Redline + Fire Control System + Extra Munitions + 2x Assault Missiles (41)

Pick your own missiles if you like. I'm mainly focused on Redline's ability combined with FCS.

Yes, very expensive. But one target lock action gets you two on the same ship (Redline's pilot ability) which means one lock will be available to improve the dice. Then if the target isn't dead, FCS kicks in for some additional action economy, rinse, repeat. And with FCS taking care of the locks, that leaves Redline open to using his native Boost action to keep up with his target. Speaking of native boost, Autothrusters are an option...

Would this counter Fat Hans or Fat Chirpys? Or is this really only practical in Epic?

Redline + FCS + Clusters + Extra Munitions should be pretty hilarious

I fought a list with Oicunn and Rhymer once and it kind of worked. He brought the Decimator down the middle and flanked with Rhymer - ended up getting 3 projectiles off.

I feel like Redline could do the same thing. The opening approach is key tho, cuz if they go after Redline first, it could be bad.

Proton Torpedoes and Cluster Missiles should be the best (of the ones we know).

I think it depends on how durable Punishers end up being, in a practical sense--and on how good things like the new Plasma Torpedoes are. Assault Missiles are the most expensive possible choice, so if you shave off a couple of points, you have something in the range of 37-40 points with a lot of offensive power, B-wing levels of durability (+1 total hit points, but a much less favorable ratio of hull to shields), and boost.

So I think something like Keyan Farlander + Push the Limit + Heavy Laser Cannon is probably a good comparison: really strong on offense, and able to do some moderate repositioning, but a bit fragile and (unlike spending those same 40ish points on Chewbacca or a Patrol Leader) limited to his own firing arc.

And if that's a valid comparison, I don't know whether Redline will end up being a top-tier competitive choice, but he'll at least be a viable one.

I think the answer would be clearer if he got a focus instead of a second targetlock. Then we just have him fly near Jonus all day.

I agree with Vorpal Sword that knowing what the new ordnance cards are would help. As it is FCS + EM + Cluster Missiles + Proximity Mines + AutoThrusters could be pretty monstrous if flown right.

Can Redline be made into a hard counter to Fat Turrets in a 100 point match?

Looking at the prevalence of C-3P0, I can see where Cluster Missiles are possibly the better choice because C-3P0 will only help once per round. Also, the FCS can kick in after each Cluster volley, so there's nice synergy there. The one drawback would be that now the Punisher needs to be within Range 2 to launch the attack, whereas with Assault Missiles you can stretch it out to Range 3. Add Autothrusters and the extra R3 defense die, and Redline can last longer vs. the primary turret fire.

Maybe one could take advantage of EM by loading up one Assault card and one Cluster, and have the flexibility to use what you need at the time. That would drop the original build cost to 40, or 42 if you want AT.

He's already a thing and he's not even out yet.

Dial will matter a bit as will the new ordnance options. There are also squad leader and fleet officer options floating around if you really really want to make sure he hits.

Redline w/ FCS works really well with Cluster Missiles, getting a reroll on both attacks.

Proton Torpedoes is also really good, getting reroll and 1 focus converted.

His ability also helps Assault missile and ion torpedoes but unless swarms come back, I think proton torps are better.

So, despite what plasma torps are, there are already some good options available to him.

Redline really needs push it to the limit, if only because both mean the same thing.

Edit: and yes I understand the lack of EPT.

Redline really needs push it to the limit

That's Tycho's theme.

Oh, every time that card gets invoked that song is played. I didn't even need to click the link to have it in my head.

Redline + Fire Control System + Extra Munitions + Proton Torps + Cluster Missiles + Autothrusters (41)

EM uses one of the two Torp slots, so you can go either 1 PT + 1 Cluster or 2 Clusters for 41 points...

I'm hoping that the durability of the Punisher and Redline's action economy with double locks prevents the extra ordnance from being a waste of points. I guess I'm still hoping this wave does fix ordnance... At least somewhat...

I see Redline the same as Corran as in to get the most out of him you have to pair him with someone that is an even greater threat, as well as successfully flank him at the start.

Probably not. Compare to a blue squadron pilot with a HLC. Both get to make 4-die secondary weapon attacks with a token to modify dice, but the B-wing can fire on whomever he wishes instead of needing a target lock, has unlimited shots, and can fire on range 1 targets. The 29-point unit seems mostly better than the 36-point piece, which paid a lot of points and gave up a lot of flexibility to deal splash damage in a 2-ship squadron meta.

I see Redline the same as Corran as in to get the most out of him you have to pair him with someone that is an even greater threat, as well as successfully flank him at the start.

You're probably right but I wish you were wrong. Maybe how it ends up is Redline with Chirpy, or Redline has little to no impact on the meta, but how I would love it to work is Redline with a couple Imp aces or a mini swarm. I'm mostly in agreement with ficklegreendice in that I'd like to see less of Hans and Chirpy on the table. That's why I'm daydreaming about a "hard counter" to Fat Turrets that doesn't involve using a Fat Turret. I'd like to see 3 to 5 small bases competing.

Even when I'm surfing YouTube for replays, I often skip the thumbnails where a Deci or 1300 is visible.

Something like this?

Redline (27), Extra Munitions (2), Concussion Missiles (4), Cluster Missiles (4)

= 37 Points

Don't want to put all eggs in one box ....

Probably not. Compare to a blue squadron pilot with a HLC. Both get to make 4-die secondary weapon attacks with a token to modify dice, but the B-wing can fire on whomever he wishes instead of needing a target lock, has unlimited shots, and can fire on range 1 targets. The 29-point unit seems mostly better than the 36-point piece, which paid a lot of points and gave up a lot of flexibility to deal splash damage in a 2-ship squadron meta.

The Blue + HLC at 29 points is tough to beat. If the Blue is focusing as an action, he's lost his ability to modify his movement. Redline+FCS (29 points, no ordnance yet) can maintain extra locks for cheap while still boosting or focusing. The Blue has 4 dice at R1, vs Redline's 3, so another point in Blue's favor there.

If it's still a 2-ship meta, drop Assaults for Clusters or Proton/Cluster... Any way to make this viable?

Something like this?

Redline (27), Extra Munitions (2), Concussion Missiles (4), Cluster Missiles (4)

= 37 Points

Don't want to put all eggs in one box ....

I still like the action economy of FCS when loading up on ordnance that requires spending a lock. Maybe drop one missile or the other to get FCS:

Redline (27), FCS (2), Extra Munitions (2), Cluster Missiles (4) = 35 points

If anything, an initial blast with an Ion Torpedo will be fun.

"Redline" (27)
Fire-Control System (2)
Ion Torpedoes (5)
Extra Munitions (2)
Cluster Missiles (4)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Redline + FCS + cluster + proton + extra munitions

Omicron + fleet officer + tactician + EU + Advanced Sensors

Backstabber

AP

Not sold on the crew for the fast shuttle but should wreck all the 1ag ships with clusters and torps. BS for flanking and an AP for blocks. Fleet officer probably should be FCS or a bomb...maybe even autothrusters.

Not at PS7 with no EPT. Unless Plasma Torpedoes are a Range 2-3 attack that use a Focus, he'll struggle to pick up that initial target lock to make an secondary weapon attack against high-PS pilots. Jendon in ST-321 may help.

Not at PS7 with no EPT. Unless Plasma Torpedoes are a Range 2-3 attack that use a Focus, he'll struggle to pick up that initial target lock to make an secondary weapon attack against high-PS pilots. Jendon in ST-321 may help.

Assuming 100-point Standard, how much does this Redline strategy suffer if you give up on a Secondary alpha and wait for the auto-TL (x2) from FCS? FCS does seem to make getting the TL on a high PS ship somewhat manageable.

I don't think missing the first turn TL is a game breaker. Most of those targets are multi turn engagements, it's got auto thrusters to blunt the opening exchange, and a lot of hit points. Against high efficiency swarms, it's got PS for the first turn alpha.

With the phantom nerf, average PS is definitely coming down, so PS7 may be good enough. You may want to make an initiative bid tho since there are a lot of PS 7s out there now tho.

Also, you can still get a TL if you are moving first, you just have to approach much faster than you would otherwise.