So I always keep 4bz as a backup list; b-wings aren't doing anything else and it's a pretty nice list to have in the back pocket just in case.

But now I have 4 gunboat, and by extension 4 linked batteries. So it occurs to me that the right thing to do is to remove the z-95 and kit all the b-wings out with the linked batteries.

Question is... what to do with the remaining 4 points?

I could upgrade 2 blues to daggers, but I feel like that might hamper the ability of the squadron to fly in formation.

I could run an ace, but the only one I could fit in the list is Nera, and even then she would have to give up her linked battery if she wanted an ept of more than 0 points.

Or I could use 1 or 2 e/2 upgrades to put some crew in the b-wings, but what crew? I can have 1 crew at up to 3 points or 2 crew at up to a single point each.

Not quite sure how to proceed on this one. What's the best upgrade path here?

I'd say the two best options are a pair of Seismic Torpedos to clear out awkward obstacles, or e/2 and an Operations Specialist. Getting free focus when attacks miss would make it easier to barrel roll for position, or pull red moves on a few ships. If going for 1-point crew, Intelligence Agent is probably the right one. B-Wings have those barrel rolls, and you could take advantage of knowing where enemies are going.

1 minute ago, theBitterFig said:

I'd say the two best options are a pair of Seismic Torpedos to clear out awkward obstacles, or e/2 and an Operations Specialist. Getting free focus when attacks miss would make it easier to barrel roll for position, or pull red moves on a few ships. If going for 1-point crew, Intelligence Agent is probably the right one. B-Wings have those barrel rolls, and you could take advantage of knowing where enemies are going.

This is why I ask stuff like this, because I hadn't even thought about seismics.

Quite like the idea of shooting out random asteroids, think that might just be the best initial option

The opperations specialist sounds like great fun.

So I have been wanting a viable B-Wing list for a long time, and a couple recent upgrades have shown me one. I admit, this does not use 4 B-Wings, but I think it uses the points very effectively:

BSP x 2

Linked Battery

Adv. Sensors

Rookie Pilot x2

FAA

IA

There's a reason why Paul Heaver flew BBXX to worlds and won a few years back. On a chassis level, these ships have a respectable amount of HP, hidden behind not unreasonable agility, and boy, can they throw dice. However, with recent upgrades, they become far stronger.

Linked Batteries/Adv. Sensors basically guarantees that your Bs will have a reroll and focus every single turn, unless they need to Barrel Roll, and that is incredibly potent flexibility.

Flight-Assist Astros make those Xs surprisingly maneuverable, and very easy to turn around, while IA boosts their staying power in a very valuable way.

All together, I love this list because of its simplicity. There is no jank here, no real tricks. This is not a swiss army knife that can do basically anything at a moment's notice - it is a jackknife. Far simpler, but in the hands of a skilled user, incredibly effective. This is not a list that will win for you, but boy oh boy, can you yourself win with this list. This list is an instrument for your strategy, your intuition, your decision-making, to prove its worth. This list demands creative, thoughtful flying, prudent planning, and respectful consideration of your opponent. This list is an extension of your God-given ability - you do not direct this list, you are this list.