This is something I've been thinking about ever since I first got my brobots. Is it possible to make a decent 100 points list that includes two IG-2000 and a third ship? It's been an interesting though experiment for me at least but let's break it down a bit first.

You can only get two IG-2000s in a 100 points list. That is non-negotiable and leaves you with 28 points to spend on other things. This also means that you cannot have more than four ships in such a list as the cheapest scum ships, the ubiquitous Binayre Pirate, Black Sun Soldier and Scyk Cartel Spacer clocks in at 12, 13 and 14pts a piece respectively. Of course that leaves the bots with little more than their title and might not be the best list. However, including one extra ship should be possible and still leave some points over for the bots to rejoice over their allocated gear.

So what can be done? First we probably have to ignore all those delicious cannons as they are generally way too expensive to even consider. It also means that IG-88B is rather redundant in this type of list. IG-88C will probably always be included in a list like this but what about the others, A and D? I'm not sure if one is truly better than the other in this case, but I will say that my personal preference is D. As for upgrades, that can be a bit trickier. We will want as much bang for the points as possible and it's very tempting to put FCS and AT on both IGs as those upgrades are both very useful and efficient. If IG-88D version is chosen over the IG-88A, Adv Sensors also becomes a viable option but it can be hard to find the necessary points. I'm fairly certain we could even make a case for enhanced scopes, it's cheap and helps with one of bots greatest weaknesses, being blocked.

Before we consider EPTs, let's take a look at the escorting ship. While there are a few viable candidates, it's hard to justify anything other than a Z-95. The Y-wing, HWK, and Scyk all needs extra equipment to be worthwhile and that leaves them out of the contest. If the bots are kept cheap, i.e. no more than 8 points spent on upgrades, you could squeeze in a Kihraxz, a ship that needs no extras to do it's job. If we do go down the Z-95 route, which ship to choose? N'dru is always a solid choice as a self-contained flanker. The Binayre pirate is a cheap and solid blocker but if predator is a common sight, the Black Sun Soldier will do a good decent job as well for only one more point. Heck, Kaa'To Leeachos might also be useful, stealing tokens from the Bot that isn't under attack for the moment.

Finally we can consider EPTs. This I find the hardest as the escorting ship severely limit which upgrades can be taken and is also contingent on the other upgrades. For instance, Predator, while normally excellent, is fairly redundant on a ship that also has FCS. Below I have included an example list so let's see if there is a method to my madness?

IG-88C - 36

• Autothrusters - 2
• Fire-Control System - 2
• IG-2000 title - 0

Ship Total: 40

IG-88D - 36

• Autothrusters - 2
• Fire-Control System - 2
• IG-2000 title - 0

Ship Total: 40

Kaa'To Leeachos - 15

• Crack Shot - 1
• Cluster Missiles - 4

The idea with this list is to keep the bots cheap and let Kaa'To steal tokens to fuel a decent alphastrike. Is it any good? Haven't got the slightest but I'm sure gonna try it someday. Now let's hear from the rest of you, have I missed something important or are there obvious flaws in my reasoning?

IG88 B+C with manglers and either a naked serissu or cartel spacer with mangler

What about an Ion Scyk for some control?

Gives you 1pt to put Interial Dampeners on one of the Bros.

What about an Ion Scyk for some control?

Gives you 1pt to put Interial Dampeners on one of the Bros.

That could certainly be a good idea! The Scyk would most likely be left alone for most of the game and anything it Ionise will probably face a quick death. Of course, if the Scyk is prioritised, the bots should be given time to outflank and outmanouver the enemy.

Ig88 c and d with wired and 2 black sun soldiers.

One problem I have with going beyond Brobots -- BTW, my current TC GC tourney list has dual-Expert Handling, and I call it "Brollbots," because I should be killed -- is that I really start getting in my own way. A lot. And the Aggressors are less likely to have AdvS (because points), so getting in your own way really starts to hurt.

Hmmmm. You could probably run the two with a cartel marauder and call that a day. I like that.

Adv sensor/inertial dampener each bro bot. Or go VI for higher pilot skill shenanigans.

One problem I have with going beyond Brobots -- BTW, my current TC GC tourney list has dual-Expert Handling, and I call it "Brollbots," because I should be killed -- is that I really start getting in my own way. A lot. And the Aggressors are less likely to have AdvS (because points), so getting in your own way really starts to hurt.

That is indeed a very valid concern and probably why you should never run brobots with TWO additional ships. A crafty/skilled enough player might get away with it but it's certainly a problem. No, one ship extra is probably enough of a challenge.

The problem is: every ship you add is a potential weak point regarding points you loose. Because that ship will be a far easier target than your brobots. Better not to include any additional ships

The problem is: every ship you add is a potential weak point regarding points you loose. Because that ship will be a far easier target than your brobots. Better not to include any additional ships

If we take MoV into consideration, then yes that is a potential problem. Of course it can always be argued that it's a good thing the escort dies instead of your bots. Loosing a 12 pt ship would most certainly be preferable to loosing a 40+ pts ship.

Half dead brobot gives up more points than a pirate.

I flew this, treated them as jousters, and had a lot of fun.

IG-88C

Autothrusters

Glitterstim

IG-2000

IG-88A

Autothrusters

Glitterstim

IG-2000

Cartel Marauder

My alpha strike was incredible, and from then on, I had a lot of different weak targets I could pick off turn after turn to regenerate a shield each turn. IG-88C proved to be the weak link, as I often didn't have the room to boost and would end up just taking focus actions.

A Spice Runner with Autoblaster Turret + Dead Man's Switch works as a blocker and a guided bomb. At 20 points, you can still fit 2 IGs w/Mangler.

Charge the HWK up front, keep the IGs at a distance.

When tractors come out, and if they're any good:

IG88 B+D: VI, Tractor beam, Autothrusters

Cartel Marauder

I would never consider taking an aggressor without autothrusters in this meta.

A Spice Runner with Autoblaster Turret + Dead Man's Switch works as a blocker and a guided bomb. At 20 points, you can still fit 2 IGs w/Mangler.

Charge the HWK up front, keep the IGs at a distance.

Dead Man's switch on the escorting ship could certainly be a fun little extra!

When tractors come out, and if they're any good:

IG88 B+D: VI, Tractor beam, Autothrusters

Cartel Marauder

I would never consider taking an aggressor without autothrusters in this meta.

I usually don't care much for the spoilers FFG reveal, but tractor beam is one I really want to be spoiled! Anyway, autothrusters does seem to be an almost auto include for the bots. Even if you don't face turrets, it will help with closing the gap before the initial joust, and also improve the damage mitigation when disengaging for another attack run.

It is possible. Ideally can't see bots working with even 80% the same success without cannons. My 2 auto includes would be VI and Thrusters and the cheapest cannon we know about is Flechette. Now you're out of room for anything but a Z or a Syck with a...Flechette. If you could stack stress with the Flechettes you'd be in business.... Or if they did 2 damage if your target was already stressed...or anything! I guess 1 damage and ensuring a stressed target is worth 2pts.

Now if only the Scyk titles wasn't 2. You could mangler. Tractor beam may work and free up the points for a mangler Scyk but short of that I just don't see you getting enough of a return not to make your Terminators more monstrous.

I flew this the other day and absolutely loved it. In fact I liked it so much I may take it to my next tournament.

IG88 A-

Autothrusters

(38)

IG88 C-

Autothrusters

(38)

N'Dru-

Cluster Missles

Glitterstim

Crack Shot

(24)

Place the Brobots and N'Dru on opposite sides of the board. Then use the Brobots to herd you primary target into N'Dru. As long as you are smart you'll get a 4 dice x2 attack with focus. Plus Crack Shot to get those hits through. In both games I ran this I one shotted a full health HWK. I was a little surprised at how effective a ship the Aggressor is even with just AT they are really hard to pin down and harder still to kill. Fun list, and one I came up with on my own. That's the X Wing sweet spot.

IF you are going with BroBots and Bud, I recommend calling it the Boondock Saints, as the 3rd ship will be Rocco.

Meanwhile, yes it's quite easy, assuming you want to run without 88B.

I flew this the other day and absolutely loved it. In fact I liked it so much I may take it to my next tournament.

IG88 A-

Autothrusters

(38)

IG88 C-

Autothrusters

(38)

N'Dru-

Cluster Missles

Glitterstim

Crack Shot

(24)

Place the Brobots and N'Dru on opposite sides of the board. Then use the Brobots to herd you primary target into N'Dru. As long as you are smart you'll get a 4 dice x2 attack with focus. Plus Crack Shot to get those hits through. In both games I ran this I one shotted a full health HWK. I was a little surprised at how effective a ship the Aggressor is even with just AT they are really hard to pin down and harder still to kill. Fun list, and one I came up with on my own. That's the X Wing sweet spot.

I too love N'dru. His kryptonite for me has always been VI brobots. Nice to see them playing nice in a list (sans vi of course)

IF you are going with BroBots and Bud, I recommend calling it the Boondock Saints, as the 3rd ship will be Rocco.

Meanwhile, yes it's quite easy, assuming you want to run without 88B.

easy yes? Effective? I don't know.

I flew this, treated them as jousters, and had a lot of fun.

IG-88C

Autothrusters

Glitterstim

IG-2000

IG-88A

Autothrusters

Glitterstim

IG-2000

Cartel Marauder

My alpha strike was incredible, and from then on, I had a lot of different weak targets I could pick off turn after turn to regenerate a shield each turn. IG-88C proved to be the weak link, as I often didn't have the room to boost and would end up just taking focus actions.

The list may work better with 88D instead of 88C. If you're not relying heavily on the boost, then the extra maneuverability could be big for getting yourself turned around.

IF you are going with BroBots and Bud, I recommend calling it the Boondock Saints, as the 3rd ship will be Rocco.

Meanwhile, yes it's quite easy, assuming you want to run without 88B.

You know, that might just be the best list name I've ever encountered! Of course, which ship will we relegate to the role of Rocco? It can't be a too competent pilot...

I think I'll try

IG-88A (36)

-IG-2000 (0)

IG-88C (36)

-IG-2000 (0)

Zuckuss (28)

Virtually no upgrades, just an awesome 24 hit points for your opponent to chew through, 16 of which are behind 3 green dice. You have two 3-dice attacks and one 4-dice attack in Zuckuss. Could be fun.

I think I'll try

IG-88A (36)

-IG-2000 (0)

IG-88C (36)

-IG-2000 (0)

Zuckuss (28)

Virtually no upgrades, just an awesome 24 hit points for your opponent to chew through, 16 of which are behind 3 green dice. You have two 3-dice attacks and one 4-dice attack in Zuckuss. Could be fun.

I like it I'm just not sure I could ever run IGs without AT. In my two recent matches with IGs plus N'Dru I saved 8-10 hp of damage with AT. There's nothing like flipping a green blank to an Evade. I find that gets under opponents skin faster than anything. Especially if it gets you out clean.