Top 5 X-Wing Squad Builds – Thugs for Life!
Wave 7 lists are finally making a splash on the X-wing scene, with one Scum build winning multiple European National Championships! Come see what’s hot in X-wing Miniatures now!
Thug Life
- Syndicate Thug + Twin Laser Turret x4 + Unhinged Astromech
The undisputed king of X-wing right now is once again the venerable Y-Wing, thug style. This list seems to be dominating the European scene and even finish top 3 at the NOVA Open in September.
The build is simple, yet brutally effective, dealing out an average of 2 hits per activation, in any direction, that’s enough to burn down most most large ships in one turn. It seems to be enough to keep players using two and three ship builds on their toes, however autothrusters and regenerating shield mechanics tend to mess up it’s groove a bit.
We put out a guide on a very nasty way to fly them as well that you may not want to miss either!
Ninja Destroyer Droids
- IG88-B (Veteran Instincts + Heavy Laser Cannon + Fire Control System + Autothrusters + Inertial Dampeners + IG-2000
- IG88-C (Veteran Instincts + Heavy Laser Cannon + Fire Control System + Autothrusters + Inertial Dampeners + IG-2000)
Back in the top five after getting de-throned for awhile. IG-88 has the right stuff it seems to deal with the new Thug Life squad that’s out there.
The best of a lot of worlds here. This IG88 build combines a free gunner ability with higher pilot skill, the ability to scheme from activation, and a free “0” move mulligan. You opponent should go for the ‘C’ version first as those free evades are a game changer, use that to your advantage.
Han on a Diet
- Han Solo + Luke Skywalker + Millennium Falcon + Predator+ Engine Upgrade + C‑3PO
- Z-95 Bandit Squadron Pilot x3
In the exact opposite of the Fat Han list we have a little less beefy version that makes up the difference with quantity not quality. I’m not sure how this will hold up to the new scum builds BUT if you use the Z-95’s right and prevent shots this list may have a chance at the top.
Han’s New Groove
- Jake Farrell (Veteran Instincts + Push The Limit + Proton Rockets + A‑Wing Test Pilot + Autothruster)
- Han Solo ( Engine Upgrade + Millennium Falcon + Luke Skywalker + C‑3PO + Predator;)
Sometimes referred to as ‘Fat Han’ this build is good at deflecting shots, and maximizing the output using predator to adjust the dice before using Han’s ability or engaging a new shooting phase with the under priced Luke in place of gunner.
Jake is a action master, and now cheaper than before with the test pilot ability. Hug the flanks and let loose when the time is right with his payload.
Flying casual is once again the key to victory, keep those ships close, but not too close.
Bigger Fish
- Corran Horn (R2-D2 + Veteran Instincts + Fire Control System)
- Dash Rendar (Engine Upgrade + Heavy Laser Cannon + Push The Limit + Kyle Katarn + Outrider)
Use Corran at Pilot Skill 10 to flank blast anything that focuses on Dash for too long. This list is all about angles, so learn the space curves and apply the squad’s overwhelming firepower well. Don’t be afraid to double up Corran’s shots to kill off the early threats.
Still a favorite of mine:
Rebel Bee Spam
- B-Wing Blue Squadron Pilot x4
- Z-95 Bandit Squadron Pilot
Not quite the undisputed king of the tournament circuit, that it used to be. It is however a solid 5 ship build that’s strength lies in the stock stat line of the B-Wing.
Master formation flying with this squad and there isn’t much that can take 16 attack dice at range one. If there is it may not be able to deal 20 shields and 12 hull points of damage back. Protect the z-95 if the game looks close so you don’t give up 12 free points, but don’t hesitate to sacrifice him to direct traffic or hunt down wounded prey if the game’s heavily in your favor.
Personally I prefer a mix of Ibstam with wired, or the four B build with accuracy corrector, and advanced sensors splashed about.
So that’s whats hot on the space curves right now folks. If you have a good combo and it’s not on in here, just keep flying casual! History has shown us that sometimes the top events are won by a bit of home brewing!
Get to your fighters, and may the Force Be With You!
