Another post on EPTs (thanks for all the help on VI vs Predator on Han Solo).
So, finally got my S&V ships and OF COURSE I wanna drop to Aggressors on the field and see what I can do.
The Aggressor seems to be the S&V ship that has faired the best so far (overall).
I feel like it has everything but one thing, a PS that sits at a strange place and going for VI feels wonky.
Some examples of squad that has done pretty well in the tournaments (taken from Squad Ranker):
IG88-B + Seismic Charges + Advanced Sensors + Predator + Autothrusters + “Mangler” Cannon + IG-2000 (50)
IG88-C + Seismic Charges + Advanced Sensors + Predator + Autothrusters + “Mangler” Cannon + IG-2000 (50)
I like all the upgrades here besides the Seismic. This is probably since I haven’t been using it myself or seen it being used that effectively. Guessing I’m wrong here and I love the fact that this build is symmetric (until one IG goes down).
IG88-B + Heavy Laser Cannon + Push The Limit + Fire Control System + Autothrusters + IG-2000 (50)
IG88-C + Heavy Laser Cannon + Push The Limit + Fire Control System + Autothrusters + IG-2000 (50)
Wow, this is really different. Where the first squad is a hit and run this one is all about pilling on damage while keeping range 3. You just try and shoot your opponent down as fast as possible with the help of FCS and PTL. You gave less shenanigans due to not having Advance Sensors. Again, this squad is symmetrical except for Pilot ability. Depending on what you are up against you can try and defend whatever you want to survive.
IG-88B + Push the Limit + Advanced Sensors + “Mangler” Cannon + Autothrusters IG-20000 (48)
IG-88C + Push the Limit + Advanced Sensors + Heavy Laser Cannon + Inertial Dampeners + Autothrusters + IG-20000 (52)
The mix. One Mangler and one HLC. I like the inclusion of Inertial Dampeners as a threat. It helps you that one round where you don’t have a great move, where moving either put you in a strange position or where you lose options for next round.
On to the topic. PtL vs Predator.
After listening to (what I think was ) the Nova Squadron podcast and their reasoning about how PTL has set the standard of what an action costs, 3 points I realised why Predator is so great. The “problem” with evaluating Predator is that you either re-roll one ore two dice. Sometimes you need to reroll two but can’t (because of PS), sometimes it’s the other way around.
For the Aggressor I believe the most important thing though is how you fly it, how does PTL and Predator influence this?
PTL gives you higher attack output, better defence or positioning depending on what you need. But it limits what you can do the round after. It basically puts you on a green maneuver that subsequent turn.
Predator on the other hand is purely offensive (which in a way is a good defence) and it works even though you are blocked or stress.
My question then becomes, does the choice between Predator and PTL depend mostly on build OR is one slightly better overall than the other?