Tie Bomber Talk

By TheRealStarkiller, in X-Wing

I'd commit to a Crackshot themed list, it'll really make those Missiles shine. I think putting Scourge or some other high damage Tie will be a good use of a 4th ship.


Bren + Crack + Concussion + EM

Gamma Vet + Crack + Concussion + EM + LRS (optional)
Gamma Vet + Crack + Concussion + EM + LRS (optional)
Scourge
100 pts

I like that the Gamma Vet is PS 5. That's not a bad PS to kill stuff with during Alpha Strikes.

Bren MIGHT be cool enough to ride along with some high damage Juke FOs.

Bren + Crack + Concussion + EM
Omega Leader + Juke + Comm Relay
Zeta Leader + Juke + Comm Relay
Scourge + Crack
100pts

2 dice gun Imperial lists that don't seem unplayable, haha, thanks Juke and Crackshot!

Edited by phild0

I'll stick with what's been working for me...with a new toy:

4 x Scimitar Pilots w/ Homing Missile, EM, Seismic Charge, and LRS

I think the Tie Bomber with EPT is best used as a one off Tie Bomber in a list of other ships. I think that's a viable option these days.

Also, I don't rate Jonus most of the time. It's usually cheaper to drop him and upgrade to Homing Missiles. I've used Jonus a lot and he's a weak point in the chain. Homing Missile is better because you can re-roll as many dice as you want, you get to keep the TL (if you don't re-roll) and they don't get an Evade.

I'm most excited to finally play some bomber spam lists again:

5 X Scimitar + Concussion/Proton/Clusters + Long Range Scanners

I think that will be a great start to test out just how good Long Range Scanners will perform.

Or replace 1 Scimitar with Zeta Leader for at least a single consistent damage ship that doesn't rely on TLs and what not.

What about something akin to this:

Gamma Veteran 19

Crack Shot 1

Extra Munitions 2

Homing Missile 5

= 27 points

Gamma Veteran 19

Crack Shot 1

XX-23 Tracers 1

Flechette Torpedoes 2

= 23 points

Basically you have your hammer team with the Homing Missiles + Crack Shot, and your support ships with Tracers and Flechette to ensure modded Homing Shots. Don't need Deadeye because of the Tracers, meaning you can really put the hurt on high agility ships.

I don't think you need the Tracer, really. It's not that hard to get a TL when you want it (after some practice), but just go with LRS if you are worried about it. That's better than trying to land a hit with a Tracer. Remember, you have to hit with the tracer to have it work. Just grabbing a TL is easier on some targets.

I don't think you need the Tracer, really. It's not that hard to get a TL when you want it (after some practice), but just go with LRS if you are worried about it. That's better than trying to land a hit with a Tracer. Remember, you have to hit with the tracer to have it work. Just grabbing a TL is easier on some targets.

The Tracer is there to allow a fully modded Homing Missile shot in one round. All ships would take a focus, with one of the support ships firing their tracers. If the tracers are one shy of hitting, there's Crack Shot to ensure the hit. Otherwise, the other support ship can fire their tracers and do the same.

Basically, it allows for a very strong alpha strike that can reset and do it a second time.

Hmm ... the Tie Bomber still seems to be a meh to me.

I guess we will see him as a Tie Shuttle now and then ... in the competitive scene ... the Doom Bomber.

Setting up a bombing run still is too risky with too less reward to be competitive.

While fitting a single bomber for all range bands is still too expensive.

But there still is a last, not completely spoiled card what lets you modify your ordnance rolls.

Otherwise, Tie Bombers are completely suited for epic now.

The Gamma Vets shoot before the huge ships and they have an EPT now!

Does Crack Shot counter the fortify action?

(100)

Gamma Squadron Pilot (25)

Assault Missiles (5), Extra Munitions (2), Long-Range Scanners (0)

Gamma Squadron Pilot (25)

Assault Missiles (5), Extra Munitions (2), Long-Range Scanners (0)

Gamma Squadron Pilot (25)

Assault Missiles (5), Extra Munitions (2), Long-Range Scanners (0)

Gamma Squadron Pilot (25)

Assault Missiles (5), Extra Munitions (2), Long-Range Scanners (0)

This will be my bomber squad.

Since you're unlikely to be able to fire twice and are vulnerable to range-rushers, I'd seriously consider dropping EM for Seismics.

Looks fun either way.

Edited by Keffisch

I don't think you need the Tracer, really. It's not that hard to get a TL when you want it (after some practice), but just go with LRS if you are worried about it. That's better than trying to land a hit with a Tracer. Remember, you have to hit with the tracer to have it work. Just grabbing a TL is easier on some targets.

The Tracer is there to allow a fully modded Homing Missile shot in one round. All ships would take a focus, with one of the support ships firing their tracers. If the tracers are one shy of hitting, there's Crack Shot to ensure the hit. Otherwise, the other support ship can fire their tracers and do the same.

Basically, it allows for a very strong alpha strike that can reset and do it a second time.

Long Range Sensors is more reliable than Tracer. You have to fire and hit the Tracer to get the TL instead of just spending Turn one grabbing a TL on someone.

Hmm ... the Tie Bomber still seems to be a meh to me.

I guess we will see him as a Tie Shuttle now and then ... in the competitive scene ... the Doom Bomber.

Setting up a bombing run still is too risky with too less reward to be competitive.

While fitting a single bomber for all range bands is still too expensive.

But there still is a last, not completely spoiled card what lets you modify your ordnance rolls.

Otherwise, Tie Bombers are completely suited for epic now.

The Gamma Vets shoot before the huge ships and they have an EPT now!

Does Crack Shot counter the fortify action?

You don't need to have a Bomber with ordnance for all ranges. If at R1, you just fire main guns. Also, it means that your bombs will probably hit them next turn.

Why is setting up a bombing run too risky? Why too less reward? With LRS, it's quite easy to get the TL for when you are in range. Use Homing Missiles and you get to have a TL for dice mods, the Focus, too, and they can't use an Evade. What's not to love?

As for competitive, I made it undefeated to the Top 4 at my last Store Championship with 4 Tie Bombers, and that was before Extra Munitions.

Or you could just give them Long Range Scanners so they can TL before closing. Only problem I foresee is based on the rest of the text. It's either gonna tell you that you can do something, or you can't. So far the text seems to say "you can acquire target locks at range 3 and beyond. You cannot acquire target locks on ships at range 1-2. You can equip…" So it's either gonna tell us we can quip something extra, or equip "only ____" where we don't know what _____ is.

Or you could just give them Long Range Scanners so they can TL before closing. Only problem I foresee is based on the rest of the text. It's either gonna tell you that you can do something, or you can't. So far the text seems to say "you can acquire target locks at range 3 and beyond. You cannot acquire target locks on ships at range 1-2. You can equip…" So it's either gonna tell us we can quip something extra, or equip "only ____" where we don't know what _____ is.

Yes we do.

swx52-long-range-scanners.png

Or you could just give them Long Range Scanners so they can TL before closing. Only problem I foresee is based on the rest of the text. It's either gonna tell you that you can do something, or you can't. So far the text seems to say "you can acquire target locks at range 3 and beyond. You cannot acquire target locks on ships at range 1-2. You can equip…" So it's either gonna tell us we can quip something extra, or equip "only ____" where we don't know what _____ is.

Yes we do.

swx52-long-range-scanners.png

God I wish Safari would stop being stupid and just let me see these things. I'm sick of having to open them all in a different browswer. So, let's see what's up here...

Oh, well then. That is much nicer than I was expecting. Lovely. That actually makes the card even better in my opinion. Now everyone and their brother can't just have it.

That's just one of the many reasons not to use to use Apple products :)

Edited by heychadwick

Bombers have long been good as a huge healthy tie.

Let's face it this is a dog fight game and bombers are not good dog fighters. I ran bombers a lot and they are fun, especially with seis charges. They can be sneaky with mines. I have yet to fly the Punisher but I think it's getting overlooked just like bombers.

I can see them flying with missles and hitting once and them they have a problem. Bombers need a cannon.

Bombers are great however in Epic. Drop mines in a furball and watch players cry. Lol

That's just one of the many reasons to use to use Apple products :)

No, it's a recent thing. My GF tends to go to bad sites, and a few weeks ago she gave my poor computer something pretty bad. It hasn't been the same since (but was completely trouble and bug free for 4 years before that, which took about 3 years and 3 weeks longer than any PC to get buggy on me…)

Bombers have long been good as a huge healthy tie.

Let's face it this is a dog fight game and bombers are not good dog fighters. I ran bombers a lot and they are fun, especially with seis charges. They can be sneaky with mines. I have yet to fly the Punisher but I think it's getting overlooked just like bombers.

I can see them flying with missles and hitting once and them they have a problem. Bombers need a cannon.

Extra munitions goes a very long way towards making them work, especially when your opponent thinks to themselves "he already dropped his mines, i'm safe now" and forget.

Long Range Sensors makes for a set of fabulous jousting/centrepiece hunters, when you pretty much know what you're gunning for and the enemy isn't doing much about it.

Still waiting to see what Guidance Chip does to decide whether it's the One True Solution though. If it conflicts with Long Range Sensors, that's going to leave us all with quite the quandry. ;)

Long Range Sensors makes for a set of fabulous jousting/centrepiece hunters, when you pretty much know what you're gunning for and the enemy isn't doing much about it.

Still waiting to see what Guidance Chip does to decide whether it's the One True Solution though. If it conflicts with Long Range Sensors, that's going to leave us all with quite the quandry. ;)

Guidance Chip?

Guidance Chip?

It's an upgrade coming in the TAP.

Guidance Chip?

It's an upgrade coming in the TAP.

TAP??

Seriously. Haven't played in a year. Don't know all the new acronyms yet.

TIE Advanced Prototype, the new TIE from Rebels.

The Scimitar will sill reign supreme in my bomber lists. LRS is goin to make scimi/homing missiles in particular very deadly, with focus/tl attacks everywhere. Tomas and all the new shinies will see more play in lists as support I think, rather than in bomber squads, as you start to struggle to fit 4 in with those guys.

Also, while deadeye is nice and all, it's no longer the be all and end all of ordnance effectiveness. Paying 5 points for it (ept pilot & 1pt) is a rip off, when you can instead spend one point to upgrade your cluster or concussion to a homing, which lets you keep your tl for dice mods, and makes soontir, jake, corran, /fos and isanne poop themselves.

Give me the scimi any day.

You don't need to have a Bomber with ordnance for all ranges. If at R1, you just fire main guns. Also, it means that your bombs will probably hit them next turn.

Why is setting up a bombing run too risky? Why too less reward? With LRS, it's quite easy to get the TL for when you are in range. Use Homing Missiles and you get to have a TL for dice mods, the Focus, too, and they can't use an Evade. What's not to love?

As for competitive, I made it undefeated to the Top 4 at my last Store Championship with 4 Tie Bombers, and that was before Extra Munitions.

Well, when they where released I used a Bomber list in a local tournament and did pretty well - but it was all downhill thereafter. I also used them in a SC, but ... It was all about that I couldn't get my stuff off and when I could I failed to do some damage. Such a shame loosing loaded bombers ...

I used them as healthy fighters thereafter ... until Whisper killed this lists with no chance to get her down.

It was back then when I thought: No way - I'll touch the Bombers again when they got access to Deadeye.

So yes - Tie Bombers were designed to take down the big targets in the first place, aren't they (apart from surface bombing)?

With LRS they should be able to do so. Thats true for big and huge targets, that are unable to arc-dodge or alter the course dramatically after they got logged-on by the bombers.

Tie Bombers will have their hours in local meta - but I doubt we will ever see a 4 Bomber list that made the cut at nationals or words.

Make me happy by proving that I am wrong.

Edited by TheRealStarkiller

You don't need to have a Bomber with ordnance for all ranges. If at R1, you just fire main guns. Also, it means that your bombs will probably hit them next turn.

Why is setting up a bombing run too risky? Why too less reward? With LRS, it's quite easy to get the TL for when you are in range. Use Homing Missiles and you get to have a TL for dice mods, the Focus, too, and they can't use an Evade. What's not to love?

As for competitive, I made it undefeated to the Top 4 at my last Store Championship with 4 Tie Bombers, and that was before Extra Munitions.

Well, when they where released I used a Bomber list in a local tournament and did pretty well - but it was all downhill thereafter. I also used them in a SC, but ... It was all about that I couldn't get my stuff off and when I could I failed to do some damage. Such a shame loosing loaded bombers ...

I used them as healthy fighters thereafter ... until Whisper killed this lists with no chance to get her down.

It was back then when I thought: No way - I'll touch the Bombers again when they got access to Deadeye.

So yes - Tie Bombers were designed to take down the big targets in the first place, aren't they (apart from surface bombing)?

With LRS they should be able to do so. Thats true for big and huge targets, that are unable to arc-dodge or alter the course dramatically after they got logged-on by the bombers.

Tie Bombers will have their hours in local meta - but I doubt we will ever see a 4 Bomber list that made the cut at nationals or words.

Make me happy by proving that I am wrong.

Personally, I think that people aren't open enough in what they try for Nationals or Worlds. I think they stick to tried and true and only a few people bother with new list types. Podcasts and forums also reinforce what works and what doesn't (regardless of people actually trying things) and we won't see a lot of oddball lists unless it's hyped by someone with a high profile.

I think 4 Tie Bombers has what it takes to make in Worlds. I don't think we will see many people try it.

Also, I don't think 4 Tie Bombers have a problem with Arc Dodgers. Those types of lists are usually only 3 ships or so and I've got 4 Tie Bombers. It's not that hard to keep Soontir Fel in arc if you aren't flying in formation. No reason to fly in formation without Jonus. No reason for Jonus with Homing Missiles. I've found that Homing Missiles are great for Tie Interceptors because they can't use an Evade token. If I can get LRS, then my Focus will help a lot with getting even more damage through. You can also hamper their arc dodging with Bombs. Or...they forget about them and take the hits. I've even been able to drop bombs and force Soontir to barrel roll and/or Boost out of bomb range....leaving him with no defensive tokens (other than his Focus) for another Bomber.

Long Range Sensors makes for a set of fabulous jousting/centrepiece hunters, when you pretty much know what you're gunning for and the enemy isn't doing much about it.

Still waiting to see what Guidance Chip does to decide whether it's the One True Solution though. If it conflicts with Long Range Sensors, that's going to leave us all with quite the quandry. ;)

I don't think there will be "One True Solution". I think there will be a lot of different little solutions that work different ways. It will be hard to get through some people's attitude that ordnance is worth it this way. I think it's one of the reasons why not as many people are trying it.

Edited by heychadwick