So for quite some time the Academy Pilot has existed as the premier blocker. At PS 1 its only been matched by the Prototype Pilot, and even with Chardaan Refit the PP is still a little too expensive for peoples tastes as it hasn't seen much swarm play in Rebel lists.

However with the impending release of Scum and Villiany we now have the Binayre Pirate at PS 1. What are peoples thoughts on how Academy Pilots are going to be affected now that they not only have to deal with the increasing prevalence of Predator, but also that against a soon-to-be increasing number of lists they may not even be able to fulfill part of their role?

The AP will remain as ubiquitous filler/blockers for many Imperial lists. Considering how often Imperials build for initiative ( for mirror matches) the AP will be more likely to win in the blocking battle rather than Scum lists that will no doubt build with as many upgrades for their illicit slots as possible. Only time will tell though.

Barrel roll is the best tool you can have as a bumper.

The scum Z-95 is very nice at 12 points and will definitely be a good go to option. I think they are just a smidge more durable than an AP but like dread said barrel rolling is great.

We might see the m3a interceptor become the new go to blocker though if it's cheap enough. It has boost and barrel roll.

Actually, the M3A only has Barrel Roll. Still, that puts it in the same class of blocker as the TIE Fighter.

I doubt the M3-A can compete at PS2.

Whoops just checked and you were right, thanks for catching that. I think which ever way you go with a scum swarm Serissu will be fun since she is a howlrunner for green dice and will probably see alot of table time.

Combining a 2-3 Binayre Pirates with Deadman's Switch might make a mean screen, running up in your face daring you to shoot them. Making you choose between taking 3 dice or taking 1 auto damage splashed around could be pretty nasty.

Combining a 2-3 Binayre Pirates with Deadman's Switch might make a mean screen, running up in your face daring you to shoot them. Making you choose between taking 3 dice or taking 1 auto damage splashed around could be pretty nasty.

As much as I disagree with ya on another topic this is actually a great idea. Having some ps1 dead man switch z's in front at range 1 to block at give 3 dice attacks and have the rest of the z's or scyks at range 3 with serissu to give the evade reroll. Hard choice there, do ya take the easy range 1 shot at the suicide z's or risk wasting them at the back row.

Yeah, I'm really waiting to see what the PS 2 Scyks are going to cost. I have a feeling they're going to be 14, but if they turn out to be 13 they'll be solid competition to the Z's.

The one thing for sure is that the new faction is going to turn everything on its head. Phantom ACD counters, swarm counters, Large ship counters.

Even though BP is a PS 1 it is still a Z-95 and that means no 5 straight and no 1 turns and only a 3 k. Ties can Barrel roll turn and move 5 so they can really get into someones face.

Kind of an interesting faction mix so lets take a look at each factions 12 point pilot and see what they have.

Academy Pilot Tie Fighter

• Speed and movement dials options. (5 straight 1 turn two separate K turns)
• No shields but 1 more hull
• lowest pilot skill of 1
• No upgrades
• Good selection of actions but no target lock

Bandit Squadron Pilot Z-95 Headhunter

• Slower movement, (1-4 straight)
• Higher Pilot Skill (2)
• Low hull in favor for 2 shields.
• Only 2 actions (1 of them target lock)
• Missile slot.

Binayre Pilot Z-95 Headhunter

• Slower movement, (1-4 straight)
• Low Pilot Skill
• Low Hull in favor for 2 shields
• Only 2 actions (1 of them target lock)
• Unique Upgrade Slot (Missile and Illicit)

So we got the nimble Tie Fighter which makes the best in swarms

We got a slightly higher skill headhunter which makes it slightly easier at delivering range 2-3 missiles.

And we got one that is the headhunter but with the skill of an academy but balanced out by its unique upgrade slot (many people are already talking about kamakazi builds.)

Asteroid placement and baiting with a High Priority ship can take a lot out of the TIE's manueverability, leaving them vulnerable to blocking at obvious positions.

Was playing around with some scum y's and a scum hwk and I think the scum faction is gonna be insanely fun.

I already tried out the Y-wing title in a proxy game and its hella good. After i pick up Most Wanted I'll run 2 Y's with Ion, Title, Unhinged, and Seismic Bombs, and 4 Binayre Pirates. Then again i might just shave the bombs off and pick up two Deadman Switchs to put on some of the Z's as anti swarm.