X-Wing: Bring Back The Scyk Interceptor
The Scum “TIE Fighter” needs some love – so let’s see what we can do with it in the new meta!
The M3-A”Scyk” Interceptor never really had it’s day in the sun. It was one of the early Scum ships and as the faction got more and more filled it it’s role just never really materialized into something that was truly noteworthy. Sure, there have been attempts to bring it into the fold and different builds that have been interesting – but nothing that “Serious Players” would ever take to a tournament. Well, I want to take a look at some of the cards that are out now to see if we can help the Scyk get well and back in the game!
The Scyk has been compared to the TIE Fighter for good reason – the TIE/fo Fighter wasn’t out yet! But seriously, it’s a fairly nimble 3 hull ship with a shield. It’s got a solid 3 agility and a 2 attack primary. So yeah, it’s basically a TIE/fo Fighter – but should we try to fly it like one? I think that was the problem initially. Folks saw it and thought “okay, run it in a swarm…where is the scum Howlrunner at?”
Well Serissu was that card:
Serissu is a defensive Howlrunner for Scum and that is the problem. Why? Well if you’ve done the math on those dice then you know the problem: extra attack dice/re-rolls will eventually beat extra defense dice/re-rolls (all else being equal).
However there is another card out there that really helps the Scyk out in terms of options:
Ahhh now we’re talking! It’s been several waves since this card came out and there have been quite a few mods, cannons, torpedoes, missiles and even EPTs added to the game – which is where I want to focus on. So let’s stop trying to fly the Scyk like a TIE fighter and see what else we can do!
This card came out and was a huge buff for all types of ships. Between the Title and Guidance Chips, there are a few secondary weapons that would be beneficial. Aside from all the previous weapons that were in play when the Scyk was introduced, new ones like Plasma Torpedoes and XX-23 S-thread Tracers have been introduced. I would encourage you to take a look back at some of those missiles and see what would pair well with this nimble fighter.
Also, thanks to the title, don’t skip on Cannon options. I know the HLC is popular but I think the Mangler Cannon is also a good choice. The tractor beam is also out now – I think a couple of cheap Scyk’s flying around with tractor beams could cause some issue for folks. That -1 evade dice stacks up quick… And don’t forget about the Autoblaster either. This ship is actually fast enough to be able to get in and take advantage of it.
The EPTs slot has gotten a ton of new cards to look at, too! I have to mention Juke as a solid choice for the Scyk to take, espeically some of the higher pilot skill ones. If you’re shooting before your opponent, your likely to have your evade token and this card allows you to make your defensive posture and make it work for you offensively.
Cool Hand is another cheap card you can take to help with those stressful situations. Busting out that 5 speed K-turn and ending up with a focus or instead of a evade instead of a stress could position you in a very powerful spot – especially with the right weapons backing you up!
The Crack Shot Swarm philosophy works really well for the Scyk as well. And keeping that in mind, if you’re a really skilled pilot a few Attani Mindlinked Scyks flying together could really cause some problems for your opponents – but you have to know how to fly! I think the upcoming Trick Shot card would also be useful for a skilled pilot. Hopefully your position skills are strong enough that you can take advantage of obstacles…
Fearlessness is another card I think the Scyk can take advantage of – provided you get there. But if you’re quick enough you might be able to really do some damage. Here’s a quick build I wanted to showcase using a few of the cards we’ve been talking about:
Tansarii Point Veteran – “Heavy Scyk” Interceptor (25)
- “Heavy Scyk” Interceptor Title
- Autoblaster
- Fearlessness
Fearlessness applies to secondary weapon attacks, too. And Autoblasters? Well at range one you’re dishing out a 3 dice + 1 hit and they can’t block regular hits with evade dice. If you target locked before going in, I’m better you’re going to cause a pretty consistent 3-4 points of damage. That’s nothing to scoff at. You could also run 4 of these in a single list if you wanted to make it simple. It’s not quite a swarm of Scyks but it’s got some fire power waiting to be unleashed.
The M3-A “Scyk” Interceptor has been gathering dust for too long. Scum Pilots, go out there and see what you can come-up with for the humble Scyk. If you pair up a couple with your U-boats and Brobots you just might surprise yourself with these little guys. So go for and experiment!
What crazy options would you run with a Scyk? Do you have a crazy list you want to try out? Let us know in the comments below!
