So I have a game coming up this week and it's my turn to be Imperials and I got to thinking about a Vader list.

I came up with the list below and would formation fly it and then break as needed. Adrenaline rush is becoming a real favorite of mine for the ability to pull that flip and be behind my opponents and still have all my actions.

To this extent I aim to use the Academy's as blockers whilst jumping the other three behind the opponent. The Engine Upgrades will help here if we don't land in range 1.

The list is maneuverable, not bad on firepower and 'feels' right.

I could do a similar thing with Squints I guess but have lower PS, but I am liking this set up.

Thoughts?

Nice list. I like putting Push The Limit on Howlrunner so he can evade AND focus. I never use my focus for Howlrunner to attack because he is usually an early target. Save focus for defense! I then put Howler in formation with a couple of other low skilled ties so they can reroll attacks. If you want to get really cute, you could put a Black Squadron pilot with Draw their Fire in Howlrunner's formation.

Engine upgrade on Vader, nice touch.

I tend to use vader away from the rest of my ships to force my opponents to choose who they want to go after. If they don't follow vader then he can follow and harass. If they do, he is evasive and can barrel roll out of the way. (I usually give him boost as well).

The list looks good, not sure about adrenaline rush haven't used it at all to tell you the truth. If you like how it plays and can do well with it, thats a good thing!

I actually came up with a list last night while i was tinkering around. Please note that I have limited exp playing imps (I usually play rebel scum)! Thought this would be a fun list to play AND has a good theme behind it as it is all vaders personal squadron.

4x Black Squadron 68pts

-4x Push the Limits

1x Vader

-1x Push the limits

The 4 black squadron pilots can do 2 actions and vader can do 3 each round.. it would be just silly. Alternatively you could drop the PTL on vader and give him a stealth device instead. If you are good at manuevering you could just concentrate on staying out of firing arcs. You don't have to worry about keeping a tight formation as you don't have howl. I'm probably going to use something like this soon, though without vader. I am probably going add stealths onto all of the blacks and add a bomber w/ torp.

Wow, Oddeye that is a pretty crazy list. I've always thought about darth with ptl, but with 2 actions it only feels like a 33% improvement rather then a 50% one

I may have to give this one a try, though I only own 3 ptl, its no problem for friendly games

Also, @viceroy. Howlrunner is a lady...

Wow, Oddeye that is a pretty crazy list. I've always thought about darth with ptl, but with 2 actions it only feels like a 33% improvement rather then a 50% one

I may have to give this one a try, though I only own 3 ptl, its no problem for friendly games

Yeah I only have 4 PTL, I'm one short for the list.. sigh.

Vader has target lock, barrel roll, evade, and focus. Plenty of actions to pick 3 from!

Also, @viceroy. Howlrunner is a lady...

Lol. Whatever. I know, and you know what I meant.

I am not a fan of PtL on Standard Ties as shedding stress isn't that easy. Also, it takes a cheap ship and makes it expensive.

Howlrunner is useful in this list, but not essential and you can't shoot her if she is behind you. (well unless you have a turret)

Adrenaline Rush is a nasty trick that can put you in a great position quickly and with nimble ties, it is hard for an opponent to turn on you quickly.

I actually prefer Adrenaline Rush on Howlrunner to Push the Limit. Two actions aren't a better defense than being where you're not supposed to be, still with an action.

I find push the limit on ties really isnt that great. It kills their movement dials big time.

Though the OP doesnt have any PtL in his list, and looks like it will be fun enough to fly.

The only thing is when upgrading a tie with engine upgrade, you have to ask yourself, would an interceptor not be better?

I have to agree that mauler mithel with engine upgrade is not really that great when you can get a saber squadron interceptor for the same cost. You lose some pilot skill but gain in basically every other department

Mauler's value (to me) is that he brings a decent amount of pilot skill and higher damage potential than the standard TIE for a relatively low cost.

I'm running a different type of Vader's Escort, I call Strike Wing:

Omicron w. HLC, Sensor Jammer, Darth Vader & Flight Instructor (39)

5x Academy Ties (60)

(Or sometimes 4x Academy Ties with Stealth, also 60 pts.)

Total 99 pts.

Am i the only one that runs a point heavy Vader?

Vader /w Concussion, PTL, Engine Upg

2 x Alpha Squadron

2 x Academy TIE

I used to have Vader /w Concussion, Expose, Stealth but i think the extra "extra" action and increased maneuvers is just better in the long run.