Squadrons

[Pavlov Grenadier]

Hi all! I want to make sure I understand the benefits and disadvantages of squadrons:

Benefits:
1) If playing with Random Crew Quality, it’s a way to help out lower level CQ ships
2) I can fire all my ships in the squadron at the same time thus concentrating my firepower vs. an enemy ship (and perhaps destroying or crippling before he can shoot back)

Disadvantages:
1) I loose initiative sinks thus giving my opponent more tactical flexibility during the movement step.

Am I missing anything? I have read many posts where players refer to “squadroning” ships…is that something that you do a lot? Is the firepower and Crew Quality worth the loss of initiative sinks? Any advice or experience would be welcome.

Thanks!

Curtis

 

[prelude_to_war]

You have it exactly right Grenadier.

I often squadron ships for the benefits you mentioned. At the last tournament I squadroned 3 Tinashis and a Shantavi for a massive barrage, and was able to destroy a Vorlon Lt. Cruiser before it got a second shot off. Scary target and had to go.

Terrain can effect your squadron. If vital to keep the squadron in tact, you may inadvertently place a ship on the other side of a dust cloud and not be able to fire. Or worse - have to run it through an asteroid field!

Also consider your opponent. Ships with good defenses like numerous interceptors, dodge, adaptive armor, and self-repair are good targets for squadroned shooting (ie White Stars and Vorlons to name a few).

 

[lastbesthope]

Regarding your wording of benefit number 2. You must declare all fire from the squadroned ships at the same time, not all ships need fire though. But it's a must fire together rather than a can fire together.

LBH

 

[Nightmares about Minbari]

Another benefit of squadrons:

Makes the game run quicker and smoother.

We're currently messing with ahouse rule that you are limited to the number of 'tactical units' you can control at any time.

(Tactical unit = single ship or squadron)

This makes the game run quicker which keeps the play dynamic and up tempo.

 

[Iain McGhee]

It works particularly well if you have several long-range ships with non-boresighted weapons (no need for initiative sinks) at least in the early stages of the game. I'm fond of grouping EA missile ships or Minbari cruisers into squadrons to destroy the biggest threats and then splitting off ships as needed once the enemy close.