I need help building a Hydra team. I want to use the new Red skull. The build total is probably going to be around 300 points. It might be 400 points but thats a maybe. The map that im thinking of playing it on is this one.
http://www.xiongames.com/catalog/pro...roducts_id=179

Any suggestions? Should i use a brick type team or swarms?

I love playing Hydra in swarms. You can really take advantage of the TA that way.

I haven't had a chance to play the new Skull yet, but I'd love to pair him up with a Viper sporting Inspiring Command and Coordination and as many AIM Agents and Hydra Operatives as you can muster. Outfit a few of them with Armor Piercing to make their shots count. That's worked well for me in the past. One of the Hydra Officers from Sinister wouldn't be a bad idea either (especially as they can also be outfitted with Inspiring Command).

And I hadn't realized Xion was around again and actually selling product! I may have to look into getting some of those sweet maps.

IMO, The most threatening Hydra pieces are:

(in unrestricted) LE Madame Hydra w/ Trick Shot, LE Elektra (Hand Ninja)

(in restricted) LE Jessica Drew, Baron Strucker.

Because the Hydra teams are hurting for mobility (without introducing some non-thematic elements like Doombots) the Trickshotting LE Viper is a really good option, especially if she hides behind a wall of stealthed Ninjas (who can boost her AV against any opponents they can see)

I don't have any experience with the new Red Skull, so I can't really suggest much specific to your ideas. Hail Hydra!

def use LE Jessica drew, strucker is usually the centerpiece i like, but in such low points you dont need him and red skull. so drew + red skull + lots of sinister generics. MODOK is fun, though he is not strictly Hydra, and you already have a high point piece.

What would you suggest for a 500 point game?

In unrestricted, here is the core of a 300 point team that I like:

Baron Strucker + Inspiring Command
LE Viper + Trick Shot
LE Jessica Drew
LE Elektra/Hand Ninja

then, depending on my mood/scenario the rest of the points is on Doombots or Hand Ninja (ranged) <- I play the Universe ones so that they are not Archenemies with Elektra (but check their dial errata)

The strategy is simple, Strucker and Viper line up behind the Doombots/Ninja, and Viper is "inspired" to make 10 range trick shots two of three turns. The Ninja/Doombots provide AV bonuses, Mastermind fodder, etc.

The Red Skull would be a good addition (with his powers), especially to boost Viper's range. Jessica Drew is the "interceptor". The times I've played this team, I don't think Strucker has ever gone off his first click: Viper is far deadlier, and must be based to stop (unless there is a giant with Outwit)...and Strucker is more than capable of dealing with any figure that tries to base Viper.

If you play the more mobile Doombot Squad, you will likely be pumping Trick Shots into enemies left and right.

Skeleton Crew:
Red Skull 123
Mother Night (E Umbra) 56
Crossbones 47
Sleeper (U Mongul) 200
2 x Hydra Footsoldier 14
Hydra Technician 19
473 + room for feats

Functionally, Mongul acts more like Sleeper than anyone else. I'd prefer a giant, but Phasing is most necessary. When Zzzax comes out, he'll work, but he doesn't have a mean TA to lend. If you'd rather spread the points out, there's Exp Vision at 108. The power set is similar, although he doesn't take enough abuse to walk in and pull damage sponge duty. Instead of Superman Enemy, Vision can be T-Bolted to something helpful, and his starting Perplex can raise Red Skull's damage, which is sorely needed.

If Mongul isn't on your team, we need a brute. I can't immediately think of one the Skull has employed. Batroc, Zaran, Machete, Taskmaster, Arnim Zola, Machinesmith, Voice of Doom, Jack O'Lantern... the only one that fits is Doughboy. Vet Clayface at 89 points makes for an easy comparison.

The other possibility for this squad is Controller Waaa-aay back from Infinity Challenge. 50 point Exp, 69 point Vet. The Compel feat would work wonders for him, but he doesn't last long enough in the heat of the battle, which is what we need.