Horus Heresy 2e Review: Legion Terminator Cataphractii Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. An iconic 30k unit!

Background.

A very heavy mark of tactical dreadnought armour, the Cataphractii variant can weather all manner of incoming storms. There is the small price to pay of reduced movement, but that won't particularly deter many commanders!

Strengths.

With a 2+ armour save and a 4+ invulnerable save as standard, these terminators are simply iconic on the battlefields of the Horus Heresy. 

In addition to their durability and 2 wounds, they also have the chance to take a dreadclaw drop pod, or land raiders as standard. The former makes for a great option where in built deep-striking by teleport assault is not in play.

Did I also mention the rule of cool?

Weaknesses.

Poor movement. Does not sweep. 

The only question is whether a commander cares? I suspect not. The saves that they have are amazing in exchange for this and along with their special rules like inexorable and relentless, they will see massive play on many battlefields.

Difference to First Edition.

Neutral, with no further qualifier.  

Builds. 

There are a number of options to consider here. The lack of sweeping ability suggests that the player might want to think about more ranged shooting, but in all honesty this does not prevent them from getting stuck into melee in the slightest - just ask your friendly World Eaters brothers. 

5 Terminators, 1 plasma blaster, 2 chain fists, 2 thunder hammers, vexilla, grenade harness (260 points).

My "go to" multi purpose squad. The first to die is the guy with the power weapon. I keep the chain fists and hammers for tackling the dreadnoughts. The plasma blaster provides a bit of ranged offence.

5 Terminators, 5 combi-meltas, 2 power fists (245 points).

Blow the tank up squad. Take chain fists for a full "termicide" squad.

5 Terminators, 1 heavy flamer, 4 volkite chargers, 3 power fists (218 points).

Cheap objective sitters.

10 Terminators, 10 Volkite Chargers, vexilla, nuncio vox (365 points).

Risky, but going all-in on the volkites. Take a blend of power axes and others.

10 Terminators, 2 Reaper Autocannons, 5 combi-plasma, 2 thunder hammer, vexilla, grenade harness (450 points).

Getting expensive here, but this is a fun build that I came across when playing against some Imperial Fists once. Ouch!

10 Terminators, 2 plasma blasters, 3 chain fists, 3 thunder hammers, vexilla, grenade harness, nuncio vox (460 points).

A flexible and deadly squad for most situations. In many ways an expansion of the top most "go to" configuration that I favour.