Talk:Nu Squadron Pilot/@comment-47.145.45.66-20180121220939/@comment-454133-20180121231111

The Y-Wing's turret (e.g. TLT or Synced Turret or even Autoblaster) is a big advantage, as the ship is less concerned about its orientation, and the k-turn helps the Y-Wing stay in the fight. In general, Alpha Star Wings have to do hit & run tactics as they have no good turn-around options. They are forced to zoom away, then use SLAM to get turned around quickly, which usually takes a couple rounds or more. It's a completely different playstyle.

The Alphas can be nicer for munitions thanks to Reload, but Y-Wings have turrets and k-turns. Try flying alphas sometime (e.g. borrow from a buddy) and you'll see just how hard of a shift it is in how you have to use them.

The Y-Wing is an older ship and probably deserves a power boost, but it's remained relevant in the meta for a long time thanks to its turret. Also Horton Salm offers a really good pilot ability, while I've never seen the named Alpha pilots fielded.

Right now Alphas are also super-popular because Harpoon Missiles are, without a hint of competition, the best munition in the game (making Torpedoes a less valuable slot). But that's because FFG's playtesters are apparently given infinite free alcohol and cocaine during balance testing sessions; that must be what's behind the missile's power level. There's no other explanation. ;)