How to deal with mass fighters

[Skyline5gtr]

Ive been playing the IR on the from the ground up GC, i keep getting crushing by mass fighters from the rebellion. I've have 4 ISD2 and 6-8 lancers and they never destroy fighters, lancer frigates almost seem useless. How should i deal with mass fighters?

[Singularity]

Lancers aren't very reliable, though they seem completely OP when I play NR for some reason...

You need to build tons Escort Carriers, maybe some TIE Defenders as well and just use the their tactics against them, if you're in Era 4 or 5, build some Venators and Acclamators which spam fighters like hell (the IR also gets the Preybird and Howlrunner, which are pretty good).

On another note, if you ever play as the Alignment, use Enforcers, which are crazy effective against fighters.

[Skyline5gtr]

the infinite scenario is era 3, thanks for reply

[Singularity]

the infinite scenario is era 3, thanks for reply

In that case, built loads of Modular Taskforce Cruisers, they carry a ton of fighters as well.

[Ahkreeah]

The way to deploy lancers is by positioning them in two lines, one slightly behind your ISD's and one line just in front of them. Also don't throw your bombers and fighters into the fray. Keep the fighters back at first, so that your lancers can soften up enemy fighters first, then send them in when enemy fighters and bombers are close to your ISD's. Do the same with your bombers, but keep them away until enemy capital ships are close to your own ISD's. Only then order the bombers to attack the enemy capital ships. That way the enemy fighters are occupied and the enemy capital ships take double the damage: both from your ISD's and from your bombers. Sometimes it also helps to jump 2 or 3 lancers behind a group of enemy fighters. The fighters still have to turn but the lancers will start dealing damage.