So, I was considering running a Tie (almost) Swarm with all elite pilots, the initial list is:

• Howlrunner 18 + Swarm Tactics 2 = 20
• Scourge 17
• Epsilon Leader 19
• Backstabber 16
• Wampa 14
• Chaser 14

Total 100

Howlrunner offers obvious benefits to a swarm, especially with Swarm Tactics.

Scourge is decent against larger ships, especially range 1, and Howlrunner should be able to get Wampa or Backstabber firing first.

Epsilon Leader reduces the impact of either coordinated Red Manoeuvres or Nasty Stressy things.

Backstabber is less situational with 5 friends as it's harder for people to keep track of him specifically.

Wampa is worth 2 points over an Academy Tie for PS4 and his ability along with Howlrunner allowing re-rolls.

Chaser can profit from all Focus tokens expended by his 5 buddies, particularly as he goes last so should have at least 1 left for his shooting.

Plus it offers most of the benefits associated with the 8 Academy Swarm and offers something a little more interesting than the Crack Squadron.

Any thoughts?

Rikk

Two elites with mixed PS, whose abilities are Range 1 dependant basically forces you into flying in block/pinwheel formations.

If that is your thing, go for it!

Arc-dodgers will be the list's nemesis.

Consider swapping Swarm Tactics on Howlrunner for Decoy on Scourge - you can 'pull' Wampa up the firing order, but also help 'push' Scourge down at the same time, to ensure Scourge fires after everyone else (except chaser), which means he's more likely to trigger his ability.

Consider deploying Backstabber outside the 'box' - yes, he won't get a reroll, but if he's on the flank and coming in solo, he should be triggering his ability, and an extra die is better than a reroll.

Alternatively, swap Backstabber for Dark Curse - he makes a good "Front Rank" man in a pinwheel alongside Chaser (who can evade to avoid incoming shots then snag a focus token out of the air for his own).

Here's an Elite TIE list I just put together last night.

"Howlrunner" (18)

"Scourge" (17)

"Backstabber" (16)

"Dark Curse" + Stealth Device (19)

"Night Beast" + Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (16)

"Wampa" (14)

Backstabber can play a light flanking role. Mk. II gives Night Beast 6 moves that allow him to double up on actions. The Stealth Device could be moved to Howlrunner if you expect to be able to keep her a live longer. Scourge could be Mauler Mithel depending on whose ability you like better.