Clouded, the future is: What X-Wing ships could be incoming?
Following the release of the YT-2400, new starter packs, and Tie Bomber twin pack, do we dare to dream AMG will be scrambling new ships in the near future? And if they do, what can we look forward to?
The tabletop gaming community loves speculating about upcoming releases and each new Star Wars show has us pilots scouring the screen to see what ships could one day make it to the mat.
So join me, you scruffy-looking nerfherder, as I break down the prominent ships of a galaxy far, far away that you may one day clutch in your sweaty, trembling fingers. Mild spoilers ahead.
The no-brainers
Ahsoka’s T-6 shuttle
Vying for the most anticipated X-Wing release with the Mando N-1 is the T-6 shuttle. We’ve seen this in various media but recently in glorious live action on the Ahsoka TV show.
The YT-style T-6 would translate well to the multi-faction model we’ve seen with the Rogue-class, YT-2400, and Gauntlet fighter releases as it could easily slide into Rebels, Republic, and Scum lists. Pilots could include Ahsoka, Anakin, and Obi-Wan, crew could include Huyang (the Jedi droid who isn’t shy about throwing robohands) and a new crew/gunner for Sabine. Could also see Ezra pilot depending on what happens in Ahsoka.
I’d love to see this on the table with the Ghost please AMG. PLEASE PLASTIC CRACK DADDY, SAMMY NEED!
Din Djarin's N-1 starfighter
Say what you like about the prequels, the designs used were magnificent and daringly different (as opposed to blue X-wings and black Ties). The N-1 starfighter looks great in chrome and the chassis already exists so this one feels like an easy win.
However, it’s bespoke to Mando and that limits the amount of pilots, although it could fit into both Scum and Rebel lists. Maybe a few Mando pilot variants a la IG-88 and a new Child crew card?
Luthen Rael’s Modified Fondor Haulcraft
Andor was a beautifully-written and acted shot in the arm for the franchise and Luthen Rael (oh that SPEECH) could do the same to the game thanks to his personal transport.
The design is great –distinctive and very ‘Star Wars’ at the same time – so it would be great to see it on the table for that reason alone. But the real attraction of the Haulcraft is the weapons Rael uses to escape the Empire.
The side-mounted beam cannon is a great opportunity for a new weapon, perhaps with a bullseye side arc, and the gun that takes out the Tie Bombers is an opportunity for a new automated turret, especially as we still only have dorsal and ion. The charge-up flak cannon Rael uses to destroy the dish on the Cantwell-class Arrestor Cruiser also presents the possibility of a new illicit or rear arc ordnance. It could even be triggered if the ship is given a tractor token.
The nice-to-haves
Snubfighter from Ahsoka
Can’t find what this small fighter is called so I’m just naming it the snubfighter for now. The design has split opinion but I like the Belbullab/Fireball mashup style.
The potential here arises from the pilot opportunities. Force users Marrok and Shin were seen flying it in the pursuit of Ahsoka and it isn’t a stretch for it to include Baylan Skoll or Morgan Elsbeth. For multi-faction, I’d say Empire and Scum given that Skoll and chums are killers for hire.
Omicron-class attack shuttle
The Bad Batch’s Marauder is a fan-favourite ship and the streamlined Lambda class aesthetic is pretty cool.
The Bad Batch themselves are rich pickings for pilots, gunners and crew but the faction is pretty limited to the Republic – not necessarily a bad thing considering the faction’s dearth of big base ships. Maybe Scum or Imperial at a push, but those wacky clones left the nascent Empire fairly early doors.
Pirate snubfighter and Riot Mars bounty hunter fighter
I’m lumping these together as they’re both in the Mandalorian TV show and both Scum. The pirate snubfighter seems a little meh design-wise and its role in the game is covered by the M3A, but the BH fighter has potential to replace the still criminally-defunct Kihraxz as the ‘Scum X-Wing’.
Obviously, lack of named pilots is an issue apart from Vane the cowardly pirate and Riot Mars but if they can make up a T-70 pilot named after a Beastie Boys album they can make up some space recidivists to chuck in the hot seat.
Honourable mentions
Fanblade and Umbaran starfighter
Both introduced in the Clone Wars and ripe with design choices, if not pilots apart from Assaj. The way the Umbaran starfighter moves is interesting, so maybe some sidesloop madness on the dial, but can’t help feel there are many, many other deserving candidates if AMG has more ships on the radar.