4.5/5 stars. So help me, I rounded up. The tactical squad is a mainstay.
Background.
Who re-conquered the galaxy? Space marine tactical squads is who. (The Imperial Guardsman might have had a larger hand, just to be clear). Yet it remains the case that the space marine tactical squad will be the core of any given legion and provides a flexible formation for the taking and capturing of objectives whilst retaining some amount of threat.
Strengths.
Line (2) cannot be over-stated too much in third edition. It is this rule that can and will games for you if you play correctly. Sure, many players will bring more kill-orientated squads to try to win that way, but you will have already accumulated a lot of victory points in the meantime, or that at least should be your plan at the outset.
Beyond that, these are space marines with a standard set of 4's across the board and an extra pip of leadership for the squad sergeant.
Fury of the legion grants Heavy (FP) special rule which means an extra shot if you have stood still. Three shots per bolt gun is very reasonable.
Weaknesses.
I fully accept that having line means you need objectives in your mission to make the best use of these types of squad. It doesn't always happen, of course.
The 3+ save is a concern, as are the (very) average advanced characteristics.
Regardless, for the point value (10 points per marine) you cannot particularly go too wrong here. Also remember that Prime slots exist (and if you have a Primarch, tactical squads often contribute to unlocking more Primes when you have 4 or more of these or other core troop units in place for the Primarch). Take a rhino or some kind of transport and you are sorted.
Builds.
10 Marines, Sergeant with Power Fist, Vexilla, Nuncio Vox (135 points).
I regard the nuncio vox as essential for basic squads now - you will need it to help remove conditions. The Vexilla is optional and focuses on squads who you think will get into combat. The power fist is a deterrent, but remains effective. This is your basic build for third edition in my opinion. Take a rhino or similar and good luck!
20 Marines, Chain Bayonets, Vexilla, Nuncio Vox, Sergeant with Thunder Hammer (255 points).
Chain bayonets are cool and I won't hear any argument to the contrary. [Okay, chain bayonets are not worth the points cost to get shred at 6+, but I am arguing that they LOOK cool! Bayonets without the chain rule are even worse as they lack the shred rule - but they also LOOK cool and I don't care.]
20 Marines, Vexilla, Nuncio Vox, Augury Scanner, Sergeant with Combi-Melta and Melta Bombs and Power Fist (250 points).
An expensive way to deliver some melta action?!
Beyond these builds, a hand flamer is sometimes nice for objective sitting, plasma pistol on the sergeant can give a bit of an extra punch. I'd always favour the power fist or thunder hammer where possible, and a combi-weapon is reasonable if you are going to make use of it. Vexillas and nuncio voxes are a must, and the augury scanner is to taste. Both types of bayonets are useless points sinks, but they look very cool and you should invest in them with only that thought in mind because the AP=5 won't help, and the shred at 6+ is just about okay, but also not worth the points cost increase. Take them for the rule of cool only.
Fundamentally: 10 points per marine is still very worthwhile in third edition and you can't go too wrong at that level. Think of it this way: 80 marines for 800 points is really nice and a strong gambit in and of itself for any objective based game.
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