The interceptor is a fast, lightly-armored craft in Star Wars: Squadrons that excels at anti-fighter/bomber missions. The best loadout for the interceptor in Squadrons is one that taps into the craft’s speed while increasing survivability.
Star Wars: Squadrons Interceptor strategies
Both the A-wing and TIE Interceptor are incredibly valuable during the defensive swings of Fleet Battles. Their speed allows pilots to quickly dash toward enemy players and take them out before they can reach the cruisers and flagship. Interceptor pilots should make liberal use of boost and rely on their craft’s acceleration, speed, and maneuverability to evade enemy fire.
When used offensively, Interceptors should utilize obstacles in the arena to shield themselves from enemy fire. Making a beeline toward the enemy, while tempting, will just result in destruction. Instead, pilots should use their speed to flank out around and attack foes from behind. Interceptors can outrun and outmaneuver any other type of craft, so pilots that use these strengths to their advantage can ensure enemies stay in their sights until they’re eliminated.
Best Interceptor Loadouts in Star Wars: Squadrons
The default loadout for the interceptor is actually quite good. However, with slight tweaking, it becomes even deadlier.
Interceptor pilots should look to destroy their enemies as quickly as possible. As such, that means ion weapons are virtually useless. The A-wing and TIE Interceptor’s poor health stat means these ships aren’t handy in an anti-capital ship role. Pilots should equip these ships to do as much damage as possible while still allowing for an acceptable amount of accuracy.
The following loadout will allow players to best take advantage of their interceptor’s speed and maneuverability while enabling them to bring plenty of firepower to bare:
- Primary Weapon: Standard Laser Cannon or Rapid Fire Cannon
- Auxiliaries:
- Repair Kit
- Cluster Missile
- Countermeasures: Any
- Hull: Standard Hull
- Shields (A-wing only): Standard Deflector Shield
- Engine: Propulsion Engine
This loadout sticks relatively close to the default. However, the addition of Cluster Missiles allows you to cause more damage than a Seeker Warhead with only a little loss in tracking ability. The Propulsion Engine increases acceleration by 100% at the cost of 30% maneuverability. This is a fair trade when paired with the boost ability, and allows you to use split-second changes in speed to throw off missiles and pursue your foes.