I tried out a new build last night, and it exceeded my expectations. The concept is that the meta has gone toward low-Agility boomers and high total squad HP.

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The Heavy Hitters:

Krassis Trelix (36)
Heavy Laser Cannon (7)
Rebel Captive (3)

Echo (30)
Advanced Cloaking Device (4)
Veteran Instincts (1)
Recon Specialist (3)

Backstabber (16)

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The Breakdown:

Krassis doesn't get a lot of play, but his 1-die reroll on the 4-dice HLC (even without an action) seems to be underrated. His sizeable health (10 hull/shield) allow for staying power, especially when combined with the stress-inducing Captive.

I have practically fallen in love with Echo. I will take him over Whisper for maneuverability over the 1PS all the time. IMHO, the occasions where an enemy can shoot Echo decloaked aren't terrible, as the base agility and health are only 1 hull less than an X-wing, and can also be mitigated by arc-dodging (at which Echo excels).

Backstabber fills out the group as cheap, and if he stays out of arc he's as powerful as a Squint.

Combined, it's 3 ships at attack 4/4/3, defence 2/4/3, with 17 health to crew through.

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Feedback?

I agree with you about the meta. I'm just not sure if I want to take Phantoms in the current meta. I think I'd rather go with a Shuttle with HLC for only 28 pts. I think it would live longer.

Wait until the Mangler Cannon comes out. I'm sure we will see Krassis with that puppy. Yes, it's only 3 attack dice, but it's 3 pts cheaper and causes a crit. With the meta being big ships, this will hurt them.

I've considered something similar though I don't think I'd want to run Echo without VI. I'd certainly consider swapping Recon and Rebel Captive over though. Captive on Echo might help with higher PS pilots shooting you while de-cloaked and the Firespray/Recon Spec combo works well to make Krassis a little more 'tankier'.

I agree with you about the meta. I'm just not sure if I want to take Phantoms in the current meta. I think I'd rather go with a Shuttle with HLC for only 28 pts. I think it would live longer.

Would also free up points to field two academy TIEs instead of Backstabber. You've now gone from seventeen hit points to twenty six... That's if you're looking for extended longevity in your build.

Thanks for the feedback! Keep it coming!

The main idea with this build is to maximize your shots, specifically by most Attack dice over the fewest number of shots. 11At total may not be huge, but only going against 3 defensive rolls is better than the same or one or two more over more shots. That's why I prefer the HLC over Mangler, and Backstabber as the extra-die TIE.

The issue I see with the Shuttle (which I used to fly a lot) is that it basically gets 1 pass at the enemy without Engine. So either you go Doomshuttle and do as much damage as possible up front, or add the EU so you can swing around in less than 4 turns. So a shuttle may live longer, but it'll often be useless for quite a while, or just as expensive as the Phantom and still less maneuverable.

I've actually had a lot of luck with Echo, even in the turret-heavy meta, but you have to know how to fly it. 4Ag+Focus keeps you out of a lot of danger, and Recon Spec helps keep that Focus against either Wes or Han.

I may have to try swapping the crews. I hadn't really considered Rebel Captive on Echo, because I can avoid a decent number of shots with arc-dodging and such, but it might be worthwhile against turrets. Also, do you think Mara Jade or a different Crew might be more worthwhile than Rebel Captive on the Firespray?

Mara Jade will conflict with the fact your carrying a Heavy Laser Cannon. Mara dishes the stress to anyone at range one (so you'll want to be up close and personal) while the Laser Cannon only works at range two and three (so you'll want to hang back and shoot from distance). I'd still advocate the Recon Specialist on the Firespray and Rebel Captive on Echo.

Are you at 100 pts? I don't like running phantoms unless I am at 98 points or less.

Id ditch the phantom....add a shuttle or another firespray

I use to use something similar

I called it Scarlets ghost

I went with kath just for the higher ps, and I demoted dark curse for two academies.

I usually find with the Firespray you get around or two in with the hlc, then you either have to kturn or your using the rear arc which is kind of a waste for the hlc

The two academies were more useful as blockers and fodder ships.

I don't think I lost a single game with that build, but i retired it due to buddies hating echo.

The more I look at your list the more I like it. Backstabber is always a great flanker for the squad points.

The only feedback I have is to consider switching Rebel Captive with Recon Specialist on the Firespray. Having a focus for offense and defense can make Krassis a beast to deal with (or any Firespray for that matter).

Rebel captive has good synergy with Echo but against some builds/ships it doesn't really help you. With Recon Specialist your Firespray can last longer on the table and all you lose is a minor control feature.