Playing another game, late game against a Cruel AI with a full fleet and a level 10 Eradica. So um, tell me again how I defeat this fleet?
I have a 1500 point fleet and a full starbase and level 5 VR titan. I admit its probably hopeless at this point. I can attack with everything I have at the Eradica for minutes without dropping its shields or hull at all
5 levels down on your titan means you may have a tough time. That said here are some tips on fighting the Eradica:
1). First rule of killing late game advent fleets: The Progenitor Motherships die or get chased off first. If you don't deal with these buggers they will making killing anything else take unnecessarily long. if you see one using it's AoE shield restore try to interupt it. Killing progens first is doubly important against Advent Rebels as it shuts down their malice combos
2). Kill it's supporting fleet before Eradica. It's only form of healing which is unique to it is it's ability to sacrifice it's own frigates for a large heal. If the Eradica has no supporting frigates it has nothing to munch on. Don't worry about Strength of the Fallen too much in huge battle- The Eradica is going to get it's 5 stacks regardless with that much firepower flying around, better to kill it's supporting fleet then focus it and have it gain it's stacks by sacrificing it's own frigates to outheal your damage output.
3). Against a high level Eradica don't bother with non-Carrier combat frigates. High level Chastic Burst(the Eradica's signature AoE ability) along with the Eradica's powerful weapons systems means frigates within range of the Eradica will die en-masse before causign much harm. The only real defense frigates have from a high level eradica is to stay out of range- and Carriers are the only frigate that can attack while running away. Not to mention Carriers are the beefiest frigates anyway and can last much longer when they are cornered then other frigates. Note I say combat frigates though: you'll still want utility/support frigates along for the ride- heck If you're massing bombers as vasari having a few subverters around to get extra phase missile bypass chance is a must. The only exception is you may want to have some LRF in reserve in case the advent player tries to chase down your carriers with Light frigates- But these LRM frigates should not be left toe-to-toe with the eradica while you wait for a LF detachment.
4). This is really a continuation of #3, but load your carrier frigates with bombers. Once engaged if the Eradica chases, keep your carrier frigates in motion so that the Eradica doesn't catch them. If the Eradica gets close, exploit the carrier frigate's superior mobility to create some distance.
5). When the Eradica turns blue, it's time to go. Retreat immediately- you've already killed the beast and have no interest in getting caught up in it's death throes.
6). Make sure you have phase missile research done and if possible don't fight key battles in advent culture