Space Combat | Rebel Training Star Wars EAW Guide

Welcome to the rebel officers' training course. Now, I know that there is little room in your cabins, but this old frigate turned out to be the only possible place for our training. We are in orbit of the space station owned by a businessman, who is reliable man of Mon Mothma. In case of imperial control, you are told to pretend to be common crew of this ship.

Let's get to the point. Soon you will be sent to all parts of the galaxy, so you should learn about the advanced tactics, which helped the Rebellion to survive to the present days. First of all, we will talk about using units. I know that you are acknowledged with brochures and other provided materials. You must understand though, that some thing couldn't be mentioned there. The spies of the Emperor are everywhere.

There is one more thing! You were given copies of the imperial officers' manual. Our men exposed themselves to great danger in order to get them, so you should use them. There are many things there, that I won't repeat during this training.

Let's look at the screen now. I will tell you something about the rebel the space units...

Z-95Headhunter

This is an old type of space fighter. It performs well in skirmishes with TIE-class vessels. Due to weak armor, Z-95 units die very quickly when under fire of AA laser cannons, mounted on Tartan cruiser. Right now this type of fighter is slowly replaced by more modern designs, so you won't have many opportunities to command them.

X-wing Fighter

Our new machine, that will soon take place of older fighters - or at least we hope so. X-Wings are very good against enemy bombers and TIE-fighter. They can even hurt larger ships if attacking in several groups. Unfortunately, Tartan and Broadside units are deadly to them, so send your X-wings into the fray only after eliminating those threats.

If X-wings need to retreat or to reposition fast, you can order them to lock their wings. It will enhance fighters speed, but will reduce their firepower.

A-wing Fighter

Fast unit that can engage numerous TIE fighters and even survive Tartan's fire for very limited time. They can be used as a part of the X-wing fighters group or as you basic fighters. A-wings can lure enemy ships, which can be very useful for protecting your vital vessels or for bringing enemy groups in firing range of your corvettes.

Y-wing Fighter

Arguably most important rebel unit. As you know, we don't have many big warships so our fleets can hardly fight destroyer-heavy empire groups. Y-wings protect us from being outgunned and even the odds. Their photon torpedoes can fly through the shields and strike vital components of enemy ship. If you target generator, then 1-2 groups of Y bombers can take down all enemy shields and leave his ship almost defenseless. They can even handle Imperial-class destroyers that are deadly to our other vessels.

Y-wing bombers are invaluable on the battlefield. Because rebel commander can't expect, that lost squadrons will be rebuild during battle, you have to locate them in safe positions and send into fight only after destroying enemy fighters and Tartan cruisers. Remember! One Tartan can destroy several Y-wing squadrons, ruining your chances to defeat heavy imperial warships. Even if Tartans are not around, it is wise to send some X-wings as an escort for bombers. They will defend them from unexpected fighter attacks.

Every Y-wing can fire one, hi-energy ion cannon round. It disturbs enemy systems, temporary lowering speed and firing rate. You should always remember about ion cannons, and use them in first strike.

Bombers can also provide air support for land operations. At least one squadron should be in orbit before attempting to capture enemy base.

Corellian Corvette

This ship is equipped with several light laser cannons and is designed for fighting small enemy units. It destroys them as fast, as imperial Tartans. That's why Corellian Corvettes are very important to any fleet. Empire can field many squadrons of fighters and bombers, which can be replaced during battle. TIE units can overwhelm and defeat rebel fleet, unless you have few Corvettes to blow them to bits.

Corvettes are not very durable ships. They can fight Tartans or Broadsides, but enemy fire will destroy them quite fast. Fortunately, Corvettes can also power-up their engines, which can be used to retreat them from dangerous are.

Corellian Gunship

Gunships are similar to Corvettes in size, speed and toughness. There is one big difference: some of the laser batteries were replaced by rocket launchers. It makes gunship far better at fighting light cruisers, while reducing its capability to quickly gun down squadrons of TIE vessels.

Gunship is very good at hunting Tartans or Broadsides, and therefore can be very useful. But remember, that if you decide to replace corvettes with gunships, you will need some additional fighter squadrons to get rid of bombers and TIE-fighters.

Marauder Missile Cruiser

Because rebel spies couldn't provide Broadside blueprints, we use our own missile cruiser design instead. It looks different, but feels same, so look into empire field manual for basic information.

I will say only, that Marauders give you opportunity to destroy very tough enemy stations or capital ships from safe distance. Remember: Rebel forces can provide only limited number of ships, so frontal attacks on heavy imperial installations are not the way to go. That's why Marauders fit our combat style perfectly.

Nebulon B-frigate

Basic capital ship of rebel forces. Unfortunately, Nebulon frigates are quite old and don't provide impressive firepower or speed. Those balanced, quite tough ships are best in groups, forming core of your fleet. They can fight enemy destroyers, but such fight will be long and hard. Because of that, it is better to target Tartan cruisers instead and let your bombers take out enemy capital ships. You should also be aware, that Nebulon frigates can be quickly damaged by TIE-bombers. Providing some AA or fighter cover for them is necessary.

Nebulon units can direct all energy to their shields. This option immediately recharges shield and makes ship almost immune to enemy fire for short period of time. Unfortunately, cannons become very weak at the same time and speed is severely reduced. Anyway, you should use this option when one of your frigates takes heavy fire - and they will do so a lot of times, because in most battles few large rebel ships must withstand concentrated barrage of numerous empire destroyers.

Boosting your shields is only possible when there is at least a little bit of energy left. That's why careful commander should monitor his frigates to know, when their shield level becomes critical. If you are late and the shield are gone, you can always retreat this ship and wait for it to recharge.

Alliance Assault Frigate

These well armed and armored ships slowly replace our good old Nebulons. Assault frigates can form excellent core of your force. They can boost their shields like Nebulon frigates, but are also better armed. Rebel commander can field them against imperial destroyers or space stations - and they will perform well. Only Imperial-class ships or numerous bombers can quickly destroy assault frigates.

Mon Calamari Cruiser

A the moment we have only few ships of this class in rebel fleet, but maybe you will be lucky enough to command them. Mon Calamari ships are heavy dreadnoughts of enormous firepower. Their fire can destroy enemy cruisers and destroyers in few moments. They can even engage Imperial class ships. As you can see, Mon Calamari ships are very versatile. If you could use them as a front line of your fleet, they would most certainly give imperial commanders terrible headache.

Remember though, that bombers are worst threat to Mon Calamari cruisers. Every ship of this class should always be escorted by some X-Wings or corvette.

Typical space battle

Most rebel fleets are very limited in numbers. Because we don't have economical backup like Empire does, all casualties are very painful. That's why we choose more subtle tactics - rebel commanders often set up ambushes, retreat to better positions and always utilize any special power or advantage their ships may have. Because we benefit greatly from good intelligence, it is advisable to bring in fleet commanders and build sensor posts whenever it is possible.

Less advanced rebel fleets must rely on Nebulon frigates, corvettes and - of course - fighters and bombers. Smaller ships take positions in asteroid belts or nebulas, while larger ones engage enemy forces and destroy light cruisers. Then bombers come in to bring down hangars, generators and engines of large imperial vessels. Hangars are especially important, a we can't afford to fight endless waves of new bombers and fighters...

Rebel fleet must use small vessels more often, than imperial army.

More advanced fleets should make good use of Marauder rocket cruisers. Those ships should be kept in safe place - preferably with proper escort. Other part of the fleet can lure enemies into rocket range. If cruisers are in danger, all units should retreat to safe positions and repeat everything from the beginning. Space stations also should be destroyed by Marauders standing outside their firing range, though it may be wise to destroy hangar first in quick assault, because trashing stations with missile cruisers can take some time.

Very numerous and strong rebel fleets can also use straightforward, imperial-style tactics. Just form line of assault frigates or Mon Calamari Cruisers, and then move them in escort of Corvettes and smaller ships. Be aware, that such tactic will require large reserves and strong economy to replace possible casualties.