I know TIE swarms have been and basically always will be there, but is anyone expecting Z Swarms to become a thing? Or is the Ewing going to be the more popular Rebel ship for Wave 4?

I mean, for the same points as an Academy, you get a ship with one more pilot skill, one less agility, and two hull and shields, versus three hull. It can also use a missile, though I don't see that as much of an advantage, though it is an advantage...

So you think it'll become a thing, or will swarms remain, at least competitively, an Imperial thing?

It depends on how you define "swarm". I'm expecting 3x Rookie/3x Bandit to be a thing, and I bet at least a few people will be running BBBBZ, or (once the Chardaan Refit hits) seven-ship lists full of A-wings and Headhunters. I don't think 7-8 Headhunters alone will be a particularly competitive list, or particularly popular for that matter--both because I think Headhunters will be stronger in mixed lists, and because it costs anywhere from $70-120 to field.

Mini-swarms (4 ships or so), yes, and probably semi-frequently. 7 or 8 swarms, not really unless they get a Howlrunner-esque superstar to build around. Maybe that's Etahn with his crit generation, but he'll only allow a 5-6 ship swarm due to his price. I think the likeliest role of the Z-95 is as cheap filler, allowing you to take a couple really good pilots and flesh out with a couple bodies/blockers to add some depth.

Yes, just imagine 3 Headhunters firing each of their assault missles into a Tie swarm. It has the potential to whip them all out.

I have a 6 Z list with assault missiles I plan on playing from time to time. But for the most part I don't see many people running more then 6.

As VS said, most people will use a Z or 3 with other ships, and the avg size of a Rebel list will go to 4-5 instead of the 3-4 you see now.

I don't see a true Z swarm happening. Take the fragility of an A-wing and drop it evade value and give it a crappier dial for 3 points cheaper (with Chardaan coming out) and you have yourself the Z-95. Bad firepower, bad health, and average evade is a bad combo in my experience. Playtesting since Imdarr has really reinforced the notion to me that Z95s will drop very quickly. Its a great filler, but without some kind of universal firepower buff like Howlrunner I don't see a true swarm being practical, especially with the Tie Phantom roaming out there.

I just faced a 6 Z swarm, all outfitted with Concussion missiles. It was an effective set up, able to dish out an extremely painful Alpha strike to even up the odds before getting into the dogfight proper. I liked it.

You could try something like this...

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12) Assault Missiles (5)
Bandit Squadron Pilot (12) Assault Missiles (5)
Lieutenant Blount (17) Swarm Tactics (2) Assault Missiles (5)
Corran Horn (35) Push the Limit (3) Advanced Sensors (3) R2 Astromech (1)

3 assault missiles alpha-strike at PS 6-6-1, with Blount as a guaranteed splash damage and stealth device destroyer. With Corrent Horn left to clean up shop.

I like Eating A Boat+R2D2+shield

5 bandits

Roark and a bunch of Tala's

Airen Cracken + Assault Missiles (24)

Lieutenant Blount + Assault Missiles (22)

Tala Squadron Pilot + Assault Missiles (18)

Tala Squadron Pilot + Assault Missiles (18)

Tala Squadron Pilot + Assault Missiles (18)

Game - Set - Match

300 pt game 12 of one ship type so.....

Airen Cracken (19)
Predator (3)
Assault Missiles (5)
Shield Upgrade (4)

Lieutenant Blount (17)
Predator (3)
Assault Missiles (5)
Shield Upgrade (4)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)
Assault Missiles (5)
Munitions Failsafe (1)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)
Assault Missiles (5)
Munitions Failsafe (1)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)
Assault Missiles (5)
Munitions Failsafe (1)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)
Assault Missiles (5)
Munitions Failsafe (1)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)
Assault Missiles (5)
Munitions Failsafe (1)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)
Assault Missiles (5)
Munitions Failsafe (1)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)
Assault Missiles (5)
Munitions Failsafe (1)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)
Assault Missiles (5)
Munitions Failsafe (1)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)
Assault Missiles (5)
Munitions Failsafe (1)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)
Assault Missiles (5)
Munitions Failsafe (1)

GR-75 Medium Transport (30)
Carlist Rieekan (3)
Raymus Antilles (6)
Frequency Jammer (4)
Engine Booster (3)
Slicer Tools (7)
Dutyfree (2)

Total: 295

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

I might swap Assault Missiles for Ion Pulse Missiles or maby have a mix should put Cluster Missiles on Arien for two free actions to pass out

have to wait till i get 12 Z-95 first

I don't know if it will be a staple but I certainly will field a gaggle of Z's now and then.