UCM Fleet Advice

[jjakaalbinoboy]

I am going to take the plunge and get the UCM Battlefleet. I need a bit of advice on what I should make with the kit. From my game with Luke I can see:
1. Burn through lasers are good and I should make sure I have some of these.
2. I need more capacity to launch fighters(particularly) and bombers.
3. The little ships can be really effective up close.

It also looks on paper like the Corvettes should be really useful as they can go into atmosphere.

The kit contains a battlecruiser, 6 cruisers, 8 frigates, 3 corvettes.
(I have the UCM from the starter box made up as suggested)
Any and all advice much appreciated.
Tony.

Hi Tony,

Glad to see another Dropfleet Commander player joining the ranks!

My advice is very similar to Luke's:

1. Burnthrough Lasers can be very good, but are very much a gamble - the ability to miss with both shots on the standard Cobra Laser is quite high. The better versions on the St Peterburg and Avalon are better but still a gamble. I personally prefer the reliability of mass drivers.
2. UCM Carriers have lower launch than other factions, as they are also very effective combat ships - I also love the Seattle and usually take at least two.
3. The Taipei close action frigate is easily one of my favourite ships (with probably the highest kill-count too).
4. UCM Corvettes are very average - the main role I seem to find for them is killing enemy strike carriers. I'm still very much learning how to make the most of these as I've only had a handful of games with them to-date.
5. I also Recommend at least one San Francisco, the UCM Troopship and one Madrid, the Bombardment ship (even though I kind of detest taking them, always underwhelm me but can't complete the missions without them).