Here is the list as currently constituted:

VI Bro-Bots HLC (98)

IG88-B (49) - Aggressor

Veteran Instincts (1), Fire Control System (2), Heavy Laser Cannon (7), Inertial Dampeners (1), IG-2000 (0), Autothrusters (2)

IG88-D (49) - Aggressor

Veteran Instincts (1), Fire Control System (2), Heavy Laser Cannon (7), Inertial Dampeners (1), IG-2000 (0), Autothrusters (2)

Thoughts:

- IG-88C vs IG-88D? I find that I am not boosting often, so I feel like having flexibility on the SLoop is more likely to get used.

- Initiative Bid? At 98 right now with the intent of targeting PS9 ships first and having late game maneuverability advantage.

- FCS vs Advanced Sensors? I hate to lose FCS, but would it be worth actions before SLoops?

- inertial Dampeners? Mainly serve as something they have to keep in the back of their mind, occasionally popped, but I find most of the time I want to use it I am already stressed from the previous turn.

- I find that I am often only getting Range 1 shots (hard to complain!) but I am wondering if I am flying this list wrong. I am using my K-turn and SLoops liberally, which generally has worked well; but the resurgence of Defenders (both x7 and D varieties) and their K-turns has given me trouble.

I am looking to improve my odds against Triple Aces, Defender builds, and Rebel large base builds (Mainly YT-1300/2400).

My go-to for brobots is C and D. I originally ran B a lot, but depending on who you're facing, it can often be better for someone to not bother spending defense just so they can take a small hit from B's shot to not take massive damage from the cannon. At least in my experience.

Recently, I've had a grand old time with a 2-point initiative bid, though VI'd Bossk/Kath gives me PS9, while VI'd brobots only grants 8. I think if you can afford the initiative bid, always go for it. It lets you adapt control over initiative based on what you're facing.

If you end up bringing B, definitely keep the FCS. Otherwise, Sensors.

Dampeners? See initiative. If you can afford it and keep the initiative, why not?

As for range 1, it's because brobots are goddamned fast. Especially flying D, sloops are so much more tempting than they already are, but they can quickly backfire. You really just need to slowplay as much as you possibly can until it's no longer an option. For this reason, I like to run C/D because the abilities give me options, and I've never not used both abilities when I've had them.

I will admit that I have never tried another way, but I am pretty set on keeping Bravo. With FCS and/or Focus I feel that I can consistently roll 3/4 hits either forcing them to spend tokens to avoid hits, leading to a second shot against a token less defender, or make them pay when the green dice inevitably fail them.

Thoughts about split systems? FCS on B, Adv Sens on C/D?

I'm a huuuuuge fan of Adv. Sensors on my bots. There's nothing like letting your opponent think they're trapping a bot, only to boost and 4k/S-loop over their head. I think C is far more of a must than B. Having that evade token lets you negate a full HLC, even if they land everything. My typical list runs B/C, but I'm contemplating giving C/D a try for more S-loop shenanigans.

I've run your exact list for quite a while, though using B & C and it as done me well. it packs a punch and the PS8 helps against other mirror matches, as well as an initiative bid against other ps 8 lists.

don't be afraid to block yourself to help keep the range to your targets.

When I was running PTL bots I really liked Charlie, but I find that I am using Delta's ability more.

A key question, for me, is who offers a better endgame solo? Because, let's be honest, anyone worth their salt is looking to take out Bravo first almost everytime! Charlie would possibly be a better endgame solo with the evade, but Delta gives me more flexibility to outmaneuver for position. This is probably the weakest part of my game, as I find the games I win I tend to have both bots for the majority of the game.

My local meta is pretty Ace and Defender heavy, as well as a fair amount of PWT rebels. I have struggled a bit against TIE/D defenders for the same reason that Bravo + FCS punches through damage.

don't be afraid to block yourself to help keep the range to your targets.

EDIT: add quote

When I was running PTL bots I really liked Charlie, but I find that I am using Delta's ability more.

A key question, for me, is who offers a better endgame solo? Because, let's be honest, anyone worth their salt is looking to take out Bravo first almost everytime! Charlie would possibly be a better endgame solo with the evade, but Delta gives me more flexibility to outmaneuver for position. This is probably the weakest part of my game, as I find the games I win I tend to have both bots for the majority of the game.

My local meta is pretty Ace and Defender heavy, as well as a fair amount of PWT rebels. I have struggled a bit against TIE/D defenders for the same reason that Bravo + FCS punches through damage.

don't be afraid to block yourself to help keep the range to your targetsVery good advice! I often overlook this!

EDIT: add quote

My money is on C. D offers flexibility, yes, but it only takes one round for your opponent to successfully read you and suddenly you're stressed and out of position. It's happened to me too many times. C at least allows you do disengage and get some more survivability. Plus, boosting large base after 3-speed maneuver covers a *lot* of ground, and anything except other boosting large bases are going to have a tough time catching you.

Thoughts about split systems? FCS on B, Adv Sens on C/D?

I'd say no. I prefer a completely mirrored brobots build because as long as both are alive it doesn't matter which is in what position. Sometimes it can mentally strain your opponent just that little bit more as they have to mentally keep track of which ship is which bot if they're trying to target one in particular. Don't get me wrong, if they ask, I tell them which is which, but it still takes up their mental resources to keep track. Could give you that slight edge you need to mentally outplay your opponent.

- I find that I am often only getting Range 1 shots

This is the reason I find myself using an Alpha/Charlie formation nowadays.

Since my Brobots flying is usually very aggressive, I build them defensively and let their effects compliment my survivability. Alpha's shield gain actually encourages me to keep coming at them and Charlie's evade keeps me safe.

But Veteran Instincts isn't a huge part of my plan, I like the option to block aces. My list is usually:

• Predator (3)
• Sensor Jammer (4)
• Autothrusters (2)
• Feedback Array (2)

This gives me 6 pts left for bombs and I keep struggling between Prox Mines and Seismic Charges. With their speed and positioning, that bomb slot always pays for itself but each has its use depending on match-ups.

- I find that I am often only getting Range 1 shots

This is the reason I find myself using an Alpha/Charlie formation nowadays.

Since my Brobots flying is usually very aggressive, I build them defensively and let their effects compliment my survivability. Alpha's shield gain actually encourages me to keep coming at them and Charlie's evade keeps me safe.

But Veteran Instincts isn't a huge part of my plan, I like the option to block aces. My list is usually:

• Predator (3)
• Sensor Jammer (4)
• Autothrusters (2)
• Feedback Array (2)

This gives me 6 pts left for bombs and I keep struggling between Prox Mines and Seismic Charges. With their speed and positioning, that bomb slot always pays for itself but each has its use depending on match-ups.

I have thought of running something like this, but have trouble giving up Bravo. Are you not running any cannons then? I hadn't thought of doing that and investing in SJ and bombs....hmmm...ill have to try it a couple games and see.

- I find that I am often only getting Range 1 shots

This is the reason I find myself using an Alpha/Charlie formation nowadays.

Since my Brobots flying is usually very aggressive, I build them defensively and let their effects compliment my survivability. Alpha's shield gain actually encourages me to keep coming at them and Charlie's evade keeps me safe.

But Veteran Instincts isn't a huge part of my plan, I like the option to block aces. My list is usually:

• Predator (3)
• Sensor Jammer (4)
• Autothrusters (2)
• Feedback Array (2)

This gives me 6 pts left for bombs and I keep struggling between Prox Mines and Seismic Charges. With their speed and positioning, that bomb slot always pays for itself but each has its use depending on match-ups.

I have thought of running something like this, but have trouble giving up Bravo. Are you not running any cannons then? I hadn't thought of doing that and investing in SJ and bombs....hmmm...ill have to try it a couple games and see.

I had the same issue.

What helped a lot was acknowleging that Bravo's effect has a mandatory 14-pt cost (Mangler just doesn't cut it) on an already compromised squad that wouldn't see much use if I spent most of my matches at R1. Having those 14 extra points to build into other stuff is liberating.

But I should say, the gameplan changes significantly with this version. You have to be more aggressive but also slippery, maintaining a sweet R1 or R3 spot.

Against U-Boats, if they're an issue in your area, you might want to run Glitterstim instead of FA.

When you put it like that K Genesis it really puts into perspective how much the Gunner ability costs...mind opened! U-Boats are not an issue here, looking at Aces, Defenders, and Fat Rebel Turrets mostly.

Has anyone ever tried running UNidentical BroBots?

Fraternal Bro-Bots (100)

IG88-B (50) - Aggressor

Crack Shot (1), Fire Control System (2), Heavy Laser Cannon (7), Glitterstim (2), IG-2000 (0), Autothrusters (2)

IG88-C (50) - Aggressor

Push The Limit (3), Advanced Sensors (3), "Mangler" Cannon (4), Glitterstim (2), IG-2000 (0), Autothrusters (2)