Using the Shuttle without firing a shot

By rmb43, in X-Wing

Hey all,

I have used the shuttle in several games. It actually has done pretty well for me, but as we all know, it's very hard to maneuver it. And spending points on an expensive cannon upgrade seems a waste when you may only get a couple shots off per game with the thing. Solution- don't worry so much about shooting with the shuttle. Instead, keep it cheap and kit it out with alternative ways of dealing damage:

Omicron Group Pilot w/ Darth Vader, Sabateur, Anti-pursuit lasers: 28

Scimitar Squadron Pilot w/ cluster missles: 20

Scimitar Squadron Pilot w/ cluster missles: 20

Scimitar Squadron Pilot: 16

Scimitar Squadron Pilot: 16

TOTAL: 100 points

This squad has lots of things going for it. It has loads of health (34!), 11 attack dice + missiles, and average defence dice. All the pilots have the same pilot skill, so coordinating movement is easier and you can stop your shuttle where you want by running him into your bombers. Because pilot skill is low, you have a better chance of getting the opponent to run into you for APL. I may be trying to use lemons to make lemonade, but I think it could do well.

Edited by rmb43

I like where you're going with this, but I don't like the scimitars not having much ordinance. I'd probably consider swapping the two naked Scimi's for some named TIE's or something...

Edit: Just did some plugging and I think 4x Alphas is a strong alternative to the 4x Scimitars.

Edit B: Or Howlrunner (w/ Stealth Device or Swarm Tactics) and 4x Academy Pilots.

Edited by Rraahk

I've wanted to run Saboteur since I first saw it. I think your Omicron build is perfect for it.

I agree with Rraahk that the missile-less bombers are not the strongest choice. Instead of those guys, I would try:

Backstabber

Academy Pilot

Seismic Charges on both of the Bombers

It fits with your theme of non-attack damage. I may also switch one missile to Concussion Missiles, which tend to do better against high agility pilots.

I agree that there are lots of good alternatives to the bombers. However, I still feel that Scimitar pilots may be best in this list because they all share the same pilot skill as the shuttle. This allows you to much more easily coordinate your movement and control where the shuttle is by blocking it with your own ships if needed. Not to mention they have gobs more health than other TIEs.

I do like the thought of more indirect damage in the list. Proton bombs?

I know this will sound bad, but the Scimitars make great fighters. Sad I know, but they do. They have a fair dial, the 5 turn, average defense and twice the hull of a Tie.

I would definitely swap cluster with concussion missiles. Ill have to find the forum but there was a huge debate on what missiles were good and what wasnt

You're still paying those 8 or so points for your 3 red attack dice. You should probably use em! I haven't figured how to make it an offensive force but 3 base attack dice is a pretty good start.

What about ditching the missiles and putting seismic charges on all 4 of the bombers? That's 100 points on the head and creates a true indirect damage build. :)

Omicron Group Pilot w/ Darth Vader, Sabateur, Anti-pursuit lasers: 28

Scimitar Squadron Pilot w/ seismic charges: 18

Scimitar Squadron Pilot w/ seismic charges: 18

Scimitar Squadron Pilot w/ seismic charges: 18

Scimitar Squadron Pilot w/ seismic charges: 18

TOTAL: 100 points

Edited by rmb43

What about ditching the missiles and putting seismic charges on all 4 of the bombers? That's 100 points on the head and creates a true indirect damage build. :)

Omicron Group Pilot w/ Darth Vader, Sabateur, Anti-pursuit lasers: 28

Scimitar Squadron Pilot w/ seismic charges: 18

Scimitar Squadron Pilot w/ seismic charges: 18

Scimitar Squadron Pilot w/ seismic charges: 18

Scimitar Squadron Pilot w/ seismic charges: 18

TOTAL: 100 points

I really like this....may steal it. :ph34r: