I know a podcast talked about it and had some questions, so here's a pretty deep dive on the CIS list that made the cut at Gencon along with some general thoughts on CIS swarms.

https://blaisdell105.wixsite.com/website/post/scavenger-swarm-x-wing

@Rytackle You guys asked. The architect @MasterShake2 has answered.

WOW thanks will take the list to the Euros

Quote

Now, I can almost hear people in the comments section slamming their keyboards about all the matchups where I3 is relevant.....Did the I3s do better? They didn't, did they?

I have a similar view with strikers, and they at least have the 'excuse' that you're unlocking a talent slot with the 'better' pilot.

Don't get me wrong, an I3 'firing line' is scary when you're I1, but the thing is that going up to I3 means you get to shoot back before you die, not that you're any more likely to live. For those ships with I4 generics, I get it, but the roger-roger brigade don't have a Saber or Rogue squadron equivalent (and for good reason!).

Nice catch on the Diamon-Boron Missiles. I hadn't registered they pummel the initial target again. Whilst not all that many ships can pack them due to the double-missile requirement, they're definitely worth a look on those that can (TIE/ag, TIE/sa, TIE/ca, OS-1, BTL-S8 Hyeena..... I think that's it?)

You hush with your "struts being dumb at one point"

They're what make these ships so fun!

Great write-up. I also don't hate a 6 Vulture and Bulbasaur list. TA-175 is amazing but I agree that fitting a tax relay feels like you're making too many sacrifices right now.

I flew the Ocho (4 Trade and 4 Sep) to a top 4 at a Hyperspace trial. Still like that list too. It's an 8 ship list that flies like a 2 ship list. Actually pretty relaxing for a tournament squad. Having an I1 block to block and an I3 block to hammer was nice in a few games.

Can I ask for a full article on Struts please?!? Haven't put them on the table simply due to not being comfortable with how they friggin work.

Thanks, that's a nice write-up

Great write-up, thanks.

Excellent write-up and a solid result! Your conclusions generally agree with my feelings, which is hugely gratifying to this particular scrub. One of the things I like about this faction in general and this particular list archetype in particular is that there are so many variations, almost all of which are basically workable depending upon individual playstyle.

Lately I've been toying with four strutting TFD's without ESC's, a DBM-toting strutting Baktoid, another Hyena of many flavors, and a Feethan Kraken-carrier. My experience has been that people don't know how to approach this list at all. I've left the ESC's off, which often means that my opponents do not see the TFD's as a threat - which token sharing makes a big mistake, especially when Kraken is hanging around. I have not and will not do the math, but it feels like Kraken on a natively three-dice ship makes up for the "loss" of that alpha - it may be a support ship, but it still hits pretty hard. And I totally agree that having the whole list at i1 is a thing of beauty. I am presently just starting to nudge over the 50% win rate, and I can absolutely see where the DRK-1's would be a HUGE benefit. Now if only I could find someone willing to part with them so that I didn't need to buy an Infiltrator.

Again, thank you for the write-up, and curse you for revealing all our secrets! Ha ha!