Can confirm that linked Emily is a terror to troops heavy or light. Anything but werewolf dudes, really. TAGs are not gonna dodge that E/M GL very easily. Not a huge fan of Bandit FOs against heavy troops when an Assault HD is also an option. With +3 for Carbonite that 12 WIP is less of an issue. I have still yet to steal any gear with a Bandit to this day though. Needs to happen soon. Although I think Irmandinhos will beat them to the punch, as the Irmandinho is in every single Starco list I make. SO GOOD.
AHD cost 5 points and .5 SWC more plus I need to get them in my hacking area. My opponents are countering hacking, ranged weapons and CQB tactics too well I'm trying to find blind spots.
Alg Missile Launcher is 15pts 1.5SWC. When I was playing CJC and the meta looked heavy, I would put 2 in a link and keep a Zondbot connected to a Doc nearby. If they take out one I still have the other. If they just score one wound I bring one back.
Those can only shoot at a TAG on the TAG's terms. The only time those get their hits off is after my opponent found a way to break the +3 BS link bonus but I get a lucky shot anyways. Generally they slown down the TAG but don't get to kill it.
Cateran. It can quickly get to unexpected firing positions to out-range Suppression Fire. DAM15 T2 is a solid way to make TAGs reconsider staying out in a gunfight. Then, once they guts into cover you can use CQB tactics to eliminate them or just push buttons. Also, don’t forget that Emily can FO for herself really effectively.
I'm really enjoying StarCo so far! Typically run Neoterra. The wife plays nomads so I have a healthy selection of colorful mercs to recruit and I can finally run all my faves from outrage! :D I'm really happy with CSU changes from uprising too. They used to be deployment zone defenders for the most part but being linkable specialists with fun random abilities? I take them almost every list. Also I really liked knauf with a visor and saw bolt helmet in his dossier so I whipped up the below conversion *.*
Pitchers are your friend. Having them on the Tsyklon with an xvisor makes it really easy to get lots of hacking AROs on juicy targets.
There is no easy answer to a properly supported unit that probably accounts for over 25% of your opponent's points. There really shouldn't be. Your options are to steal the TAG and make your opponent kill it, destroy it outright with EXP/T2 rounds, or kill it's order pool. None of those are easy, and all can be mitigated by opponent that has brought proper support. 2 Alg MLs in a link can threaten a TAG about as well as anything else at 30 pts & 3 SWC. If you are running an HI link those have ML options as well. Riots also have some decent AT gear with Stun & Blitzens, but somebody will have to finish it off.
I really think utilizing pitchers and Uhahu's icebreaker is one of the most effective ways to slow down tags. Especially if you can use that in tandem with an AHD and some form of ADHL/EM aro (which are widely available in StarCo).
Pitchers are a bit unreliable though. Really wish they had at least Disposable (3) instead of (2). Smart Missile is an option that I don't think has been discussed. With Emily's crazy FO skills it's a lot more attractive than it normally would be.
The xvisor on the Tsyklon really helps with this, and then having a pitcher available on Uhahu as well is a nice backup. Bandits, Aguiciles, and Hellcats having access to deployable repeaters also makes it very easy to get hacking coverage where you need it.
TAG goes on suppression near my DZ I need to drop him out so Brigada MULTI can clean him out. Cateran is nearby he has no idea what weapon (T2) the token has. Suprise shot outside 16: he shoots suppressive to not lose it and misses three times. I miss twice on 12 so he doesn't even guts. Shoot again, miss twice, Cateran dies to a 2. Really love the Cateran though. Sniper and Climb+ both equipment I use constantly he fit right in.
Another note about pitchers and TAGs, remember to be really cautious with repeaters around a Szally, or your Hacker might get fried by the pilot. It's a risky move on their part, but it's something they can do.
