In last week’s Home One Derby Deck tech article, we teased that a Tarkin Aggro deck had been dominating our kitchen table thus far. By no means is this deck unbeatable, but it has a lot of tools and flexibility already. Here it is in all its early card pool glory!

We’ll also try and keep the deck updated as it evolves on our SWUDB account

As an aggro deck, we’re looking at each unit with the goal of maximizing damage-on-base. This means sacrificing durability in our units- prime examples being Star Wing Scout and Death Star Stormtrooper. We’re also aiming to stop resourcing cards ASAP to play more units, so there’s nothing here that costs over the 5 needed to trigger our leader. This deck could even stop resourcing round 3 if DJ Deathstar goes out. Finally, we’re looking for cost-efficient removal cards that fall under our cost threshold. Maximum Firepower and Overwhelming Barrage fit these criteria nicely.

Play style

The deck tends to win quickest when it can play multiple space units early and then buff them with Tarkin. So, a hand with 2+ ships (or 1 with a copy of Prepare for Takeoff) is a must-keep. We’d mulligan if we lacked a unit to play round 1 or 2.

Once the game begins, the gameplay is straightforward- jam cheap units, hit base, and buff with Tarkin. When possible, favor space units for Tarkin’s ability. Since ground units are slightly more powerful than space ones, you’ll get better value out of the experience there. If an opponent manages to drop a powerful sentinel, counter with your excellent removal.

The Cheese

Justin here, I wanted to make a quick note on the deck. Part of what makes this deck super strong in the current card pool is the lack of counter-play you can make possible early on in the game (and why I call this deck the Cheese Racer!). Currently, if you go second and your opponent does not drop an Alliance X-Wing, Distant Patroller, Restored ARC-170, or Tie/ln as their first action, then you know you have free reign to drop a Tie/ln first round and boost with Tarkin. You can then boost it first action second round, and outside of Waylay, Open Fire, Shoot First, or Surprise Strike, your opponent will have to send several cards to get the TIE off the board (if they even can.) After all that, they’re likely way behind on base damage thanks to your TIE. Boba/Red cheap units is the only deck we’ve seen consistently running those key cards that will allow it to deal with the Cheese Tarkin start- but we haven’t had a chance to test that matchup yet.

All that to say, while this deck is strong, we foresee it losing ground as other decks get more tools. Personally, I expect Sabine to rise as the true Aggro champion, and for Tarkin to settle into a midrange Leader role. Now back to Tyler.

What kind of cards are we looking to add?

With just over 35% of the card pool currently revealed, there is plenty of room for new cards to be spoiled and slot into this deck. Here’s a wishlist of cards that would fit:

• 1-cost units – Preferably with the Imperial keyword to get Veers’ bonus. His tribal effect is currently one of the most powerful in the game and syncing with it matters a lot.
• Experience Synergy – A card (maybe an event?) that gave units a bonus for having experience tokens. This deck often produces units with 3+ experience tokens and leveraging them would rock.
• Aggressive Units – More units like Star Wing Scout, with high damage-to-cost ratios, would make the deck more threatening. You can always add experience with Tarkin if their low health becomes a liability.

What cards are on the chopping block?

• Viper Probe Droid – This was the last unit to make the deck, mainly on the back of its Imperial keyword. If a slightly more efficient unit with the Imperial keyword comes along (especially a space one), it’s getting cut.
• I Am Your Father – This is our weakest removal card. We like both options (cards or damage) but we’re not going to have the opportunity to use it unless our opponent plays a very large unit. If the game has gotten that far, we may have already lost.

That’s all for today! Have you gotten any games in yet with Tarkin? How are you building yours? What’s your favorite deck to play so far?

Check out our recent gameplay videos with this deck in action below.