So hangar bay is a newish event format and I think it's great to see some thought put into formats that are not quite 100 point dog fights. I have wanted to see this particular list building format for some time.

Arsenal lists include one list of pilots that you share with your opponent. And two potential lists of upgrade cards that you pick from after seeing your opponent's pilot list.

This allows players to bring to the right equipment against the right targets. It increases the utility of upgrades that counter popular builds and allows players to counter lists that they would otherwise be weak to.

This allows for some flexibility in what you bring to the table each game but does not require taking two full lists of ship models to an event.

So when do you decide on which upgrades to use?

Do you get to see what models the opponent is using first?

I can seeing this be wquite unbalanced when aperson flying a swarm shows up and people throw in Ion Tropedoes or things that shut down large numbers of ships. This can be really bad for some lists.

I can see that working pretty well. Tailored, but still allows both players equal chance to adjust. It may favor ordnance lists more, but that's probably OK.

Do you show the two upgrade lists to your opponent? And if you do, when do you tell them which one you picked? This could actually pair really well with the "hidden upgrades" variant where you keep upgrades face down until they are used.

Upgrades only, wont help some lists from flt out getting screwed over by a person designing one upgrade set to dea with swarms. and another to deal with elites, and a 3rd if allowed a 3rd to deal with someone that loves to run larges.

I've seen similar "hangar bay" style tournaments in other games, and it almos never ends well. Since who ever reveals their list first is screwed. Or if you are limited to taking the same models, some ships, and lists cant change up all that much. Like a tie Swarm list, usually it is pretty set as is.

So, basically you want to ask you're opponent ahead of time if you need to take veteran instincts or not?

So, basically you want to ask you're opponent ahead of time if you need to take veteran instincts or not?

That right there! Or adaptability being -1 or +1.

VI and adaptability are interesting cards in the format. i don't think they are problems i think they really show how important it is to the game to know what you're up against before you pick your upgrades.

For simplicities sake players would get to see both upgrade lists before picking. otherwise meta game elements like scouting crop up.

Upgrades only, wont help some lists from flt out getting screwed over by a person designing one upgrade set to dea with swarms. and another to deal with elites, and a 3rd if allowed a 3rd to deal with someone that loves to run larges.

I've seen similar "hangar bay" style tournaments in other games, and it almos never ends well. Since who ever reveals their list first is screwed. Or if you are limited to taking the same models, some ships, and lists cant change up all that much. Like a tie Swarm list, usually it is pretty set as is.

Both players see the enemy's potential lists then simultaneously pick the set of upgrades they bring. there is no one who "reveals first"

Interesting as a variant, if definitely one that emphasises heavy ships (where customization can mean everything) over massed generics.

I think I prefer hangar bay a little, because it means you can still show up with a full-on swarm and laugh.

Yeah I guess this format does favor upgrades over ships. Hum

This format still favors those that can do lots of things with the ships they pick, so on some lists (mostly TIE lists) which happen to have few really good options on each fighter for upgrades, it hurts. Bomber fighters and larges with losts of upgrades will benefit the most from this style....and that brings in imbalance.

Have fun with the format, but I dont plan on playing anything remotely like that for a tournament where prizes or something might be on the line. i've played similar styles for other games and it always is midserable for people that have limited good ways to build a list, when using specific models.

Corran Horn fully supports this format.

Maybe a side board like in magic? You have a core list of 70 points that you must take and two optional detachments of 30 points?

I like the idea that the on the fly initiative bid becomes a choice. Do I add that last upgrade or do I go lighter and hope for initiative?