I've been dared to play a pal, but one game this weekend I have to field a Punisher in the squad. I need help! I've not gone beyond Bombers; she's always been left in the hangar....I do now have Lightweight Frame though, hummmm? Help guys!

Thanks in advance gents!

I would start with one of these builds:

“Redline” [Fire-Control System, Extra Munitions, Cluster Missiles, Guidance Chips] (35)

“Deathrain” [Advanced Sensors, Extra Munitions, Conner Net] (35)

Redline's ability doesn't work as well with Clusters as it used to, but you can still get Focus + Target Lock + Chips to spread between both attacks. You can add an extra weapon to each if you have the points, but try not to do much beyond that. Have to keep these guys as cheap as possible to invest in quality wingmen to close out the game after they go down.

Cutlass Squadron with accuracy corrector is a cheap 24 pts. Add flechette torpedo and munitions fail safe for 3pts and you can shoot the torps, accuracy correct away any hits to guarantee a miss to stress target and keep torps for another shot with failsafe. Not a bad option for 3 more pts

I've run a double-Punisher list to some (limited) success and some (extensive) hilarity, but both Deathrain and Redline can be great additions to a list.

Redline clocks in at a cool 38 with FCS(2), EM(2), Plasma Torps(3), and Cluster Missiles(4) with Guidance Chips(0). Someone suggested a 35 point version with the Plasma Torps, but imo it's important to have that ranged punch, and it's only 3 points more. Deathrain works best with Adv. Sensors and LRS I think-- I've run expensive and cheap versions that have both panned out well. I recommend adding Homing Missiles or something like that to Deathrain to give her something productive to do that isn't laying bombs. Adv. Sensors, EM, Conners, and Homing Missiles clocks in at 40 points.

I think the general wisdom of trying to keep Punishers cheap is correct, but if you skimp on them too much they cease to be worth the points. Adding another ordnance might be 3-5 points more but can double the actual value you get out of your Punisher in a match.

Cheap non-ace options include either or the generics with EM, Concussion Missiles, FCS, and Seismic Charges with Guidance Chips (33 points on the PS4 generic).

Hope this helps!

My biggest suggestion, is make the target priority super hard.

What's that? They choose to take out Redline first? That's fine, that leaves you Rexler Brath and Omega Leader for the end game.

Oh? They're going after Deathrain? Good thing The Inquisitor and Vader are there to make them pay for it.

Or, heck, you could even fly a punisher alongside an HSCP/Gunner/Kylo Ren RAC. Something like this:

VT-49 Decimator: · Rear Admiral Chiraneau (46)
Predator (3)
· Kylo Ren (3)
Hotshot Co-pilot (4)
Gunner (5)
TIE Punisher: · "Redline" (27)
Extra Munitions (2)
Plasma Torpedoes (3)
Cluster Missiles (4)
Fire Control System (2)
Guidance Chips (0)
-- TOTAL ------- 99p. --

Either way, so long as you can punish them (heehee) for going after your punisher first, then your list should do OK.

41 points

PILOTS

“Deathrain” (41)
TIE Punisher (26), Advanced Sensors (3), Extra Munitions (2), Conner Net (4), Cluster Mines (4), Lightweight Frame (2)

This loadout is meant to be flown head on at their ace, use advanced sensors, drop the conner net on them barrel roll to the side then have a K-turn set for your action, this will allow you to get behind them and have a shot on them they are actionless doing a 1 straight, then next turn you follow up with a 1 straight bank and try to drop cluster underthem for some bonus dmg, or just cruise behind them taking pot shots on their rear, then if they turn around drop the other conner net after moving next to them, and then cluster the turn after before you reveal your dial, assuming you havent killed it by this point

Love the ideas....I only own one Punisher at the moment; unless it's too fun; then add another later perhaps? No Kylo yet either, but, great ideas. It seems balancing the Punisher with two ships of the Ace variety is best. Seems a Defender is the easy choice for one....perhaps too easy to be fun?

34 minutes ago, clanofwolves said:

Love the ideas....I only own one Punisher at the moment; unless it's too fun; then add another later perhaps? No Kylo yet either, but, great ideas. It seems balancing the Punisher with two ships of the Ace variety is best. Seems a Defender is the easy choice for one....perhaps too easy to be fun?

Just A thought: Vessery /D with tractor beam could be a lot of fun with Redline and either OL or Inqy and be challenging

For 26 points you can do a cutlass with LWF and Accuracy Corrector. Not amazing but consistant and tanky

Here is a bit of an experimental take on this - for most people its either don't bother, so if you have to keep it cheap or go all in. I believe Redline can work at a cheap price point. Now any list you will create with Redline is slanted towards alpha striking, which opens the question of why you aren't running Quickdraw, reigning queen of alpha damage, so to make the list better you run both. Now you are missing late game and the easiest path for that is a Defender. There is enough space for Riad and we have the ability to give her Crackshot to further go with the alpha strike theme.

"Redline" (27)
Extra Munitions (2)
Concussion Missiles (4)
Long-Range Scanners (0)

"Quickdraw" (29)
Expertise (4)
Electronic Baffle (1)
Special Ops Training (0)

Countess Ryad (34)
Crack Shot (1)
TIE/x7 (-2)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

If you expect your opponent to run ships with pilot skill higher than 7 the build above is the only one reasonable. Otherwise you can go ahead and shave off a point from Redline with Guidance Chips and Plasma Torps.

37 = Redline (27) + Extra Munitions(2) + Concussion Missles (4) + Lightweight Frame (2) + Fire Control System (2)

38 = Col Vessery (35) + Juke (2) +Stealth Device (3) + TIE/x7 (-2)

24 = 2 x Academy Pilots (12)

99 Points. Enables Vessery's need for a Target Lock and Redline survives longer than normal.

Academies are extremely useful blockers and harassers - plus can be harder to kill than most people think.

Vessery and Redline are 2 Dangerous pilots and close points make your opponents chose a priority.

1 hour ago, Admiral Deathrain said:

Here is a bit of an experimental take on this - for most people its either don't bother, so if you have to keep it cheap or go all in. I believe Redline can work at a cheap price point. Now any list you will create with Redline is slanted towards alpha striking, which opens the question of why you aren't running Quickdraw, reigning queen of alpha damage, so to make the list better you run both. Now you are missing late game and the easiest path for that is a Defender. There is enough space for Riad and we have the ability to give her Crackshot to further go with the alpha strike theme.

"Redline" (27)
Extra Munitions (2)
Concussion Missiles (4)
Long-Range Scanners (0)

"Quickdraw" (29)
Expertise (4)
Electronic Baffle (1)
Special Ops Training (0)

Countess Ryad (34)
Crack Shot (1)
TIE/x7 (-2)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

If you expect your opponent to run ships with pilot skill higher than 7 the build above is the only one reasonable. Otherwise you can go ahead and shave off a point from Redline with Guidance Chips and Plasma Torps.

I'm surprised that the Admiral isn't suggesting Deathrain. Since, you know...

I think that the idea of an alpha strike Redline is a good one, but I'm not sure if the list has the staying power afterwards. While Quickdraw and Ryad are both beasts, I don't think that this list makes the best use of either of them. However, that is just my 2 cents. If you can do enough damage in the alpha strike, you'll likely have the game in the bag. But if your opponent can out-position you in that first exchange, or your dice go cold, then you're probably sunk.

See, the problem with Deathrain is that he is really good against one not too popular list, Palpaces. Everything else makes him an overinvestment, especially since Deathfire exists. I like Deathrain, but if I want to win i don't play him and if I play Punishers I **** well will do my very best to win for bragging rights!