X-Wing miniatures is hitting the tabletops hot and heavy this winter as Episode VII has everyone wanting to be in the cockpit! But who are the best pilots?
5) Syndicate Thug (18 Build Points)
Similar to the Gold Squadron pilot (who’s also on this list) this scum version of the ubiquitous Y-Wing spacecraft benefits greatly from both the Twin Laser Turret, as well as the Unhinged Astromech upgrades that makes high speed turns a little easier for the older ship. Plus this Thug and three of the same equipped friends (TLT and Unhinged Astromech) makes a very competitive list on the tabletop.
4) Darth Vader (29 Build Points)
Vader’s stock has risen greatly since the new Tie Advanced upgrades came onto the scene with the release of the Imperial Raider! Builds with Vader vary greatly with Veteran Instincts, Lone Wolf, or Predator seening play with a smattering of Engine Upgrades in for good measure. However all the lists seem to auto include the new Adv. Targeting Computer and the TIE/x1 title.
My personal favorite build with him is Veteran Instincts, Engine Upgrade, Adv. Targeting Computer, and TIE/x1
3) Corran Horn (35 Build Points)
The venerable Corran Horn has quickly become a top performer in the E-Wing with his ability to deliver the Coup De Grace at the end of turn to any crippled fighter out there. Top builds usually include fire control system, and veteran instincts.
2) Gold Squadron Pilot (18 build points)
The Gold Squadron is back! Paul Heaver put a lot of faith in this ship on his way to the top in 2015, and the inclusion of the Stressbot (R3-A2)and Twin Laser turret definitely makes this ship an auto include in a lot of lists. But be wary a good opponent will know to concentrate all fire on this starship if you give them the chance.
1) Poe Dameron (31 Build Points)
The king of X-wing currently, Poe can quite literally do it all. Splash in some support pilots who help spread around target locks or even focus and his threat level goes up exponentially. Just don’t let him get stressed, or else a lot of his advantages go away.
There you have our mostly non official list of the top X-wing pilots you’ll probably see this winter!
Checkout our feature on the top Store championship lists from 2016 below.
X-Wing Store Champs 2016
Did you favorite pilot make the cut?
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
Bio: Virginia restless, miniature painter & cat dad. He blames LEGOs for all this, as there was something about those little-colored blocks that started it all. Spikey Bits sprung from Rob staying motivated to hobby on his backlog of projects, while sharing his knowledge with others during the early blogging era.
LEGO maniac and scale model hobbyist in the 80s turned miniature wargamer and trading card player ever since. He’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition), but Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and minatures made of pewter and resin.
