Monday, August 1, 2022

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Imperial Fists Legion Rules

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5/5 stars. I rounded up for once. (The rules are strong). 

Background.
The Imperial Fists were withdrawn to Terra close to the end of the Great Crusade. This became instrumental in several future facets: they launched the retribution fleet at the commencement of the Heresy, they battled enemies and their primarchs in places like Tallarn, and ultimately took part in the successful defence of Terra. Indeed, without their withdrawal at the end of the Crusade, it is doubtful that the Imperium would stand. 

This is a legion drilled in the use of bolt guns and other shooting weapons. Their rules reflect this and their character more broadly.

Legion Rules Review.
Discipline and Resolve. Gaining a +1 to hit with bolt weapons and auto weapons is a great advantage. Of course, the Iliastrus assault cannon is an auto weapon which makes this even more attractive. 

Vaults of the Phalanx gives access to the wargear options, Lords of the Imperium meanwhile allows a new type of consul upgrade, while Sentinels of Terra gives access to their warlord traits. 

Advanced Reaction.
The Best Defence is the Imperial Fists bespoke advanced reaction. It allows them to charge at a unit that gets close to them during the movement phase as if it were the charge phase in their own turn. I see this as a strong boon. 

Difference to First Edition.
Neutral. The +1 to hit was originally a gain in BS, here it is a pure +1 to hit. The extension of this to auto weapons does make this impressive, but other units have lost out a bit such as the loss of tank hunters from the heavy support option. I regard the Imperial Fists as a great mid range shooting legion with builds and units that can help it focus on longer range shooting, as well as close combat when it matters and a good range of HQ choices. The phrase "all comers" legion springs to mind here.

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