith lords list with Palpatine and Operative Vader

Pulling the strings on Vader once hes in melee range is just terrifying