This head to head pits the two turreted brutes of the Rebel and Imperial factions against each other. The Outer Rim Smuggler YT 1300 variant is omitted as it is a weaker and quite different ship.
Points;
YT 42 to 46 (62 max) vs 40 to 46 (69 max) DM
The ships are both points hogs, taking up about half of a BB 120pt squad each. This may seem excessive and in some builds it is, but remember these ships are the only ones with a native 3d, 360 degree turret, which are considered game breakers in 1e (house ruled to R 1-2 max to reduce their effectiveness).
Base Stats;
YT 3t 1 8 5 vs 3t 0 12 4 DM
The Decimator has 3 health more, but the Falcon has the “perpetual health” of 1 Agility. The full “Fat Han” build is not available in BB (No 1 Evade Title), but with C-3PO, Chewbacca as pilot and other options, the Falcon can really hang in there. The Decimator is just a big fat target with lots of bulk.
Actions;
YT Lock vs Lock DM
Move along, nothing to see here.
Upgrades (BB style);
YT 2 Crew, Missile vs 3 Crew, Torpedo, Bomb DM
The extra crew (and the Empire do have some decent options) and two Ordnance slots give the Decimator an advantage here, making up for it’s generally predictable nature. No Illicit option for the Falcon makes it more main stream, but everything you see in the movies is there to use.
Moves;
YT 10 White, 4 Green vs 10 White, 4 Green DM
YT Speed 4, 4/3 K-Turns vs Speed 4 DM
This is the real difference between these ships. The Falcon is slippery and agile for a big ship (even without a Title option), the Decimator is a big angry Space Cow with wolf’s teeth, happier to “touch park” than go around. If the Decimator did not have a turret, it would be a bit of a lame duck, but with it, it’s like a Bumble Bee with a Scorpion’s Tail.
Pilots;
YT 3 (all Elite) vs 4 (3 Elite) DM
Each ship has three Elite Pilots, with a defensive, manoeuvre and offensive option available to both. The Decimator also has a decent generic (the Falcon has the Outer Rim Smuggler, which is effectively a different ship).
Summary.
These two fill roughly the same role in their respective fleets, but do it in factional style. The Falcon shows it’s smugglers roots, the Decimator is a simple bully, that arrives, intimidates and shoots. Both can be a little boring, with variety and tactical nuance provided by their respective escorts, securing their roles as squad leaders and aggressive supports.