Horus Heresy 3e Review: Imperial Fists Legion Rules

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. The rules are above average.  

Background.

Recalled back to Terra to fortify the sector, the Imperial Fists found themselves at the epicenter of events in many ways. And as for their Primarch, Dorn, he became the new Warmaster in everything but name. They launched the retribution fleet and took part in numerous key battles, but would become instrumental in the final defence of Terra. It is doubtful that the loyalists would have succeeded if it were not the Dorn and the bulk of his legion being near Terra at the outset. 

Armoury. 

Third edition brings back the bulk of their armoury. 

Solarite Power Gauntlet is a power fist upgrade that gains you critical hits. This is reasonable most of the time. 

Vigil Pattern Storm Shields gives a 4+ invulnerable save along with the shield trait for a small sum. This is generally very much worth it if you have a big stick in the other hand and are not already in cataphractii armour. 

Iliastus Assault Cannons are added as a heavy weapon option heavy support squads, as well as pintles and sponsons (see legacies). Generally this is going to be a good choice!

Castellans are a Prime Upgrade for centurions which yield an augury scanner and a bolt gun replacement of your choice of heavy bolter (might be okay), autocannon (great) and Iliastus assault cannon (also great). 

Tactica. 

Fire Discipline gets you the old +1 to hit with bolt and auto shell weapons. This remains excellent. However, it is also toned here to be only applicable for fire groups that have 5 or more die in it. This is actually a good exchange overall and a good balance compared to second edition. But many bolt and auto shells are medium range so this might not benefit you against a longer ranged shooting enemy, but will be effective against those that like to charge you up front. 

Gambit.  
A Wall Unyielding grants Eternal Warrior (1) at the expense of not adding initiative to the focus roll. This is a rational transaction to keep your champions alive, but not very offensive. Combine with a shield to maximal effect I would suggest. 

Additional Detachments. 
Siege Gauntlet gives 4 slots within which the troops have to be breachers. Appropriate if unremarkable. 

Advanced Reaction. 
Bastion of Fire allows you to fire back any anything that gets too close (10 inches) once per battle. Solid enough and effective, but only against enemies that like getting up close and personal. 

Finally, there is the Decurion Sagittar who is an upgrade for a vehicle that gives you a turret mounted Iliastus assault cannon. Nice.

Overall then, the Imperial Fists are toned compared to second edition, but remain very strong mid range opponents who don't mind surviving in combat thanks to shields and gambits and have excellent mid range shooting. A great choice for any player: veterans and newbies alike.