How to beat the local meta

By Bloodstripe Baron, in X-Wing Squad Lists

A month ago- there were Decimator/ phantom lists as far as the eye could see. That's now replaced by a 4b, 1 z list that's won at least two different store championship. (Flown by different people). At the last tournament a lot of the top cut seemed to be this list

It's all ps 2 and just overwhelms the Decimator then blocks in the phantom.

I've got access to everything what would do well against the list while still not losing to the Decimator builds out there.

I've been wanting to try my bomber list against something like this, as I know it's been winning some events.

Jonus w/ Homing Missile, Hull Upgrdae, & Seismic Charge

2 x Scimitar w/ Assault Missile & Seismic Charge

Scimitar w/ Proton Torpedo & Seismic Charge

The assault missiles should do enough splash damage to hurt everyone. Firing the missiles as soon as you can should put some hurt on those guys and kill maybe 2 B-wings? Bombs would be nasty if you can get them off on all of them. The Tie Bombers should be effective vs. 1 green die B-wings.

Depends on the approach and how nasty the first round of firing is. If you can give them init, then you can get into range with the TL first.

Sounds like you should just use 4x B-wings with 1 Z-95.

Maneuverability seems key to destroying this list. Fighters are a decent choice because, unless engaging at range 3, those Bs will be mercilessly pelted with attacks. You don't have to worry about Keyan or any stress shenanigans (unless, of course, it's just 4 Bs and someone drops the Z), so here's something I'd like against this list:

Howlrunner (18)

- Stealth Device (3)

- Swarm Tactics (2)

Backstabber (16)

Dark Curse (16)

- Stealth Device (3)

Those 3 put you at 58 points, leaving you 42 to do with what you will. Dark Curse is nigh unkillable with Stealth Device -- you'd have to have some seriously awful luck to go down. Plus it allows you to take some pot shots through rocks, which, if at range 1 or 2, any return fire would put you at a whopping 5 green die.

All three of these ships can take advantage of the B-Wing's poor maneuverability, but you're at danger of being blocked. You'd want to fly them hovering around range 2-3 of the Bs to take full advantage of your stealth devices. Howlrunner's re-rolls are more than enough, when coupled with the 1 green die, to focus fire down a B-wing or Decimator. It also gives you PS low enough to block a Phantom if it came to that.

With 42 other points, you could maybe run a doomshuttle or buzzsaw Kagi to really hurt your opponent's chances of hurting Howlrunner, or distract them long enough with the shuttle for your TIEs to make short work of anyone else.

OGP (21)

- Darth Vader (3)

Black Squadron Pilot (14)

- Draw Their Fire (1)

that leaves you with 3 points to distribute as you wish, or go for the initiative bid.

Alternatively,

Captain Kagi (28)

- Fire Control System (2)

- Gunner (5)

- Heavy Laser Cannon (7) (this could be substituted with Engine Upgrade (4) + Ion Cannon (3))

This puts you at 100/100, makes Kagi go balls-to-the-wall and forces the Bs to choose between a TL on Kagi (which they have to take even if not in arc) or a Focus token that could easily be wasted on defense before they get to attack.

This is all assuming you like TIE Swarms, anyway :P

B-Wings are low agility ships without many green maneuvers. Bring stress and ions and lock 'em down. Seriously, if all your facing is B-Wings, you could bring:

  • Dutch + ICT
  • Gold + ICT + R3A2
  • 2 x Gold + ICT

You'll have lots of fun locking up Decimators as well. Same goes for YTs.

But, you'll have trouble with anything high-agility though, since you won't be able to consistently ion them.

Alternatively, if they're all PS2, bring Predator and PS >2.

5 x Green + Predator + Chaardan

or

Chewbacca + Predator

Leebo + Predator + HLC + Outrider

+ 6 points for flavor

I'm thinking Super Dash could have some fun firing his HLC at B-Wings as well. Shouldn't have too much trouble staying away from them either by boosting and barrel rolling through asteroids. Bring your choice of support.

Edited by Klutz

The list I am currently flying is surprisingly balanced against everything I faced for now. Once Autothruster come out, it will only get better.

Soontir Fel + Push the Limit + Targetting Computer (soon to be replaced by Autothruster)

Colonel Vessery + Veteran Instinct

Scimitar Squadron

Scimitar Squadron

This list bring enough firepower (Vessery that TL+F everyturn and a total of 10 attack dice) to get rid of a big ship, enough maneuvrability (Fel with PtL) to get rid of swarms and keep up with Phantoms, PS high enough (Fel and Vessery) to outmaneuver a PtL+Boost Dash and enough hit points (Bombers and Vessery) to survive a beating. I only lost once yet with it and that's because dice hated me too much (always rolled blank with my green dice and his ships were piloted by snipers).

Just wondering, in the current meta, full of 2 ships variant build. Can the old build, Doomshuttle with Whisper+Fel build has any chance of winning any tournament in the current meta?

Nearly made the top 8 with mine on Saturday! Perfectly feasible in my opinion.

Cluster Missiles

I am really leaning towards 3 x Avenger Squadron, 3 x Obsidian Squadron.

Attack in 2 wings, but at the same time.

Edited by Englishpete

Or you could run whisper and Echo and an int or a really cheap 3rd phantom. That B player is going to have a ******* fit.

Outmaneuver? A's, Sabers, RGP's BSP's. Those B's become Turret-less Decimators.

Sure it'll take some extra effort on your part with positioning but if they're rolling 0-Defense how low your attack value isn't as detrimental.

Predator. Lots of Predator.

Even if you are blocked, you are still getting what equates to a TL against them. Your attack dice should be very accurate.

Predator. Lots of Predator.

Even if you are blocked, you are still getting what equates to a TL against them. Your attack dice should be very accurate.

I've done well in the last 2 tourneys I've been to with Predator.

Someone even told me they'd never bring a PS2 ship again, hehe.

I think people are going to be shying away from PS2 now :P