"That's No Moon"
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Armada >
      • Fleets
    • X-Wing >
      • Squads
      • Ships >
        • Rebels >
          • ARC-170 >
            • Braylen Stramm
            • Thane Kyrell
            • Shara Bey
            • Norra Wexley
          • Attack Shuttle >
            • Zeb Orrelios
            • Ezra Bridger
            • Sabine Wren
            • Hera Syndulla
          • A-Wing >
            • Prototype Pilot
            • Green Squadron Pilot
            • Gemma Sojan
            • Arvel Crynyd
            • Jake Farrell
            • Tycho Celchu
          • B-Wing >
            • Blue Squadron Pilot
            • Dagger Squadron Pilot
            • Nera Dantels
            • Ibtisam
            • Keyan Farlander
            • Ten Numb
          • E-Wing >
            • Knave Squadron Pilot
            • Blackmoon Squadron Pilot
            • Etahn A'Baht
            • Corran Horn
          • HWK-290 >
            • Rebel Operative
            • Roark Garnet
            • Kyle Katarn
            • Jan Ors
          • K-Wing >
            • Warden Squadron Pilot
            • Guardian Squadron Pilot
            • Esege Tuketu
            • Miranda Doni
          • Scurrg H-6 Bomber >
            • Captain Nym
          • T-70 X-Wing >
            • Blue Squadron Novice
            • Jess Pava
            • Red Squadron Veteran
            • Blue Ace
            • Snap Wexley
            • Red Ace
            • Nien Nunb
            • Ello Atsy
            • Poe Dameron
          • TIE Fighter >
            • Zeb Orrelios
            • Captain Rex
            • Sabine Wren
            • Ashoka Tano
          • U-Wing >
            • Blue Squadron Pathfinder
            • Heff Tobber
            • Bodhi Rook
            • Cassian Andor
          • VCX-100 >
            • Lothal Rebel
            • Chopper
            • Kanan Jarrus
            • Hera Syndulla
          • X-Wing >
            • Rookie Pilot
            • Red Squadron Pilot
            • Tarn Mison
            • Biggs Darklighter
            • Hobbie Klivian
            • Garven Dreis
            • Jek Porkins
            • Luke Skywalker
            • Wes Janson
            • Wedge Antilles
          • Y-Wing >
            • Gold Squadron Pilot
            • Gray Squadron Pilot
            • Dutch Vander
            • Horton Salm
          • YT-1300 >
            • Outer Rim Smuggler
            • Resistance Sympathizer
            • Chewbacca
            • Lando Calrissian
            • Rey
            • Han Solo
          • YT-2400 >
            • Wild Space Fringer
            • Eaden Vrill
            • Leebo
            • Dash Rendar
          • Z-95 Headhunter >
            • Bandit Squadron Pilot
            • Tala Squadron Pilot
            • Lieutenant Blount
            • Airen Cracken
        • Empire >
          • Firespray-31 >
            • Bounty Hunter
            • Krassis Trelix
            • Kath Scarlet
            • Boba Fett
          • Lambda-class Shuttle >
            • Omicron Group Pilot
            • Captain Yorr
            • Colonel Jendon
            • Captain Kagi
          • TIE Advanced >
            • Tempest Squadron Pilot
            • Lieutenant Colzet
            • Storm Squadron Pilot
            • Commander Alozen
            • Zertik Strom
            • Maarek Stele
            • Juno Eclipse
            • Darth Vader
          • TIE Advanced Prototype >
            • Sienar Test Pilot
            • Baron of the Empire
            • Valen Rudor
            • The Inquisitor
          • TIE Aggressor
          • TIE Bomber >
            • Scimitar Squadron Pilot
            • Deathfire
            • Gamma Squadron Pilot
            • Gamma Squadron Veteran
            • Captain Jonus
            • Major Rhymer
            • Tomax Bren
          • TIE Defender >
            • Delta Squadron Pilot
            • Onyx Squadron Pilot
            • Countess Ryad
            • Glaive Squadron Pilot
            • Colonel Vessery
            • Maarek Stele
            • Rexler Brath
          • TIE Fighter >
            • Academy Pilot
            • Obsidian Squadron Pilot
            • Chaser
            • Black Squadron Pilot
            • Wampa
            • Night Beast
            • Winged Gundark
            • Youngster
            • Dark Curse
            • Backstabber
            • Mauler Mithel
            • Scourge
            • Howlrunner
          • TIE Interceptor >
            • Alpha Squadron Pilot
            • Avenger Squadron Pilot
            • Saber Squadron Pilot
            • Fel's Wrath
            • Lieutenant Lorrir
            • Royal Guard Pilot
            • Kir Kanos
            • Tetran Cowall
            • Turr Phennir
            • Carnor Jax
            • Soontir Fel
          • TIE Phantom >
            • Sigma Squadron Pilot
            • Shadow Squadron Pilot
            • Echo
            • Whisper
          • TIE Punisher >
            • Cutlass Squadron Pilot
            • Black Eight Squadron Pilot
            • Deathrain
            • Redline
          • TIE Striker >
            • Imperial Trainee
            • Scarif Defender
            • Black Squadron Scout
            • Countdown
            • Pure Sabacc
            • Duchess
          • TIE/FO Fighter >
            • Epsilon Squadron Pilot
            • Zeta Squadron Pilot
            • Omega Squadron Pilot
            • Epsilon Ace
            • Zeta Ace
            • Epsilon Leader
            • Omega Ace
            • Zeta Leader
            • Omega Leader
          • TIE/SF Fighter >
            • Zeta Specialist
            • Omega Specialist
            • Backdraft
            • Quickdraw
          • Upsilon-class Shuttle >
            • Starkiller Base Pilot
            • Lieutenant Dormitz
            • Major Stridan
            • Kylo Ren
          • VT-49 Decimator >
            • Patrol Leader
            • Captain Oicunn
            • Commander Kenkirk
            • Rear Admiral Chiraneau
        • Scum & Villany >
          • Aggressor >
            • IG-88A
            • IG-88B
            • IG-88C
            • IG-88D
          • Firespray-31 >
            • Mandalorian Mercenary
            • Emon Azzameen
            • Kath Scarlet
            • Boba Fett
          • G1-A Starfighter >
            • Ruthless Freelancer
            • Gand Findsman
            • 4-LOM
            • Zuckuss
          • HWK-290 >
            • Spice Runner
            • Torkil Mux
            • Palob Godalhi
            • Dace Bonearm
          • Jumpmaster 5000 >
            • Contracted Scout
            • Manaroo
            • Tel Trevura
            • Dengar
          • Kihraxz Fighter >
            • Cartel Marauder
            • Black Sun Ace
            • Graz The Hunter
            • Talonbane Cobra
          • Lancer-Class Pursuit Craft >
            • Shadowport Hunter
            • Sabine Wren
            • Asajj Ventress
            • Ketsu Onyo
          • M3-A Interceptor >
            • Cartel Spacer
            • Tansarii Point Veteran
            • Laetin A'shera
            • Serissu
          • Protectorate Starfighter >
            • Zealous Recruit
            • Concord Dawn Veteran
            • Concord Dawn Ace
            • Kad Solus
            • Old Teroch
            • Fenn Rau
          • Quadjumper >
            • Jakku Gunrunner
            • Unkar Plutt
            • Sarco Plank
            • Constable Zuvio
          • Starviper >
            • Black Sun Enforcer
            • Black Sun Vigo
            • Guri
            • Prince Xizor
          • YV-666 >
            • Trandoshan Slaver
            • Latts Razzi
            • Moralo Eval
            • Bossk
          • Y-Wing >
            • Syndicate Thug
            • Hired Gun
            • Drea Renthal
            • Kavil
          • Z-95 Headhunter >
            • Binayre Pilot
            • Black Sun Soldier
            • Kaa'to Leeachos
            • N'Dru Suhlak
      • Elite Pilot Talents >
        • A Score to Settle
        • Adaptability
        • Adrenaline Rush
        • Attanni Mindlink
        • Bodyguard
        • Calculation
        • Cool Hand
        • Crack Shot
        • Daredevil
        • Deadeye
        • Decoy
        • Determination
        • Draw Their Fire
        • Elusiveness
        • Expert Handling
        • Expertise
        • Expose
        • Fearlessness
        • Intensity
        • Intimidation
        • Juke
        • Lightning Reflexes
        • Lone Wolf
        • Marksmanship
        • Opportunist
        • Outmaneuver
        • Predator
        • Push The Limit
        • Rage
        • Ruthlessness
        • Selflessness
        • Snap Shot
        • Squad Leader
        • Stay On Target
        • Swarm Leader
        • Swarm Tactics
        • Trick Shot
        • Veteran Instincts
        • Wingman
        • Wired
      • Titles >
        • A-Wing Test Pilot
        • Adaptive Ailerons
        • Alliance Overhaul
        • Andrasta
        • Black One
        • BTL-A4 Y-Wing
        • Concord Dawn Protector
        • Dauntless
        • Ghost
        • Havoc
        • Heavy Scyk Interceptor
        • Hound's Tooth
        • IG-2000
        • Light Scyk Interceptor
        • Millenium Falcon
        • Mist Hunter
        • Moldy Crow
        • Outrider
        • Phantom
        • Pivot Wing
        • Punishing One
        • Royal Guard TIE
        • Sabine's Masterpiece
        • Shadow Caster
        • Slave I
        • Special Ops Training
        • ST-321
        • Starviper MK. II
        • TIE Shuttle
        • TIE/D
        • TIE/v1
        • TIE/x1
        • TIE/x7
        • Vaksai
        • Virago
      • Modifications >
        • Advanced Cloaking Device
        • Advanced SLAM
        • Anti-Pursuit Lasers
        • Autothrusters
        • B-Wing/E2
        • Captured TIE
        • Counter-measures
        • Engine Upgrade
        • Experimental Interface
        • Guidance Chips
        • Gyroscopic Targeting
        • Hull Upgrade
        • Integrated Astromech
        • Ion Projector
        • Lightweight Frame
        • Long-Range Scanners
        • Maneuvering Fins
        • Munitions Failsafe
        • Shield Upgrade
        • Smuggling Compartment
        • Spacetug Tractor Array
        • Stealth Device
        • Stygium Particle Accelerator
        • Tactical Jammer
        • Targeting Computer
        • Twin Ion Engine Mk.II
        • Vectored Thrusters
      • Illicit >
        • 'Hot Shot' Blaster
        • Black Market Slicer Tools
        • Burnout SLAM
        • Cloaking Device
        • Dead Man's Switch
        • EMP Device
        • Feedback Array
        • Glitterstim
        • Inertial Dampeners
        • Rigged Cargo Chute
        • Scavenger Crane
      • Torpedoes >
        • Advanced Proton Torpedoes
        • Bomb Loadout
        • Extra Munitions
        • Flechette Torpedoes
        • Ion Torpedoes
        • Plasma Torpedoes
        • Proton Torpedoes
        • Seismic Torpedo
      • Missiles >
        • Advanced Homing Missiles
        • Assault Missiles
        • Chardaan Refit
        • Cluster Missiles
        • Concussion Missiles
        • Cruise Missiles
        • Homing Missiles
        • Ion Pulse Missiles
        • Proton Rockets
        • Unguided Rockets
      • Cannons >
        • Arc Caster
        • Autoblaster
        • Flechette Cannon
        • Heavy Laser Cannon
        • Ion Cannon
        • Mangler Cannon
        • Tractor Beam
      • Salvaged Astromechs >
        • “Genius”
        • Overclocked R4
        • R4 Agromech
        • R4-B11
        • R4-E1
        • R5-P8
        • Salvaged Astromech
        • Unhinged Astromech
      • Turrets >
        • Autoblaster Turret
        • Blaster Turret
        • Dorsal Turret
        • Ion Cannon Turret
        • Synced Turret
        • Twin Laser Turret
      • Astromech Droids >
        • R2-D2
        • R2-F2
        • R5-K6
        • R5 Astromech
        • R5-D8
        • R2 Astromech
        • R2-D6
        • R3-A2
        • R4-D6
        • R5-P9
        • R7-T1
        • R7 Astromech
        • BB-8
        • R5-X3
        • Targeting Astromech
        • R3 Astromech
        • M9-G8
      • Bombs >
        • Bomblet Generator
        • Cluster Mines
        • Conner Net
        • Ion Bombs
        • Proton Bombs
        • Proximity Mines
        • Seismic Charges
        • Thermal Detonators
      • System >
        • Accuracy Corrector
        • Advanced Sensors
        • Collision Detector
        • Electronic Baffle
        • Enhanced Scopes
        • Fire-Control System
        • Reinforced Deflectors
        • Sensor Jammer
      • Crew >
        • 4-LOM
        • Agent Kallus
        • Baze Malbus
        • Bistan
        • Boba Fett
        • Bodhi Rook
        • Bombardier
        • BoShek
        • Bossk
        • Breach Specialist
        • C-3PO
        • Cad Bane
        • Captain Rex
        • Cassian Andor
        • Chewbacca
        • Chopper
        • Darth Vader
        • Dash Rendar
        • Dengar
        • Emperor Palpatine
        • Ezra Bridger
        • Finn
        • Fleet Officer
        • Flight Instructor
        • General Hux
        • Gonk
        • Greedo
        • Gunner
        • Han Solo
        • Hera Syndulla
        • Hotshot Co-pilot
        • IG-88D
        • Inspiring Recruit
        • Intelligence Agent
        • Jabba The Hutt
        • Jan Ors
        • Jyn Erso
        • K4 Security Droid
        • Kanan Jarrus
        • Ketsu Onyo
        • Kyle Katarn
        • Kylo Ren
        • Lando Calrissian
        • Latts Razzi
        • Leebo
        • Leia Organa
        • Luke Skywalker
        • Mara Jade
        • Mercenary Copilot
        • Moff Jerjerrod
        • Navigator
        • Nien Nunb
        • Operations Specialist
        • Outlaw Tech
        • R2-D2
        • Rebel Captive
        • Recon Specialist
        • Rey
        • Sabine Wren
        • Saboteur
        • Systems Officer
        • Tactician
        • Tail Gunner
        • Unkar Plutt
        • Weapons Engineer
        • Wookie Commandos
        • Ysanne Isard
        • Zeb Orrelios
        • Zuckuss
      • Tech >
        • Comm Relay
        • Hyperwave Comm Scanner
        • Pattern Analyzer
        • Primed Thrusters
        • Sensor Cluster
        • Targeting Synchronizer
        • Weapons Guidance
      • Wave Releases
  • Podcast
  • About
    • Contact
    • Links

2016 X-Wing Worlds Squads - Part 4

23/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
In part 3 of our deconstruction of X-Wing Worlds squads, we looked at the notorious Palp Aces. But for the final part of this series, it is back to the Rebels with an equally famous Fat Han build.  It stepped away from the meta at some stage during the last few waves of releases, but it certainly has the limelight surging brightly upon it now that Thomas has paired an A-Wing ace with the "old" (or shouldn't that be "young?") Han himself.

Thomas Mooney - 2016 X-wing Top 4

If anyone ever asks for a user-friendly build for Rebels, then you can't look much further than some sort of outfitted YT-1300.  With a forgiving manoeuvre dial, 360-degree firing arc, and plenty of slots for upgrades, this infamous smuggling ship is one of X-Wing's most popular, at least on the Rebels side.  With both of his pilots working at pilot skill 9 and the squad totaling 97 points, Thomas has really opted for flexibility to ensure he gets the drop on other pilot skill 9 aces, such as Soontir Fel, Whisper, and Dengar, in the initiative bid.
Picture
Han Solo built in this configuration ensures a number of things. Firstly, damage output: whatever he is shooting at is going to get hit.  Between his pilot ability and Predator, you won't need to be taking target locks or focus actions. Rather, you'll want to use the Engine Upgrade to get into a superior position or use the evade action as per the title. With re-rolls galore, backed up with Luke Skywalker, there isn't a great deal you will not be able to hit.

With the evade action, combined with C-3PO, the damage that this 1-agility based ship takes is severely mitigated. This is made obvious by how well Thomas placed at Worlds.  Of course, large base ships need some sort of wingman and the man for the job comes down to Jake Farrell.
Picture
Jake Farrell can almost be considered the Rebel version of the Inquisitor, however he wants to stay at range 1 to not only get the maximum amount of red dice but also have a chance to unleash that 5 dice proton rocket.  If he manages to sit outside of primary arc, autothrusters kicks in, making him a real thorn in the side of enemy ships.

With Veteran Instincts pushing Jake to pilot skill 9, there is a greater degree of flexibility to the squad in terms of who moves first to capitalise on any given situation.  Both ships also have options to boost, furthering this flexibility.

What this A-wing lacks in sheer firepower it truly makes up for in finesse and action economy.  Combined with Push the Limit, Jake Farrell can get away with 3 actions per turn, providing the first is a focus.  This triggers a free boost or barrel roll, allowing him to get into a superior position attacking, or out of arc altogether.  Then Push the Limit can be triggered allowing for a third action. Initially, I think an evade token would be the go-to, however once that initial joust is over with, a focus, boost and target lock at range 1 of an enemy is sure to wipe the smile off their face when those proton rockets come screaming in.

I do enjoy this squad because it goes back to the basics of X-wing.  When you combine a classic arc dodger with a 360-degree firing arc ship, you have the basics of a successful list. 

Whether it's Fat Han or RAC/Whisper, the key roles remain the same, and regardless of wargame genre, the hammer-and-anvil tactic is alive and kicking in X-wing.

So what are the keys to victory against a squad like this?  Do you focus on the large based ship whilst Jake continually digs deeper?  Perhaps dropping the arc dodger first is the way to go?

Thank you for reading, and I invite you to subscribe to TNM  on the right to stay up to date on all future blog posts, battle reports, and podcasts.

- James
0 Comments

2016 X-wing Worlds Squads - Part 3

19/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
In part 2 of the 2016 Worlds Squads, we looked at a classic 'Rebel Regen' squad.  If there is one formula for the Empire that is tried and tested, look no further than the headliner upgrade, Emperor Palpatine.  When combined with the many different pilots available in various TIE's, the ability to change a dice each turn can literally be game changing. It is no surprise, then, that "Palp Aces" made it this far during the 2016 Worlds.

Duncan Howard - 2016 X-Wing Top 4

Despite its ubiquity, Palp Aces is probably one of the simpler squads I've looked at so far, but that takes absolutely nothing away from the lethality of the list.  I use the word simple purely because there isn't as much going on in the way of upgrade cards.  Don't confuse less complex with less effective, however, because it simply isn't the case.
Picture
Let's begin with the heart of the squad, the Lambda Class Shuttle.  The Space Cow, as it is affectionately known across most X-wing circles, is the optimal carrier of choice for the Emperor.  With a good chunk of shields and hull points, he certainly takes the bulk of an enemy squadron to take down, and it's not difficult to see why they would focus all of their fire on that task.  The ability to change a red die to a critical hit at the right time is a devastating effect.  Equally so when Omega Leader or Vessery survive thanks to a blank dice turning into an evade, saving their evade token, which in turn equates to Juke activating and destroying a ship.

Of course, the real skill with the shuttle is knowing when to commit.  It can be used to joust with the opponent and attempt to utilise its 3 red dice for at least two turns of fire before having to attempt the slow turn around to re-engage.  By that point, however, it's probably already dead, or the opponent's pilots are sitting on its slow tail eating away.  Alternatively, it can be deployed to ensure the enemy has to give chase, allowing a few turns of cat and mouse hoping the 'aces' will inflict some much-needed damage.  All the while placing target locks on anything Vessery will be going after.

Sensor Jammer, of course, is a welcome addition to the shuttle.  By turning one of the attacker's hits to a focus, it really forces them to spend it in order to dish out the heavy damage.  The great thing about this card as well: it isn't a 'once per round' effect, but rather 'when defending'.  Combined with Palpatine's dice modification skill, it can be rather tanky. But let's be honest, you really want to be using it for critical hits.
Picture
Omega Leader's pilot ability is incredible and perhaps a little easy to overlook.  It's not until you are attacking or defending against the First Order pilot when the sudden realisation dawns upon you that all of those points you spent on dice-modifying upgrades (Predator, Lone Wolf, Autothrusters, etc), and even that shiny target lock, are wasted.  He becomes a thorn in the side that just won't go away and although his damage output isn't ridiculous, it's the 'death by a thousand cuts' principle that rings true.  Those tiny stings of 1-2 hits each turn add up. 

Juke is a wonderful elite pilot talent for Omega Leader.  Increasing his dice variance by tinkering with the opponent's green dice results always hurts.  With Comm Relay, you can be sure that the very first turn action will indeed be an evade.  From there on, its primary goal is to get a target lock onto something dangerous for the glorious TIE Defender wingman to hunt down.

Now add Palpatine into the mix and even more devastation follows.
Picture
When ran in this combination, Colonel Vessery is incredibly durable.  The infamous TIE/x7 title feeds him evade tokens all day, and when combined with Juke, you're adding in the dice variation mechanic once again and forcing the opponent to choose between spending a focus token or not.  Whilst at pilot skill 6, it's not often the best way to utilise this combination (i.e - you may need to spend the evade token to ensure he survives a barrage), it still has the ability to demand attention.

Whilst Omega Leader and the shuttle are spreading target locks around, Vessery directly benefits, increasing his accuracy and ensuring consistent damage.  From a defensive point of view, 3 green dice and an evade token, further with Palpatine's dark glances, you can be assured the dear Colonel means business regardless if he's attacking or defending.

Finally, the Twin Ion Engine Mk.II is a fantastic tool to shed any stress tokens, but it also opens up the Defender dial a little more.  Before the Imperial Veterans expansion, you'd be hesitant to perform a red 1-turn or 2-turn for example; but with the engine, these problems are all but gone, allowing the next manoeuvre to be a stress-shedding one.  The great thing about Vessery is that he can still inflict serious amounts of damage and modify dice even when he does carry a stress token.

So there you have it, the third Top 4 list I've reviewed and all with very different mechanics. So far, each faction has been represented.  'Palp Aces' seems to not only be extremely popular, but steadfast as well. If anything, it continues to evolve while Fantasy Flight drops expansion after expansion.

How would you combat this squad?  Sink everything into removing the shuttle?  Corner an Ace and hope for the best?  I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to subscribe on the right for the latest updates here on TNM!

- James
0 Comments

2016 X-Wing Worlds Squads - Part 2

14/11/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
In part 1 of this series, we examined the winning list run by Nand Torfs using the Manaroo squad. Today, we'll be checking in with the runner up's build, the Rebel Regen.

Kevin Leintz - 2016 X-Wing Runner-Up

Kevin ran a Rebel 'Regen' list, starring Luke Skywalker's apprentice Corran Horn, and supported by Miranda Doni (or, of course, it may have been the other way around).
Picture
If there was a definitive list of ships which repeatedly perform at all levels of gaming in X-wing, then Corran Horn would be at the top of it. Whilst the E-wing combines the best elements of an X-wing's fire power and the A-wing's agility, the extra upgrades really give it some bite.

As is the case with most top-tier lists, we see Push the Limit in use here. This iconic upgrade which allows for double actions really goes a long way in ensuring action economy, and in essence people build their game around that very fact.  Corran Horn is one of the definitive pilots to use this with.

Adding Fire Control System does a few things.  Firstly, it mitigates the reason to take a Target Lock as an action, rather using the two actions available to barrel roll and boost to arc dodge, or alternatively focus and evade if you're heading into the thick of it.  Whatever the situation, you have appropriate options available.  Another reason of course is directly related to Corran's pilot ability.  Whatever you attack and do not kill, you then have the option to unload on again during the end phase (with a target lock, this time).

The regeneration capabilities come from R2-D2.  Any green manoeuvre will allow the E-wing to regain a shield.  The E-wing boasts 4 green manoeuvres, which on it's own isn't particularly amazing.  However, combined with the ability to barrel roll as well boost, it somewhat minimises the opponent predicting where Corran will end up.
Picture
With 7 upgrade cards aboard the K-wing, you can be very confident that this swiss army knife approach to X-wing provides enough utility to make a massive impact every game.  Miranda's pilot ability is simply wonderful.  In the opening joust at range 3, the Homing Missiles can effectively have an extra red dice used with them.  Nobody likes 5 dice being thrown at them, ever.

The real tricks come from the bombs however, and these aren't normal run-of-the-mill munitions, but rather Sabine has tinkered with each of them adding some splash damage to the already controlling and crippling effects of Conner Net and Ion Bombs.  Partnering with Corran, this allows some fierce engagements to be setup and dictated on the Rebels' terms.

Advanced SLAM allows you to get into some solid positions to drop that Conner Net or gain some much needed distance to lick wounds and return to the fight with a few extra shields.

Finally Twin Laser Turret provides Miranda a excellent way to consistently deal out the damage from afar if needs be.

I really like the look of this list and even tried it although I'm sure I suck hard because I hardly ever play Rebels and I imagine the learning curve with this squad can be steep.  What do you like about this list?  How would fly against it?

Thanks for reading and please ensure you subscribe to stay up to date with the latest blog content.

​- James
1 Comment

2016 X-Wing Worlds Squads - Part 1

11/11/2016

2 Comments

 
Picture
With the 2016 World Championships for X-wing in the books, it's a great time to catch a glimpse at all of the great squads which saw some action.  There is a lot to glean from the current meta, especially what influences squad purchases, but also what will stay strong until wave 10 releases.  Today, though, we take an in-depth look at the squad that reigned supreme: Dengaroo.

Nand Torfs - 2016 X-Wing World Champion

The 'Dengaroo' squad has gained massive popularity over the last 6 months, and it is easy to see why. With two powerful large-based ships at your disposal, powerful dice mechanics, and fantastic actions on tap, it was predestined to place highly at this year's Worlds.

I remember first reading about this squad on the FFG forums.  The person who created the list took it to a series of store tournaments, and actually retired it, citing it took little brain power to use and therefore made the game too easy.  Very interesting comments, but I sure admire the guy for seeking a challenge.
Picture
What a monster of a ship to deal with, though.  Firstly, Dengar's pilot ability is pretty incredible.  Ensure he's pointing in the direction of the bad guys and, chances are, you'll be attacking twice per round. It could be argued that this gives the squad a third ship's worth of firepower.

Lone wolf ensures that you'll be re-rolling a red/green blank, provided Manaroo is not near him and, if flown correctly, he certainly will not be. All Dengar is searching for is hit/evade/focus results, which are very easy to depend on seeing as Manaroo will be assigning his focus tokens to Dengar.  Of course, when he spends this token for attacking or defending, the Overclocked R4 unit can then kick in to gain another focus token at the expense of a stress token.

Combine that with Zuckuss, who forces opponents to re-roll evade results, and you have incredibly reliable damage output.  Counter-Measures allows Dengar to fly right up in the thick of battle right away, shrugging off the majority of the damage whilst getting to work.  Glitterstim is always of straightforward value.
Picture
​If you're looking for an incredible wingman or woman in this instance, then Manaroo is a sure-fire bet. Notwithstanding it is a husband-and-wife package deal, so Dengaroo seems to be the most appropriately-themed X-Wing squad.

Push the Limit is always going to be a fantastic choice for the Jumpmaster 5000.  It has a fairly flexible variety of green manoeuvres on its dial, and with an Engine Upgrade combined with a barrel roll, the large ship's movement capability is dramatically increased.  Of course with Gonk on board in the early turns, Manaroo can stack up shield tokens, preparing for the storm.  The main reason for Push the Limit is that her pilot ability increases Dengar's survivability.  Stacking on a focus and target lock each turn, and then transferring them to Dengar at the start of the combat phase, ensures Dengar will be hitting with the greatest chances of destruction ever - but it keeps getting better.  

With Seismic Torpedo equipped, Manaroo will be staying out of range 1-2 of Dengar to ensure Lone Wolf stays active.  This is somewhat of a deterrent if an enemy is going to try and swarm Manaroo.  At least they'll be possibly taking splash damage on the way in.  With her highly manoeuvrable Jumpmaster, there aren't many places where you can't set up a good shot against obstacles with enemy ships on the other side.

Feedback array is the unsung hero of the Dengaroo list.  If an arc dodging ace zeroes in for Manaroo, this card guarantees they'll pay for it. But don't forget the astromech, R5-P8.  When said enemy ace opens fire, once again there is a chance they'll be paying for it.  After taking damage, chances are Manaroo can use Gonk next turn to regain a shield token.  Not bad at all.

It's easy to see why Dengaroo dominates the metas, particularly at an event like Worlds.  With superior movement and no immediate options for the opponent the capitalise on, it can really stack up the odds in its own favor.

How would you face off against this list, and what do you see as its greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Thanks for reading, and be sure to subscribe on the right to stay up to date with the latest blog posts and news updates.

​- James
2 Comments

    Author

    Hardcore war gamer at heart and a huge fan of tabletop games. I use any excuse to get my family involved.  Join me as I play and review games while trying not to epically fail.

      Subscribe

    Subscribe for Updates
    Tweets by @xwingfanboy
    Instagram

    Categories

    All
    40k
    Academy Pilot
    Age Of Sigmar
    ARC 170
    ARC-170
    Armada
    Asajj Ventress
    A Wing
    A-wing
    Backstabber
    Battle Reports
    Biggs Darklighter
    Black Squadron Pilot
    Blue Squadron Pilot
    Boba Fett
    Bossk
    B Wing
    B-wing
    Carnor Jax
    Colonel Vessery
    Corran Horn
    Countdown
    Dark Curse
    Deathrain
    Delta Squadron Pilot
    Dengar
    Dengaroo
    Duchess
    Ello Atsy
    Epic
    Epsilon Ace
    Epsilon Leader
    FAQ
    Firespray
    Gaming
    Han Solo
    HOTAC
    Howlrunner
    IG88
    Imperial
    Imperial Assault
    Imperial Trainee
    Inquisitor
    Jabba The Hutt
    Jake Farrell
    Jess Pava
    Jumpmaster
    Jumpmaster 5000
    Kad Solus
    Kath Scarlet
    Kavil
    Lambda Class Shuttle
    Lancer Pursuit Craft
    Lists
    Luke Skywalker
    Maarek Stele
    Major Stridan
    Manaroo
    Mandalorian Mercenary
    Mauler Mithel
    Miranda Doni
    N'Dru Suhlak
    News
    Norra Wexley
    Old Teroch
    Omega Leader
    Omicron Group Pilot
    Painting
    Poe Dameron
    Protectorate Starfighter
    Prototype Pilot
    Pure Sabacc
    Rear Admiral Chiraneau
    Rebels
    Redline
    Regionals
    Rexler Brath
    Rey
    Scourge
    Scum
    Squads
    Star Wars Destiny
    Storage
    SWRPG
    T-70 X-wing
    Tel Trevura
    Ten Numb
    TIE Advanced Prototype
    TIE Defender
    TIE Fighter
    TIE/FO
    TIE Interceptor
    TIE Punisher
    TIE/SF Fighter
    TIE Striker
    Tomb Kings
    Upsilon Class Shuttle
    Upsilon-class Shuttle
    VT-49 Decimator
    Wampa
    Worlds 2016
    Worlds 2017
    X Wing
    X-Wing
    X-Wing Wave XI
    Youngster
    YT-1300
    YV-666
    Ywing
    Z-95 Headhunter

    Archives

    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015

    RSS Feed