I think alpha strike builds finally have the tools to hit the X wing meta.

Talonbane glitterstim crackshot homing missile hull upgrade

N Dru glitterstim crackshot homing missile hull upgrade

Palob TLT Moldy Crow VI hull upgrade

I should be able to delete a ship on the alpha strike. The next round I can take defense away from a 2nd ship with palob and start in on dog fighting. This is probably a lot less efficient than Z wings with glitter and concusion.

For the best alpha strike, wouldn't you want to have a tight formation of ships firing at the same target? N'Dru goes against this mentality. In addition, all you are getting from Talonbane for the homing missile is his pilot skill. His ability works on defense at range three, which is good for shooting off homing missiles, but it seems like he would be the only one firing one since N'dru has to be a little bit away to get the bonus. You would almost be better off with some Tansarii Point Veterans with Crack shot and HLCs.

Tansarii Point Veteran + Title + HLC + Crack Shot (27)

Tansarii Point Veteran + Title + HLC + Crack Shot (27)

Tansarii Point Veteran + Title + HLC + Crack Shot (27)

Spice Runner + Autoblaster Turret + Greedo

You could even drop the HLCs down to Manglers and put Mux in there with TLT.

However you slice it, I think you just need more firepower from your list. If you go the ordinance route, the more the merrier.

Concentrating on the wrong upgrade; Crack Shot allows for an Alpha-Strike to be performed without ordnance.

The Tracer Rounds are what enable the Alpha.

Blount with Tracers and Veteran's Instinct

5x Bandit + Concussion Missiles

Expectation: 18-19 damage vs a single target!!!!

Moreover, some of the most potent alpha-strike lists are already playable, without waiting.

4x Tempest + Accuracy Correcter + Cluster Missile (17+ expected damage)

5x Prototype + Proton Rockets (18.75 - 23.45 expected damage [the latter if you carry a TL from a previous round])

Jonus + 3x Scimitar + Cluster + Extra Munitions + 4 more points of ordnance per Scimitar

My list is really not good. that said you fellas complain about my list requiring certain conditions then suggest range dependant ordinance. I don't get it.

The black sun soldiers with concussion and glitter stim seem far and away more efficient than the suggestions I see here.

The original concept was nuke down a ship taking the 4 ship rebels/scum down to 3 or burning down an ace then having a little quality to hedge my mid game with. The crackshot tansari are interesting, just really expensive at 27 a pop.

For Crack Shot alpha strikes, I've been interested in the PS4 Tie Fighters with the EPT slot. With Crackshot, they come out to 15 points a head. Throw 3 or four of those guys around Howlrunner and force your damage to hit the mark.

That seems sneaky Mark. I love when upgrades change how a game will play out.

You could even look at Homing Bananas..that way they have full modification if you are looking at long range striking over clusters or prockets.

Binayre Pirate (19) x 4

--Z-95 Headhunter (12), Homing Missiles (5), Glitterstim (2)

Torkhil Mux (24)

--HWK-290 (19), Ion Cannon Turret (5)

With Mux, in theory, you get to drop the target to PS zero and get to destroy it before it ever shoots.

If anything, this discussion brings up the fact that alpha strikes have different flavors and strategies. For example, with HLC Scyks you can try and hang back for multiple turns of raw firepower. With Clusters or Prockets, you need to get in to optimal range for the best benefit. With Concussion or Homing you can strike from a distance and then close in to finish them off.

I think we'll see more alpha strike potential once Thread Tracers hit the scene. It is a powerful swarm card even w/o ordinance.

Moreover, some of the most potent alpha-strike lists are already playable, without waiting.

4x Tempest + Accuracy Correcter + Cluster Missile (17+ expected damage)

5x Prototype + Proton Rockets (18.75 - 23.45 expected damage [the latter if you carry a TL from a previous round])

Jonus + 3x Scimitar + Cluster + Extra Munitions + 4 more points of ordnance per Scimitar

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