X-Wing: Attack Pattern Upsilon
The Upsilon-Class Shuttle is heading your way – let’s take a quick look at what this ship will bring to the table.
Hello X-Wing Aces, I know we’ve talked a bit about the Upsilon-Class shuttle already but we didn’t talk about everything this beast has to offer. And make no mistake, this ship is a beast. We still don’t know what the dial will bring, but honestly I’m not too worried about it. Maneuverable or not, the shuttle will be a force to be reckoned with.
Let’s take a quick look at the pilots just so we have an idea of where to start:
Here’s your baseline. Look at those stats! If that 4 dice primary doesn’t immediately jump out at you I don’t know what else will get your attention. That’s 4 dice BASE, 5 at range 1. No, it’s not on a turret…but it is on a big base so it’s going to be able to cover some area. Next up, as we talked about it’s got a lot of upgrade slots – specifically 2 crew & 2 tech slots. That’s pretty saucy if you know what to look for. But let’s not go there – yet.
Lieutenant Dormitz, you sneak! That pilot ability, while really only useful once, is worth the 1 more point you’re paying for over the Starkiller Base Pilot. Plus he’s PS 3 – again, he’s only 1 point more. I’ll take it.
Major Stridan is up next and his ability is unique and also very useful. There are lots of upgrade cards that require you to be in range 1 of a friendly ship for an effect to trigger. This triples that range which on a big ship is a LOT of ground to cover. We’ll get back to what pairs well with him shortly.
The last pilot that has been revealed thus far is Kylo Ren. He triggers his special condition card that allows you to cause a specific crit when the conditions are met. I’m going to skip over that for this article because conditions are new and unique. And to be perfectly honest, I’m not a huge fan of them mechanically – at least on paper. I’m looking forward to seeing how they impact the game once they are out so I’m holding my final judgement until then.
Aside from that, he’s the only Upsilon-Class Shuttle pilot with an EPT. That can always be useful, however he’s also the most expensive pilot. So that’s going to limit the rest of the ship options.
Now, lets look at some of the crew coming with this new ship:
We’ve seen these before so I’m not going to go into detail on them other than to say they both apply the new conditions which we already touched on. I will say that Hux’s ability is actually nice. That’s a lot of “free” actions you can toss out.
Now, the part I’ve been waiting for – Upgrade cards:
We can’t skip the title card! Do you like tossing out free stress to your opponents who are unstressed? I know I do. If you’re running some back-up ships with Ion weapon options that can be quite a fun trip for you. At worst it helps you to limit your opponent’s movement a tad!
This is another weird card but I think it’s can really be used effectively to generate free focus for your ships. The downside is that it only triggers on attacks that miss. The upside is that you could theoretically cause a ship that’s up to range 5 away to get a free focus! Like I said, weird. Plus it’s 3 points for a crew slot. I’m sure there is a combo there but I’m not feeling it – if it trigger off an attack that hit instead…
Okay – this card is one I do like. And it’s in the Tech Slot. Firstly, every new Tech Slot card that comes out only makes those ships better across the board. Secondly this ability is REALLY good. It allows ships to not have to use their Target Locks to fire most Torpedoes or Missiles (so you can use your TL to re-roll for damage) AND if you whiff you can use this ships TL to get a re-roll. This card should make ARC-170 pilots named Shara Bey jealous.
I don’t even know what to say about this one. It screws with deployment in lots of weird ways, it also lets you give ships free focus or evade tokens. I think that’s a pretty interesting counter to Han Solo’s new card. Now if you combine that with Dormitz up top, some fast moving ships, and a bit of luck, you might actually get to take some shots at your enemy’s ships on the first turn. That could really surprise some folks!
For me, Major Stridan + Targeting Synchronizer is probably the least complicated starting point. I’d also want to include a Weapons Engineer to get as many Target Locks as possible. And sense we’re tossing out those same locks to all our friends, a Fire-Control system seems in order, don’t you think? Oh and just because I’m spit balling let’s toss in General Hux for fun and see what mayhem we’re generating.
Major Stridan – Upsilon-Class Shuttle – 42 points
- Targeting Synchronizer
- Weapons Engineer
- General Hux
- Fire-Control System
So yes, that’s pricey. But, when it’s “Go Time” all friendly ships within Range 3 are getting access to Target Locks and Focus. Plus when you shoot at something with this ship you get 2 Target Locks. I don’t see a reason that Weapons Engineer doesn’t trigger after Fire-Control System does.
Another thing I like about this build is that you can go either way with it for additional ships. If you have two aces that can fit in the remaining 58 points, I’m sure they would like access to free Target Locks and Focus. You can fit a bunch of TIEs in there if you wanted to run a swarm, too!
Personally, I want to go for something non-traditional. We’ve got free Target Locks and Focus – why not take some bombers?
The List: Upsilon Yours! – 100 points
Major Stridan – Upsilon-Class Shuttle – 42 points
- Targeting Synchronizer
- Weapons Engineer
- General Hux
- Fire-Control System
Scimitar Squadron Pilot – TIE Bomber – 29 points
- Extra Munitions
- Cluster Missiles
- Homing Missiles
- Ion Bombs
- Guidance Chips
Scimitar Squadron Pilot – TIE Bomber – 29 points
- Extra Munitions
- Cluster Missiles
- Homing Missiles
- Ion Bombs
- Guidance Chips
Really, you can take any sort of mix-and-match ordinance you want, the point is you got options. You don’t to spend your own target lock – you spend Major Stridan’s instead. He ALSO gets to use his Target Lock when he shoots because he’s got FCS so he’s getting it back. Plus, if you need to you an throw out some Focus to those Bombers, you know…just in case! And for fun I added in some Ion Bombs, because why not.
This ship has a lot of potential to be a great support ship. Once it comes out, I can’t wait to give it a whirl on the tabletop. What do you think?
Upsilon-class Shuttle Expansion Pack $39.95
Make your opponents fear the First Order and the dark side of the Force with the Upsilon-class Shuttle Expansion Pack for X-Wing™! It features one pre-painted, large-base miniature of the sleek, predatory shuttle that the First Order typically used to escort its high-ranking officers. Boasting both powerful weapons and shields, the shuttle also comes with a full complement of fifteen upgrades. These include advanced new technologies as well as the dark side warrior Kylo Ren, who allows you to hinder your foes with his associated condition, I’ll Show You the Dark Side.
New awesome support ship…or Palp My Ride?
