This time we will look at what is considered the future direction for front line fighters in the BB (extended universe) world, the Tie Defender and the E Wing

Points;

EW 27 to 35 (49 max) vs 30 to 37 (49 max) Def

First up, theses ships were both thought to be too expensive in the 1e meta. In BB they can hope to prove themselves by offering several unique (i.e. advanced) features, but in the unrestricted game, they need help to be points effective. A squad of only two fully loaded ships is probably a bit thin, but three stripped down ones can be effective.

Base Stats;

EW 3 3 2 3 vs 3 3 3 3 Def

Well rounded, although the 2 hull EW does tend to make the player lean towards defensive benefits, often telegraphing their build.

Actions;

EW Focus, Lock, Roll, Evade vs Focus, Lock, Roll Def

The E Wing is the only Rebel fighter in BB with Evade, which makes up some for the weak hull (I like this dynamic in BB. It shows the designers intent). The Rebs do have a couple of other Evade options, but they are unique and/or large ships that need the help. Otherwise, the two are even.

Upgrades (BB style);

EW Torpedo, System, Droid vs Missiles, Cannon Def

Again, the Rebel Torpedo vs Imperial Missile dynamic. This really became evident to me when in BB Ordnance became a major upgrade option. The E Wing has a varied suite of combinations with the unique Droid + System slots and actually has the best upgrade choice of any fighter, while the Defender only has some extra muscle in Ordnance upgrades. Clear divergence here.

Moves;

EW 10 White, 5 Green vs 8 White, 4 Green 4 Red Def

EW Speed 5, 4 & 3/K-Turn vs Speed Green 5, White 4 K-Turn Def

Quite different personalities show through here, as befits exaggerated, envelope pushing super fighters. The white K turn, the only one in 1e, gives the Defender a weapon more potent than a Talon roll or S-Loop, but otherwise the ship is punished by tight turns. The E Wing’s more conservative dial is quite well rounded.

Pilots;

EW 4 (2 Elite) vs 7 (5 Elite) Def

Hampered by smaller choice the E Wing can offer two very strong, attack minded pilots, while the Defender is relatively spoilt by offensive, defensive or manoeuvring choices. The EW Pilot short-fall is helped to an extend by upgrade slots, allowing for some interesting combinations.

Summary;

They look similar in points and core spec totals, but not actual performance and they are very different in build choices.

The Defender can be tactically predictable, relying on Pilot’s alone (and only one with manoeuvre options, but 5 with talents). It is fast and offers a white K-Turn for “fly through and turn” attacks, but struggles to turn otherwise and the weapon options, powerful as they are, tend to make the ship a points sink.

The E Wing is much more like a faster X Wing to build. The Droid and Systems slots are pretty much mandatory fills, giving the ship many options, but again can to make the ship expensive.

Compared to regular interceptor types, they can seem like expensive and needy, but in BB that is a role to be filled, without fear of a lesser ship being “pimped” out to match them. BB tends to hero special ship and pilot abilities, giving them their rightful place as bespoke advantages.

Sick of worrying about your fragile, plain label Interceptors, upgrade to a Defender. Feel the need for speed, with a Droid and Systems slot for that winning edge*? The E Wing is your option.

*In BB, the Droid and Systems slots in particular stand out as game changers, because their equivalent abilities found in EPT, Tech, Title or Mod upgrades are just not available.

What would I pick?

The Defender has always had a place in my gaming heart. Three of these with well thought out upgrades is potentially brutal in BB.