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: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, 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 models made of both pewter and resin.
