Guys, I so desperately want to dominate with an ACE defender. But there’s just so many obstacles to overcome. Tell me which list you see being meta viable.

Help me, FFG Forum Community, you’re my only hope!

Other suggestions welcome!

A) The Support Variant (sub in Lambda too, prefer Sai/Title)

(53) Soontir Fel [TIE Interceptor]
(2) Predator
Points: 55

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(2) Fire-Control System
(7) Juke
Points: 90

(49) Major Vermeil [TIE Reaper]
(1) Composure
Points: 50

Total points: 195

B) The Adv Sensors Varient (Sub in Imdaar Phantom, big question between Sense or deeper bid too 🤷‍♂️ ) FYI Juke doesn’t work that well with Adv Sen

(53) Soontir Fel [TIE Interceptor]
(2) Predator
Points: 55

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(3) Autoblasters
(10) Advanced Sensors
(1) Marksmanship
Points: 95

(43) Seventh Sister [TIE Advanced v1]
Points: 43

Total points: 193

C) Two Ship Variant

(76) Rear Admiral Chiraneau [VT-49 Decimator]
(14) Darth Vader
(2) Hull Upgrade
(5) Lone Wolf
(4) Dauntless
Points: 101

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(10) Advanced Sensors
(7) Juke
Points: 98

Total points: 199

😬 🤷‍♂️

One of my buddies was running Rex and RAC, it was decent. Not sure on the load, but I'm sure it wasn't AS and Juke.

The other 2 builds look pretty solid too.

Out of the 3, I'd go with Soonts and Sis, but that would be personal preference more than anything else. I like that Rex build as well, but haven't got round to trying it.

My successes with Rex have generally been when he has a couple of squirrelly mates to draw the attention and carry him into the end game or leave him with comfortable 1v1 or 2s in the mid. That large point investment and heavy durability are an unpleasant thing to have just out of reach, as an opponent.

I've tried running him with just Crack Shot, but found he was a bit limp. He needs to avoid a lot of attention, so I prefer him hitting hard when he can, rather than plinking away and having to fight variance and force unfavourable engagements.

Rexler Brath (81)
Juke (7)
Fire-Control System (2)

Ship total: 90 Half Points: 45 Threshold: 4

Soontir Fel (53)
Predator (2)

Ship total: 55 Half Points: 28 Threshold: 2

Inquisitor (35)
Supernatural Reflexes (8)
Passive Sensors (3)
Concussion Missiles (6)

Ship total: 52 Half Points: 26 Threshold: 2


Total: 197

Squirrely self double-modded inq alternative.

I've actualy not used Rex for ages, so thought I'd revisit an old list. I've run these 3 in a variety of forms. 2 copies of Juke provided the best return, but times have changed a great deal.

I did, at one point, have a SuperInq in the v1 slot, with Clusters, but that was Crack Shot Rex, who slightly disappointed, as mentioned.

I'm not hugely sold on locking with Echo, without 5th Bro, but it may be possible to keep her safe and threatening, if offering up Rex to some risk. Dependant on game state. FCS plus TC is clearly an uptick on Passives and makes saving the lock a solid choice.

There's obviously a lot of wiggle. Stripping Echo back to just Outmanouevre and going for Homing 5th Bro strikes me as a nice new thing.

In any case, a ~90pt Rex with Echo and a v1 looks decent to me, going on past experience. It's definitely less risky than Soontir in my hands.

7th Sis was always great with nothing, even at 46pt.

(51) "Echo" [TIE/ph Phantom]
(3) Targeting Computer
(2) Fire-Control System
(6) Outmaneuver
Points: 62

(43) Seventh Sister [TIE Advanced v1]
Points: 43

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(3) Autoblasters
(10) Advanced Sensors
(1) Marksmanship
Points: 95

Total points: 200

I think I'm going to be looking a bit harder a this, it's an old fave.

You made me think of this.... it seems either Juke OR Adv Sen. I thought LW might be nice to increase overall Dmg. Fifth Bro with Sense to direct the decloak.

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(10) Advanced Sensors
(5) Lone Wolf
Points: 96

(57) "Whisper" [TIE/ph Phantom]
Points: 57

(42) Fifth Brother [TIE Advanced v1]
(5) Sense
Points: 47

Total points: 200

Looks good. I'd be strongly tempted to forgo AS there and pump Whisper up. You've got 2 really strong end game ships, if Whisper is less variance prone. Sense plus decloak is neat....

On Juke and AS, I've tried it in the past. Obviously counterproductive, but gives 2 very strong options. It really depends on what Rex's role is. If going for fortress Rex, it's still a good build. You're looking to have him on full points at the finish, so nothing you put on him is really wasted. You can AS to bail out of a bait run, or set up a solid approach, then go Juke somethings lights out.

It's not prime efficiency, but it definitely isn't bad, just sets certain limits which need to played around.

Alternatively, with a full end game ace like Soontir or a more beefy Whisper, you can go brawler Rex, where AS wants those passive mods or leaving out. You'll be winging it a bit more, going for more attacks, with perhaps less punch and will certainly want to lose less on Rex should things go belly up.

Being able to flex between the 2 is obviously going to be the best option though. I quite fancy the Blaster build for that.

@Cuz05

I do believe in balance of power. Without AS or a coordinator munchkin, Rexy shoots every other round... or you toss him away. 🙄 🙄

But idk, a good Whisper makes one think twice before diving all in on Rex.

I think I’m gonna give this some reps on Vassal..... I’ll let you know 🤔 Next I’ll try a more balanced Phantom.

I Love Thee Rexee

(53) Soontir Fel [TIE Interceptor]
(2) Predator
Points: 55

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(10) Advanced Sensors
(5) Lone Wolf
Points: 96

(43) Imdaar Test Pilot [TIE/ph Phantom]
Points: 43

Total points: 194

I've put in a fair amount of time with Coordinator Munchkins, but I’m gonna try a third gun now. The problems with CMs is they struggle to pull their weight.....

19 hours ago, JBFancourt said:

I do believe in balance of power. Without AS or a coordinator munchkin, Rexy shoots every other round... or you toss him away. 🙄 🙄

But idk, a good Whisper makes one think twice before diving all in on Rex.

That gets me thinking... What's the best ship that can fit along with a Juke Whisper and a Juke Rex ?

• Whisper with Toys (Juke, Fifth Brother, Passive Sensors) brings her to 78, so 34 left, for options like:
  • Alpha Interceptor tops my list. I like the flexible mobility better than the Striker.
  • Ion Cannon Turret Sienar Specialist TIE Aggressor is a runner up. Pesky little control ship.
• Whisper without Toys (just Juke) is 64, so 48 points to play with
  • Seventh Sister or Fifth Brother are good options. 5-6 points for upgrades, so Sense or Homing Missiles could work. Got to get the lock the old fashioned way, but still kinda scary.
  • Captain Feroph is probably wicked tanky with two Jukes stripping tokens, but not that impressive without crew or more than Crack Shot as a talent. Jam is nice, though.
  • Pure Sabacc seems like the most tempting Striker. Duchess is a solid ship, but not exciting here. PS is a lot of punching power if ignored, and a major distraction piece might be what the list needs.
  • The thing which really fascinates me, however, is Tomax Bren with Mag Pulse Warheads . Toss on Crack Shot because why not for 42 points of pure pest, and 6 points to spare (a Bomb? Collision Detector for amazing mobility on Whisper? Afterburners on Tomax for some absurd threat range to thwart range control?). Anyhow, Init 5 is a place where MPW might actually be effective with the disarm token, and with two Jukes in the list being able to jam off a Focus token could be really strong.

//

Just because I think Tomax would be a hoot, and I want to test if he actually would be a nice filler ship:

• Tomax Bren (Crack Shot, Mag Pulse Warheads) 42
• Rexler Brath (Juke) 88
• Whisper (Juke, Collision Detector) 70

No bid necessary, since shooting first is so useful with MPW and Juke.

@theBitterFig , so I’ve repped Adv Sen Rexy and I’m addicted. So here’s a thought:

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(10) Advanced Sensors
(7) Juke
Points: 98

(57) "Whisper" [TIE/ph Phantom]
(6) Collision Detector
(7) Juke
Points: 70

(31) Alpha Squadron Pilot [TIE Interceptor]
Points: 31

Total points: 199

Best blocker in the game and still a good 3 die gun if ignored. 🤔 🤔

Oh man, I love both of those.

Defender was one of the first ships I bought, and I’ve had some experience with it. It is hard to fit into a competitive list, though. Here’s one I came up with:

-Rexlar Brath (88)
•Juke (7)

-Pure Sabaac (51)
•Juke (7)

Scarif Base Pilot (59)
•Darth Vader (14)
•Tactical Officer (6)

I’ve really been enjoying Vader with the SBP lately. Being so maneuverable really helps you keep the forward arc on target for him to trigger, and people hate Vader, making the SBP a minor distraction piece. In addition, tactical officer replaces Advanced Sensors: at 4 points cheaper, if you are flying moderately close, you get to trigger the free evade and Juke as well. Pure Sabaac is in as a distraction piece, and Juke helps him keep damage off with passive mods. Rexlar is Rexlar.

I like flying Imp Aces when you can choose who goes when, and this little squad hits like a truck.

Aces High

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(7) Juke
Points: 88

(57) "Whisper" [TIE/ph Phantom]
(7) Juke
Points: 64

(45) Maarek Stele [TIE Advanced x1]
(2) Fire-Control System
(1) Crack Shot
Points: 48

Total points: 200

I like the way @Cyptor thinks... but:

New Squadron

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(2) Fire-Control System
(7) Juke
Points: 90

(57) "Whisper" [TIE/ph Phantom]
(7) Juke
Points: 64

(39) Scarif Base Pilot [TIE Reaper]
(3) Seasoned Navigator
(4) Stealth Device
Points: 46

Total points: 200

Guy’s..... 😜 Been flying my above mentioned build and let me just say that a couple of times I’ve gotten to the endgame with Rexy as the last man standing.

Adv Sens / Lone Wolf Rexy is a DREAM in the endgame 😁 😁 😁 AND normally I’m leading in points with a comfortable 102 points tied up in Rex. 😜

Edit: I guess I was kinda vague. This is the list I’m currently repping.

I Love Thee Rexee

(53) Soontir Fel [TIE Interceptor]
(2) Predator
Points: 55

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(10) Advanced Sensors
(5) Lone Wolf
Points: 96

(43) Imdaar Test Pilot [TIE/ph Phantom]
Points: 43

Total points: 194

13 hours ago, clanofwolves said:

I like the way @Cyptor thinks... but:

New Squadron

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(2) Fire-Control System
(7) Juke
Points: 90

(57) "Whisper" [TIE/ph Phantom]
(7) Juke
Points: 64

(39) Scarif Base Pilot [TIE Reaper]
(3) Seasoned Navigator
(4) Stealth Device
Points: 46

Total points: 200

Yeah, I would agree with this, actually. For me, it’s just a personal preference between Whisper and Pure Sabaac. And I’ve seen people tend to get so freaked out over Sabaac, by the time he blows up (usually very early, cause every time a killbox is created specifically for him) he actually has done 1/3 of the damage the SPB or Rexler has done.

Jeez , Vader and Juke together create a monster. Vader usually will strip the green token from the target ship before Rexler or Sabaac absolutely obliterates it with Juke due to lack of green mods. Even Force users die really fast. It’s pretty insane, and I highly recommend trying Vader in this list.

Tactical Officer’s actually not (surprise) that useful. Taking him off. I don’t coordinate enough to make a white coordinate 6 points better than a red one.

Just curious, but @clanofwolves , what is your thought process with your SBP upgrades.

13 hours ago, JBFancourt said:

Guy’s..... 😜 Been flying my above mentioned build and let me just say that a couple of times I’ve gotten to the endgame with Rexy as the last man standing.

Adv Sens / Lone Wolf Rexy is a DREAM in the endgame 😁 😁 😁 AND normally I’m leading in points with a comfortable 102 points tied up in Rex. 😜

Glad it’s working out for you, man, I’ll give your version a spin sometime 🙂

Edit: Meant Tactical Officer, not Seasoned Navigator. Fixed.

Quite like the Reaper Vader Juke horror show and have only just noticed how cheap the SBP is now. This fits nice.

(51) "Echo" [TIE/ph Phantom]
(7) Juke
Points: 58

(39) Scarif Base Pilot [TIE Reaper]
(14) Darth Vader
Points: 53

(81) Rexler Brath [TIE/D Defender]
(7) Juke
Points: 88

Total points: 199

12 hours ago, Cyptor said:

Just curious, but @clanofwolves , what is your thought process with your SBP upgrades.

🙂

With good rock placement and seasoned navigator, you can put that SBP right where your opponent doesn’t want it, messing with their whole strategy, and doing far more damage than her points are worth. Riskier than Vader? Yes. Better? IDK. 😉

13 minutes ago, clanofwolves said:

With good rock placement and seasoned navigator, you can put that SBP right where your opponent doesn’t want it, messing with their whole strategy, and doing far more damage than her points are worth. Riskier than Vader? Yes. Better? IDK. 😉

I see where you are headed, and I’ll give it a try 😉

38 minutes ago, clanofwolves said:

With good rock placement and seasoned navigator, you can put that SBP right where your opponent doesn’t want it, messing with their whole strategy, and doing far more damage than her points are worth. Riskier than Vader? Yes. Better? IDK. 😉

Why not just red coordinate? Or heck for the 6 points get Vizier? His ability coordinate is white and his normal is red so a ton of options there

3 hours ago, JBFancourt said:

Why not just red coordinate? Or heck for the 6 points get Vizier? His ability coordinate is white and his normal is red so a ton of options there

On the one hand, I really get it with Seasoned Navigator. Dial in something, potentially change it to a white straight of the same speed (or a 1-bank), and do this after an Ailerons move. That's an immense amount of movement flexibility.

However, it's flexibility at Init 1.

Ought to be able to just dial it it.

//

Bringing a Seasoned Navigator SBP or two with a Sense pilot could be really nice, however, since that'll let you know where you want to be.

2 hours ago, theBitterFig said:

On the one hand, I really get it with Seasoned Navigator. Dial in something, potentially change it to a white straight of the same speed (or a 1-bank), and do this after an Ailerons move. That's an immense amount of movement flexibility.

However, it's flexibility at Init 1.

Ought to be able to just dial it it.

//

Bringing a Seasoned Navigator SBP or two with a Sense pilot could be really nice, however, since that'll let you know where you want to be.

There was a mistake. He meant tac officer for the white coordination. Which of course begs to just fly vizier IMHO.

Bad News guys: 😢

I got CLEANED by the classic Boba/Fenn list.

Factors (include but not limited to):

1) Dice were so freakin in his favor. Fenn tapping 5/5 with only a focus. Natural evades... 😡

2) He flew well, a couple small mistakes, but my dice never punished him for them.

3) I made a SERIOUS tactical error on approach. I thought I had kept safe from the Range 1 Fenn shot.

4) Every block I set up failed. Sometimes by millimeters, sometimes by a FREAKIN MILE!

5) My worthless upgrades equaled his massive bid (6 point bid and 10 point Adv Sens, both basically wasted in this matchup).

I liked my basic philosophy, I just flopped on the execution.

A) Send Soontir to bully Boba. This worked well and kept Boba away from Rexy and Phantom for around 4 turns.

B) Rexy takes on Fenn. I’ve done this before and it works well. Like ripping off a bandaid just get the first 5v3 over with. No biggie, since Boba is busy with Fel, I can take it — Rexy is a big boy. Win on the 4K and allow Phantom to plink at range.

Then it goes wrong... I gave him a range 1 on Phantom that I thought I could avoid ... 1 HP left and no cloak. Rexy gets NOTHING on shots.

No worries, block and confound while Rexy stays pesky. Miss two blocks and allow him to mod/escape. Blows up Phantom.

Boba is back in the fight, not one damage to Fenn. Boba has some shields down. Nothing major.

Miss a block on Fenn with Soontir.... the rest plays out as expected at this point.

Good practice tho. This list is stronger against swarmy builds than Boba/Fenn type lists.

5 hours ago, JBFancourt said:

There was a mistake. He meant tac officer for the white coordination. Which of course begs to just fly vizier IMHO.

Eh, missed that.

Anyhow, Seasoned Navigator does look wicked sweet on a Reaper. If you're not Init 1.

I don’t know how I’m going to help you beat Boba Fenn, @JBFancourt , but I can confirm one thing...

This list sucks.

-Vizier (45)

-Rexler (92)
•Juke (7)
•Ion Missiles (4)

-Lieutenant Kestal (63)
•Juke (7)
•Fifth Brother (11)
•Stealth Device (6)
•Barrage Rockets (8)

Yes, it was stupid, and I found that out very quickly after being devoured alive by ****ing LEHUSE

Seriously, stay away from aggressors

13 minutes ago, Cyptor said:

Seriously, stay away from aggressors

Ion Cannon Turret Aggressors look really reasonable. In a lot of ways, it's quite similar to the established Ion Cannon M3A Scyks at the same 31 points. It trades a 3 agility 4 health statline for 2/5, which is roughly comparable in terms of toughness. The dial is wide open; reasonable but not astonishing. You lose Range 3 Ion Cannon, but gain the turret. I think they'd probably do OK.

But yeah.

Stay away from any Aggressor over 31 points, particularly ones which need outside action support.