So, looking to have this as a collection of battle reports using a crackblack swarm.

I started playing Xwing the day the old starter set hit the shelves - bought and played with a day and very quickly bought another box set and some extra ties to I could play what I considered (and still do...) to be the epitome of star wars visual on the board - a swarm of Ties crowding the board... At the time we didn't have bundles of choices so I generally ram howl, 5 academies and vader or named swarm - I got reletively good at avoiding asteroids and in our little, new group gave a good showing.

Fast forward to today and I've just returned to the game after an extended break - had a little play around with triple aces and enjoyed it. However, I feel the call of the swarm begging me back - calling my name in the night...

To that end I will be flying (at the moment)

Howlrunner hull crackshot

Mauler crackshot

4 blackcracks

Not original I know but a good start (Mauler will eventually be either wampa or an expose youngster...)

Playing first games with this tomorrow so hoping to report back some wins (which are few and far between since my return!)

So, first time flying with the swarm in nearly 6 waves...

Game 1

Faced matt with standard targeting computer fel, standard omega + tiemk2 and a phantom with mara, stygium and another card.

Good opening positions took the omega and phantom down on turn 2 - got a couple of hits on Fel before he flew ingloriously off board for a delicious full win

Game 2

Against ben with wedge integrated, bb8 and VI. Horton with tlt, marksmanship and r2d6 and jake with Ptl, Vi, test pilot, AT and PRockets...

Tough game, he put up wedge as a sacrifice who politely died - howl went next leaving the squad to go after the Y. Leaving 4 crack(less)blacks to dance with jake - this went as you'd expect and he arc dodged his way to victory...

So, 1 win 1 loss - really enjoyed flying swarm again and will be flying it again on the next fly out - for me the swarm is back...

So, what did learn? I suppose I need to be more fluid in my approach to the swarm - in the second game I lost howl very early though I kept my ships fully in formation for quite some time. I could have broken earlier to spread my ships' firing arcs which would have helped.

I also realised how a nippy arc dodger(jake) can cause real headaches and really should have been gone for much earlier in the match...

I too miss the swarm... I may need to get a crack swarm out for some larks back stabbed had always been my favourite tie, though.