When does Vader become viable in arena?

I'm on lvl 80 now, on a relativelly old server, and run IG-88(L), IG-86, Vader, Phasma and Royal Guard. I can't get close to #1, usually finish at 20-50, this weekend dropped full down to 70+.

Vader is my favorite character but it is currently not top 10 arena ranks ready. You will be the favorite target alongside all the dodge led-teams. I play with him because I like it, and found it to be fun, but since he is "locked" at 5* for the next year or so, Other characters are better than him.

All that said, I have him maxed and love all the DoTs and 50k crit hits when a lucky Culling Blade works.

Thanks for advice. I'm currently ranked #3 on my shard(my highest ranking yet). I usually drop to the 20s overnight but finish in in 5-15 range pretty much daily. I've played him on other teams and have had him one shot my QGJ even though I ended up winning that match, but that guy was 5 levels higher than me. From what I've read he's a liability on defense but was wanting to try him on offense. Maybe I'll give him a go.

It not only defends poorly, but you also became the tasty target in arena around all evasion based leaders.

"Ronoaldo;446712" wrote:
I'm on lvl 80 now, on a relativelly old server, and run IG-88(L), IG-86, Vader, Phasma and Royal Guard. I can't get close to #1, usually finish at 20-50, this weekend dropped full down to 70+.

Vader is my favorite character but it is currently not top 10 arena ranks ready. You will be the favorite target alongside all the dodge led-teams. I play with him because I like it, and found it to be fun, but since he is "locked" at 5* for the next year or so, Other characters are better than him.

All that said, I have him maxed and love all the DoTs and 50k crit hits when a lucky Culling Blade works.

Why is he "locked" at 5*? I'm new to game and only been playing a 3 weeks. Are his shards only available thru achievements? I thought u could get them in the shard shop as well?(I've yet to obtain my first 7* so IDK...getting close with GS and Lumi)

"Ronoaldo;446712" wrote:
I'm on lvl 80 now, I play with him because I like it, and found it to be fun, but since he is "locked" at 5* for the next year or so,

WRONG, I am 5* 46 shards, if I complete my 2 achievements which can be done in a month, I can be at 56, not including what I can get in Shard shop. I have gone from 5* ZERO shards to 46 in 45 days..

so.. 6* is doable in 30 to 60 days.. so it will be maybe 7 months from when I started...

I wasn't doing any accurate estimation when I said "locked" for the next year or so - it was a force of expression. I am at 39 shards for the 6*, and the next achievements available are:

* Complete 119/150 GW - I need at least one more month to earn 5 more shards
* Buy 320/1000 Arena Shipments - You can buy around 4 per day max, assuming you rank #1, so the fast that you can do this is 170 days for me to get more 10 shards.
* Win 614/2500 arena matches - If I refresh arena once per day and WIN all fights, that means at least 250 days (8 months) to earn more 3 shards (no, I'm not kidding, that is the reward :( for this huge achievement)
* Complete Hard missions - I did not yet completed the level 8 hard missions, so more 10 shards, can be done quickly.

So, let's count those in the next 60 days: 5 for GW + 10 from hard missions gives me 15 + 39 = 54. Still need 31 more. I regret not playing arena daily or attempting to win GW daily in the first months of gameplay, specially that I'm playing since late november 2015.

Shard Shop is random, you can't guarantee any timing around it. You have a non-refresheable shop that gives you 2 shards per day, 4 if you are very very VERY lucky. This week it dropped to me only once; I purchase every day it shows up.

Vader 6* is not doable in 60 days, I'm sorry. I am at 5* for more than that already. The first stages are those where you get shards faster, and need fewer shards to each promotion. To unlock him at 4* you need 80 shards. To promote to 6 you need 85 more.

Now we are at the point where we need more shards and the source is limited: mostly random or very far away in the galaxy. The new Empire challenge will give us 10 more if you have lvl 80 rebel/clone squad with maxed gear and abilities, giving us 10 more shards, but I'll be still far to 6* then waiting for shard shop to be happy with me. Either way, it is a very long time where you can't do much. It is not chars that take months to 7* from Arena or Cantina, where you can do something. With Vader you need to wait and hold your anxiety.

"Enarethpower;448467" wrote:
I only avoid Assage ventress. Her AI is downright deplorable .

This. +1