Best way to use Paragon

By Churry, in Star Wars: Armada

Hey all!

So I've been wondering what the best way to use Paragon would be.

Is it better to include the black die in the side arc with more reds for more potential damage, or include it in the front arc attack to spread the damage out?

I've been adding the black die to the front arc attack, forcing the opponent to either take the damage from the stronger side arc, because I'm sure people will save defense tokens if they know a black die - 2 if concentrate fire dial is shown - is coming their way on the 2nd attack.

Thoughts?

The best use? Put it away and equip Ackbar.

Seriously, though, I would put it in the front arc. Mathematically speaking it is almost always better to spread the damage out as much as possible.

Depends, if your target has brace available, spread that damage out. If they are down to redirect / evades only then go for the massive thump.

From what I can figure, if they can brace then multiple medium attacks are more reliable than one huge and one small one. If they can't brace then you are better throwing all your eggs into one basket as that will enhance your ability to capitalise on any accuracies that your attack generates.

It is also dependant on what the target is equipped with. If they have ECM, always split the dice as much as poss, as they'll always have that brace available for the big hit.

In terms of positioning to get a double arc, is the best way to do this maybe?

  • Bid to get initiative
  • Move Paragon after it's "target" has moved - make sure to get a double arc!
  • Activate Paragon next turn as your first activation

Maybe include a Tactical Expert (6 points) to be able to make sure you have a concentrate fire order when you need it to make the most out of additional dice?

Someone crunched the numbers awhile ago, and from what I remember, you have the best chances of damage against full defense token ships by having the Front Arc as the second attack, and saving a CF command for that.

I am sorry though, i don't have a link to the number crunching.

It's good as 2nd player with Hyperspace assault also, you're usually able to deploy in such a way that you have a double arc on 2 hostile ships. That way regardless of which ship your opponent moves first, you get the double arc on the other. You can also set your dials more easily when you come in also.

best way is not too! Huehuehuehue. In all seriousness though there are way better uses of 5 points.... Like half of ay wing that does the same thing

Cool. So from what I gather it seems like it's situational, but if all defense tokens are available, to spread the dmg out. Also, do you guys think the paragon title is a good one to add?

I love me a cheap floozy Paragon (77 point Mk.IIB). The same thing as has been said already, spread the damage out and it's usually good at drawing out defence tokens in particular, and it's one of the few times I'd ever consider issuing Concentrate Fire over Squadron commands.

It does sort of end up with the eternal question 'how did you want to play?' Ackbar makes Paragon a bad prospect, but with the other admirals, it's fine (I'm sticking with Garm over Ackbar for the time being, so ol' Fishface isn't a foregone conclusion). Plus, if something like Advanced Gunnery comes up, you've got a prime ship that will only give up 150ish points compared to the 212+ and more likely 240 points of an Mc80.

Then, assuming you want to stick with Paragon in the first place, you have the gaudy vs. bare question. I like to keep the cost of my ships low so I get more squadrons to activate with other ships (I save to get those Y-wings in other ways :P. Paragon means no Gunnery Teams, no Enhanced Armaments, less likely in need of ECM's to protect a ship with a higher investment, etc.)

I usually run my Paragon pretty light as well. Just Paragon and ECM because paragon seems to get into medium range often. But yea, I run my other AF with Gallant Haven take long shots and activate squads.