as a new player i am still experimenting with my squad builds and was wondering which R2 seems to be more useful overall. R2-D2 or R2F2?

on one hand re generating shields is always good right? and on the other adding a defence die is also pretty good. opinions?

The fact that R2-D2's ability is not an action is a big advantage. R2-F2 is useful if you know you are not in a good position to attack and want to improve defence but a focus action is free and possibly can be as effective. The humble generic R2 is not to be overlooked, making all move 1 and 2s green is useful for both X and Y wings and again is not an action and is cheap and not overcosted.

R2-D2 coupled with Shield upgrade is popular for your "top ace" X wing pilot who is going to draw enemy fire.

I personally prefer "passive upgrades" that do not cost an action to use so droids like R5-K6 and R5 are also useful.

R2-f2 is good if you are facing multiple attacks, since he is active for the entire round.

The Rebel pilot asks, "Which R2 is better?"

"The only good R2 is a dead R2," replies the Imperial pilot.

R2 units are amazing. You just cant go wrong with a rebel ship with any r series droid in the respective slot. Now whos better? I would have to say the normal R1. Heres why. All 1 and two manuevers are green. Thats better than anythiong the game can give. Do a red and then a hard turn 2 and youre still losing your stress. R2D2 is awesome but very expensive and he is #2 to me then lonely F2 is before any of the R5's. F2 isnt as good as evade, but it sure makes the X-wing one helluva dodger when he has to be. And it lasts for every attack against him that round. Pretty awesome.

The best thing about R2-D2 is that he is the cost of a shield upgrade that can be used again and again. If you don't run headlong into a swarm of enemies he will serve you well.

But I think it's important to take into account what your tactics are. I think R2-F2 shines in early game where his pilot can come under concentrated fire, while R2-D2 excels when he has little enemy fire on him in the late game. I try to fly them to take advantage of their strengths.

The generic R2 Unit is the best of the upgrades for the X-wing. I'll admit I wasn't on board with this card at first but I've found myself using it more and more. I like it better than R2-D2 because R2-D2 makes your moves predictable. R2-F2 burns your action. Now I'm not saying that these little guys don't have their place.

Biggs with R2-F2 and Stealth device flying in a squad that passes free actions or focuses will stay alive for a while.

Luke with R2-D2 is just annoyingly long lasting.

But the generic R2 for one point makes X-wings and Y-wings so much better.

Luke

R2 Astromech

Push the Limit.

So far the best combo for me.

Biggs + R2-F2 (increses agility) + stealth device.

Basic R2 is my go-to droid.

wow, so many options! lol, i will try out R2D2 and the R2 on a squad of x-wings and see how they go, and on my next squad try R2-F2. i really appreciate all the help!