The Other Path

Earlier I looked at some of the advantages gained by playing a squadron-free fleet.  <link>  Since then we have gotten spoilers on the squadrons in the Rogues and Villains pack as well as the remaining upgrades from Wave 2.  So, where does that leave squadrons in Armada?  Well, let's take a look at how you can account for those advantages in squadron-heavy fleets.

More Wave 2 Spolers

A user at a French Armada forum has posted some pictures spoiling the Rogues and Villains pack as well as one more upgrade from the MC-30.  If you can't wait til Wednesday for the FFG preview take a look at the following link or check out the picture below.

Quicker, easier, more seductive....

After the first large tournament reports came out for Star Wars: Armada a big deal was made that many of the top finishing lists were playing with few to no squadrons.  Of course, the Armada community jumped to conclusions as quickly as most internet discussions do.  It became assumed that fleets made only with ships were much more powerful and the only way to be competitive in a tournament setting.  Some anecdotal evidence was presented supporting and countering these claims, but the question remains.  Are squadron free ships more powerful in Armada?  

I've gotta go with Yoda on this one.  They are quicker, easier, and more seductive.  Let's look at why that might be the case.

Wave 2 Impressions

Today saw the release of the MC-30 preview on the FFG site.  We now have previews for each of the Wave 2 ships, although the squadrons and a few upgrades are still not spoiled.  Individually, each of these new ships has been really exciting for the new options that they are bringing to the game.  Now that all 4 ships have been previewed, I feel like it's possible to get an idea of how they fit in the big picture.

Prepping for Sullust

Like most Armada players I am eagerly awaiting the Massing at Sullust events.  The recent FFG previews of the MC-80 and Raider have definitely given Armada players plenty to anticipate.  It is very similar to the Kessel Run events that preceded X-Wing's Wave 2 release.  Part of the fun was the event, but the potential doubling of the ship and upgrade pool gives so many possibilities for future play.

Out on Maneuvers - The Battle Line Pt 3

In my first article in this series, I looked at the ships that make up the battle line, while the second looked at how you can arrange them.  In my third installment on using battle lines and other formations in Armada I am heading back to the Rebel Alliance Sourcebook from West End Games to take a look at some of the battle line maneuvers outlined there. 

Master and Commander - Rebel Admirals

In Star Wars: Armada the selection of an Admiral for your fleet is no small task.  Some prefer to select the admiral first and then build the fleet around them, others choose the ships and decide who is best to lead them.  Either method can be effective, but the choice should not be taken lightly.  Let's take a look at the options the Rebels have to lead their fleets to victory.

In For Refits - Offensive Refits

Although they don't directly enhance firepower the same way that weapons upgrades do, Offensive Refits can greatly increase the ability of your ship to impact a battle.  Pairing them up with correct ship and strategy can allow you to make the mos of these upgrades. 

Out On Maneuvers - The Battle Line Pt 2

My experience at Nationals left me with feeling that moving in formation and coordinating your ships would be an important thing in high level Star Wars: Armada play.  With the game limited to just 6 turns there isn't a lot of time to maneuver around.  Keeping your ships in a formation allows you to concentrate fire and helps prevent your fleet from being destroyed piecemeal.   This article will explore some of the options for fleet formations in Armada.  

In For Refits - Ion Cannons

In the Star Wars Universe, Ion Cannons are useful for disabling a ships systems and shields without destroying it.  In Star Wars: Armada, they are a great way to set your opponent up for destruction .
 

Imperial Star Destroyer Preview!!

After a long drought with minimal news from FFG, today we received the first preview of a Wave 2 ship!  This has been met with much rejoicing in the Star Wars: Armada community.  The ship not only provides new options in fleet building, but the upgrades that are included seem like they will be a real boon to some of the Wave 1 ships as well.

In For Refits - Generic Officers

I've decided to do separate posts for the Rebel, Imperial, and generic officers.  This post will take a look at the generic officers.  They provide some really nice utility to your fleet and most let you work with command dials and tokens.