Flashback, Part II: Imperial Wave 1 Lists
By Robert M.– February 3, 2013
Introduction
As I mentioned recently, I’m looking forward to an upcoming local Wave 1 tournament. I posted a pair of Rebel lists, and here are the Imperial equivalents. Again, these aren’t set in stone, but they’re what I’m most seriously considering. As always, feedback is welcome!
Variation on Vader
- Darth Vader (29) + Concussion Missiles (4)
- Howlrunner (18)
- Academy Pilot (12)
- Academy Pilot (12)
- Academy Pilot (12)
- Academy Pilot (12)
This list is essentially a variation on a thoroughly tested and successful formula (Vader + Howlrunner + 4 Academy Pilots, plus 5 points of upgrades). It trades the more typical option of gaining early firing position (2x Swarm Tactics) for an early dollop of damage against someone you don’t like–very possibly someone whose name starts with “W” and ends with “edge Antilles”. Stripping an X-wing’s shields and very possibly (33%) dealing a critical hit is a good start to a match, particular with Howlrunner and company roaring ahead.
The list is only 99 points, and I’m torn about whether or not to leave it there or add Determination to finish out at 100.
You know, I've never actually seen anyone else put one of these on the table.
Missiles Away
- Darth Vader (29) + Swarm Tactics (2) + Concussion Missiles (4)
- Tempest Squadron Pilot (21) + Concussion Missiles (4)
- Black Squadron Pilot (14) + Squad Leader (2)
- Academy Pilot (12)
- Academy Pilot (12)
I could have sworn I’d written about this before, but a quick trip through my archives didn’t reveal anything. This was my Kessel Run list, and it’s an original–as far as I know, I’m the first person to talk about this list online, although I know there are a few people out there who came up with it independently.
The idea is that Vader and the Tempest Squadron Pilot both fire Concussion Missiles with Focus as early as possible, and then you do your best to drop whatever’s left. It does reasonably well in mirror matches, although it has a tendency to generate modified wins against smart and/or conservative opponents. The drawback is that it has a hard time keeping up with the firepower of a 4-ship Rebel list–and even a 3-ship list can create problems, particularly since it’s hard for the Tempest to gain an early Target Lock on a list featuring highly skilled pilots.
Your thoughts, world?
My take on list #1:
– I like the Howlrunner + x4 Academy Pilot swarm.
– I would put Determination on Howlrunner.
That list will be expected, but I’m not sure what an opposing player could really do about it. x4 Rookie Pilot each with a PT might be a stronger counter to it… just take out Howlrunner’s swarm from range 3 and then clean up. That list would not struggle against a whole lot, since X-wings are durable enough to survive making a TL lock and subsequent k-turn to fire.
My take on list #2:
– I would lose Swarm Tactics on Vader.
– I would change TempestSP to StormSP.
The change of pilots would make the TL lock much easier to grab, likely against a softer target (a Rookie Pilot as opposed to a Biggs-guarded Wedge or a Luke). The TempestSP isn’t particularly suited to carrying a payload because of TL lock timing — I would actually say the best use for it is yet to come, as TempestSP w/ Stealth Device is 24 points of hard-to-kill. It would be AGI 4 w/ Focus, generally fire last unless against an “oldschool” TIE Fighter Swarm to safely expend Focus, and would likely be the following list:
–100 points–
26 StormSP w/ Stealth Device
26 StormSP w/ Stealth Device
24 TempestSP w/ Stealth Device
24 TempestSP w/ Stealth Device
It would be a list of tanks — AGI 4 w/ Focus rolls in, repels what it can. Ships that do take damage definitely survive. Return modest fire. It’s similar to a x4 Rookie Pilot list, except that you’ll be using Focus on offense more because AGI dice levels mean you’ll get to keep it more often. I think you could replace the Storm Squadron Pilots with Firespray (w/ Push the Limit and Stealth Device) to get a similar tanky squad with perhaps more firepower.
Actually promoting the Tempest Pilot in the second list won’t help. He already gets Target Lock (or can, anyway) via Squad Leader at PS4.
Stealth on a Tempest Pilot is an interesting idea, but it leaves me with the A-wing question: where does the offense come from?
You are right about Squad Leader to grant TL — the Tempest Squadron Pilot will have already moved. That lets you keep Swarm Tactics. I approve of list #2 as well then.
I would say that aside from bringing a payload, A-wings and TIE Advanced are designed to stunt enemy offense — basically neither side has high offense. You wouldn’t bring an easily killed Y-wing in an A-wing squad, and you’d want to tank up any other ship you brought (Chewbacca crewman on YT-1300, Stealth on Luke, etc). I think aside from Vader the TIE Advanced are a hair overpriced for what you get, but one thing they do exceptionally well is move to range 1 and survive there… and while they are there, they draw fire off your other ships that might be smarter targets. It’s hard to chase a TIE Advanced and kill it — too mobile, too agile, too tough.