Gwar!'s Wondificent Army Rosters (Now with 205% moar words!)
Part 2: Largest Army (Model Count)
Hello and welcome to the second instalment of Gwar!'s Wondificent Army Rosters (GWAR), updated whenever I can be arsed to do so.
What in the name of the Allfather is the GWAR?
The GWAR are a series of Army roster lists exploring the extremes of Army Rosters (Smallest, Largest, Cheapest etc. etc.). I am making these lists merely because I can and because I enjoy knowing these things for the sake of knowing them. It is also interesting to see the large variances in codex design and for seeing how the older codices fare again the newer ones.
Why in Russ' name should I read this crap?
Well, because it is interesting. It's mostly knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Read it or don't, I'm not gonna mind (Much -Cries-)
Where can I send suggestions/fanmail/hatemail/pandas/licorice?
Just shoot me an e-mail or catch me on Skype. Any and all criticism is welcome
And Now for Something Completely Different (That is, Clear Rules and Iron Clad Clarifications)
1) This list is based of physical model count. It does not have criteria on Points,
FoC Slots or
IRL Cash Price (those are for later lists).
2) Swarm Bases count as 1 Model for the Purposes of these lists (For example, a Scarab Swarm of 3 Bases counts as 3 Models).
3) For the purposes of this list, models have no “weight” based on any criteria other than being an actual physical model. In other words, a Land Raider is equivalent to an Ammo Runt.
4) While I will be posting the total points costs of the rosters, I will not be posting the individual points costs or (in general) the equipment of units. This is to prevent Games Workshop Attack Pandas from, well, attacking.
5) For the sake of completeness, the rosters will contain not one total points cost, but two. The first will be the Lowest Points possible points cost (No Upgrades or the Cheapest Mandatory Upgrades/Wargear. This will be referred to forthwith as "Low End") and the Highest (Most Expensive Weapons and Wargear Combination/Maxed out Points cost. This will be referred forthwith as "High End").
6) Similarly, where there is a tie for the highest Number of models for a slot (Most often in the Case of Troops with similar unit sizes) I will use the Cheapest Option with the No/Cheapest Mandatory Upgrades/Wargear for the Low End Roster, while using the Most Expensive Weapons and Wargear Combination/Maxed out Points cost in the High End Roster.
6a) IMPORTANT NOTE: Where a unit has an option to replace or "upgrade" a model to a Veteran Sergeant like model (for example, a Stormboy into a Nob) these have been included in the High End points cost but NOT explicitly pointed out unless necessary, to reduce clutter.
7) Where an choice of unit would result in a cheaper unit, but less models or a more expensive unit with more models, the more expensive, more models option is chosen, even for the Low End Roster.
8) If a roster with a variable model count (See the individual army notes for more details) has an upper model count that would place it above another rosters lower model count, it is instead placed at the lower limit position. In other words, all variable model count rosters are ranked according to their lower model count, not their upper.
9) For the Purposes of these lists, all points level restrictions on legacy codex Special Characters have been lifted.
10) In addition to the above basic rules, any army specific notes I feel need to be added will be placed just before each roster.
11) Please
PM me to let me know of any mistakes that have crept in, otherwise I will set my Reprogrammed Games Workshop Attack Bamboo on you! You know who you are!
OK Gwar!, I'll bite! What armies are you doing?
In order to maintain a level of consistency, I shall be making lists only for the "Current" and “Official” Codices (So no
BoLS Armies and no 3rd edition Tau lists for example). However, in the cases of codices that make more than one sort of army, in which case I will post rosters for a "Mixed" full codex army, and a "Variant" List army. For example, Dark Angels can make a Mixed Dark Angel force, a Pure Ravenwing Force or a Pure Deathwing Force. Where necessary the definitions for the “Variant” army will be detailed in the preceding roster notes.
This is beginning to sound interesting. Will you be updating these or are you going to give them the Dark Eldar treatment?
Unlike
GW, I care about making sure things stay current. As such, I will try and keep the lists updated as codices are released and with each new list, will go back and amend minor formatting changes and definition changes as needed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: As this Series is still new and growing, please bear with me as we go through teething problems like figuring out the best way to display it all. If you have any suggestions, ideas or even hatemail, send me a PM. Though if you send me hatemail I'll set the Bamboo on you!
The list of Rosters to be included in the GWAR series are:
Codex: Black Templars
Codex: Blood Angels
Codex: Chaos Dæmons
Codex: Chaos Space Marines
Codex: Dæmonhunters (Mixed)
Codex: Dæmonhunters (Pure Grey Knights)
Codex: Dark Angels (Mixed)
Codex: Dark Angels (Pure Deathwing)
Codex: Dark Angels (Pure Ravenwing)
Codex: Dark Eldar (Kabal)
Codex: Dark Eldar (Wytch Cult)
Codex: Eldar
Codex: Imperial Guard
Codex: Necrons
Codex: Orks
Codex: Space Marines
Codex: Space Wolves
Codex: Tau Empire (Sept Worlds)
Codex: Tau Empire (Farsight Enclaves)
Codex: Tyranids
Codex: Witch Hunters (Mixed)
Codex: Witch Hunters (Pure Adepta Sororitas)
A word on the formatting:
For this list I shall be using a slightly different format to my first list. While for small rosters my previous formatting was just fine, with large lists it becomes much too cumbersome and increases the amount of redundant repeated data immensely.
Therefore, for this list, only one full roster will be completed. This roster will consist of the maximum number of models available while eschewing any upgrades, options or additional wargear, with the exception of those that add additional models (for example, Gun Drones, Grot Oilers and Regimental Advisers). This will be the “Low End” Roster. Following this I will place only the model data that changes in order to achieve the highest points cost possible.
In the event that both the High End and the Low End rosters consist of the exact same models, there will instead just be a single roster with the two points values appended to it.
So, without further ado, lets get this started!
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In 24th place are:
The Fearless Deathwing (Dark Angels) [50 Models]
Yes, the poor Dark Angels can never get a break. With a positively tiny 50 Models, the Deathwing are the creed “Always outnumbered” personified. The two main reasons for this lack of models are a total lack of any Fast Attack units and 1 model Heavy Support units. However, having 20 odd Fearless Terminators deep strike in on the first turn is a great psychological weapon
Note: For the purposes of these lists, the Dark Angels “Deathwing” Army is defined as a Dark Angel Army consisting only of Belial, Master of the Deathwing, Arael, Supreme Grand Master (Without Command Squad), Interrogator-Chaplains in Terminator Armour, Librarians in Terminator Armour, Deathwing Terminator Squads, Dreadnoughts and Land Raiders.
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Belial, Master of the Deathwing
HQ 2: Interrogator-Chaplain (or Librarian) in Terminator Armour
Elites: Three 5 strong Deathwing Terminator Squads
Troops: Six 5 strong Deathwing Terminator Squads
Heavy Support: Three Land Raider Crusaders
Points: 2,960
High End Roster:
HQ 2: Arael, Supreme Grand Master
Points: 3,610
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In 23rd place are:
The Swift Ravenwing (Dark Angels) [74 Models]
Ah yes, the Dark Angels again. It seems Games Workshop really does not like fluffy Dark Angels lists.
With a maximum possible
FoC of 74, the Ravenwing can be easily out-gunned, but by no means outmanoeuvred. With everything capable of up to 24” of movement per turn and everything Toughness 4 (5) (or a Vehicle) they can still be effective. One reason for their lack of models is similar to the Deathwings problem, in that they have no Heavy Support nor any Elite Units.
Note: For the purposes of these lists, the Dark Angels “Ravenwing” Army is defined as a Dark Angel Army consisting only of Sammael, Master of the Ravenwing, Chaplain on Bike, Ravenwing Attack Squadrons and Ravenwing Support Squadrons.
HQ 1: Sammael, Master of the Ravenwing
HQ 2: Chaplain on Bike
Troops: Six 5 strong Ravenwing Attack Squadrons with Attack Bike and Land Speeder
Fast Attack: Three 5 strong Ravenwing Attack Squadrons with Attack Bike and Land Speeder
Low End Roster Points: 3,665
High End Roster Points: 4,375
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In 22nd place are:
The Incorruptible Grey Knights (Dæmonhunters) [170 Models]
I know, I was surprised too! This army has a reputation of being a very small and outnumbered army, so imagine my surprise when they were not last! In hindsight It is not too surprising, as they have the ability to take 10 strong units in every slot, thanks to the Grey Knights Teleport Attack option and Terminator Retinues.
Note: For the purposes of these lists, the Dæmonhunters “Pure Grey Knights” Army is defined as a Dæmonhunters Army consisting only of Grey Knights Heroes, Brother-Captain Stern, Grey Knights Terminators, Grey Knights, Grey Knights Purgation Squads and Grey Knights Dreadnoughts, Land Raiders and Land Raider Crusaders.
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Generic Brother-Captain with 9 strong Grey Knight Terminator Retinue
HQ 2: Brother-Captain Stern with 9 strong Grey Knight Terminator Retinue
Elites: Three 10 strong Grey Knight Terminator Squads
Troops: Six 10 strong Grey Knight Squads
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Grey Knight Teleport Attack Squads
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Grey Knight Purgation Squads.
Points: 5,755
High End Roster:
HQ 1: Grandmaster with 9 strong Grey Knight Terminator Retinue
Points: 8,734
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In 21st place are:
The Unforgiven Dark Angels (Mixed) [179 Models]
Yes, those poor emo Dark Angels. They just cannot get a break. Languishing at the bottom of every list. I will be honest,
GW made a mistake with the
DA Codex. Yes, it would have been fine of every codex was updated to go that way, but when
GW did an about face with the new Space Marine codex, it kind of invalidated the Dark Angels codex for everything except Deathwing. In any case, here is the Maximum number of models possible for a Dark Angels Army.
Low End Roster:
HQ 1 & 2: Two Chaplains (or Company Masters) with Command Squad and Rhino
Elites: Three 10 strong Scout Squads with Drop Pods
Troops: Six 10 strong Tactical Squads with Rhinos
Fast Attack: Three Jump-Packless Assault Squads with Rhinos
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Devastator Squads with Rhinos
Points: 3,720
High End Roster:
HQ: Interrogator-Chaplain with Command Squad and Razorback
HQ: Azrael, Supreme Grand Master with Command Squad and Razorback
Elites: Three 10 strong Company Veterans Squads with Razorbacks
Troops: Six 10 strong Tactical Squads with Razorbacks
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Devastator Squads with Razorbacks
Points: 8,230
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In 20h place are:
The Vigilant Ordo Malleus (Mixed Dæmonhunters, No Inducted Guard) [182 Models]
Yes, Yes I know I lied. However, I do not feel that the distinction between “Only Codex: Dæmonhunters” and “Codex Dæmonhunters + Inducted/Allied” merits a separate sublist, but it does merit separate mention, as the two are very different with regards to model count. Weighing in at 182 Models, it is still one of the smaller rosters.
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Brother-Captain with 9 strong Grey Knight Terminator Retinue
HQ 2: Inquisitor Lord Coteaz with 15 strong Henchmen Retinue
Elites: Three 10 strong Grey Knight Terminator Squads
Troops: Six 10 strong Inquisitorial Stormtrooper Squads with Rhinos
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Grey Knight Teleport Attack Squads
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Grey Knight Purgation Squads.
Points: 4,741
High End Roster:
HQ 1: Grand Master with 9 strong Grey Knight Terminator Retinue
Troops: Six 10 strong Inquisitorial Stormtrooper Squads with Chimeras
Points: 8,487
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In 19th place are:
The Ageless Necrons [191 - 254 Models]
While the Necrons have a (not unwarranted) reputation for being a low model count army, this is only because their “good” unit (no that is not a plural
) is only a single model. However when you start taking things like Scarab Swarms and Tomb Spyders, the model count goes up dramatically. Also of note that this is the first roster in the list to have a variable model count! A few of the rosters have these and are a result of a models ability to create another model mid game. In this case it is the Tomb Spyders Scarab spawning ability. For the upper model count, I will be assuming that the game lasts the maximum seven turns.
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Necron Lord
HQ 2: Necron Lord
Elites: Three 10 strong Flayed Ones squads
Troops: Six 20 strong Warrior Squads
Fast Attack: Three 10 base Scarab Swarms
Heavy Support: Three sets of 3 Tomb Spyders
Points: 3,755
High:
HQ 1: Nightbringer
Elites: One 10 strong Pariah squad and Two 10 strong Necron Immortal Squads
Points: 4,905
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In 18th place are:
The Savage Space Wolves [207 Models]
So, my beloved Pups got a real codex after 10 years of waiting. Is it Good? Yes! With the ability to take 4
HQs and Having Bjorn and Njarl back make this Long Fang very happy
Low End Roster:
HQ 1, 2, 3 & 4: Four Wolf Guard Battle Leaders with 2 Fenrisian Wolves each
Elites: Three 10 strong Wolf Guard packs with Rhinos (or Drop Pods)
Troops: Six 15 strong Blood Claw Packs with Rhinos (or Drop Pods)
Fast Attack: Three 15 strong Fenrisian Wolf Packs
Heavy Support: Three 6 strong Long Fang Packs with Rhinos (or Drop Pods)
Points: 3,378
High End Roster:
HQ 1: Ragnar Blackmane with 2 Wolves
HQ 2, 3 and 4: Three Wolf Lords with 2 Fenrisian Wolves each
Elites 1: One 9 strong Wolf Guard Biker pack with Arjac Rockfist and Land Raider (Normal or Crusader)
Elites 2 & 3: Two 10 strong Wolf Guard Biker packs with Razorbacks
Troops: Six 15 strong Blood Claw Packs with Razorbacks
Heavy Support: Three 6 strong Long Fang Packs with Razorbacks
Points: 8,835
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In 17th place are:
The Noble Space Marines [212 Models]
Hmmm yes, good ol' Vanilla Flavour
MEQ goodness. With Transports aplenty and lots of variety, the Space Marines are able to field a respectable number of 3+ goodness. OK, that's a lie too (I do that a lot) as a good portion of them are 2+ models and are never actually used! Yes, I am talking about the Honour Guard. Utilising Marneus “Mary Sue” Calgar and a Generic Chapter Master (presumably Carneus “Sary Mue” Malgar) it is possible to get a whopping 40 honour Guard models trouncing about, all with Drop Pods to make sure they get to where they are needed fast. Shame about the points cost though. It also has the Honour of being the first army roster to have different models in every single slot between the Low and High End Rosters. Yippe(!)
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Marneus Augustus Calgar with Three 10 strong Honour Guards and Rhinos
HQ 2: Space Marine Chapter Master with 10 strong Honour Guard and Rhino with Brother-Sergeant Chronus
Elites (1, 2 & 3): Three 10 strong Sternguard Veteran squads with Rhinos
Troops: Six 10 strong Tactical Squads with Rhinos
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Jump-Packless Assault Squads with Rhinos
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Devastator Squads with Rhinos
Points: 5,400
High End Roster:
HQ 1: Marneus Augustus Calgar with Three 10 strong Honour Guards and Razorbacks
HQ 2: Space Marine Chapter Master with 10 strong Honour Guard and Razorback
Elites 1: One 10 strong Terminator Squad with Land Raider (Godhammer or Crusader)
Elites 2: One 10 strong Terminator Assault Squad with Land Raider (Godhammer or Crusader) with Brother-Sergeant Chronus
Elites 3: One 10 strong Sternguard Veteran squad with Razorback
Troops: Six 10 strong Tactical Squads with Razorbacks
Fast Attack: Three Vanguard Veteran Squads with Razorbacks
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Devastator Squads with Razorbacks
Points: 11,995
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In 16th place are:
The Rebellious Farsight Enclaves (Tau Empire) [217 Models]
The renegade commander O'Shova may be isolated and limited in resources, but he can still muster up a large number of bodies, mainly in the form of Drones. His retinue alone has 14, all able to move and fire their twin-linked pinning weapons of mass doom! Or he can take Marker Drones, making sure that he can say to those pesky Orks: “Cover? What cover?”. He also gets the honour of the army with the most 0-1 options included, a massive pain when formatting that much I can tell you.
Note: For the purposes of these lists, the Tau Empire “Farsight Enclaves” Army is defined as a Tau Empire Army containing Commander Farsight and the ensuing unit restrictions and requirements inherent to his selection. Furthermore, each gun drone attached to a vehicle of any sort are counted as 1 model each (For example, a Single Piranha consists of the Piranha itself and 2 Gun Drones. As such, this will count as 3 models).
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Commander Farsight with 7 strong Shas'vre Bodyguard (14 Gun Drones)
HQ 2: Shas'
el with 2 strong Shas'vre Bodyguard (6 Gun Drones)
Elites 1: One 6 strong Stealthsuit squad (12 Gun Drones)
Elites 2 & 3: Two 3 strong Crisis Battlesuit squads (6 Gun Drones per squad)
Troops: Six 12 strong Fire Warrior squads with Devilfish (2 Gun Drones)
Fast Attack 1: One 8 strong Pathfinder squad (2 Gun Drones) with Devilfish (2 Gun Drones)
Fast Attack 2: One 5 strong Piranha Light Skimmer squadron (10 Gun Drones)
Fast Attack 3: One 8 strong Gun Drone Squadron
Heavy Support 1: One 3 strong Broadside Battlesuit squad (6 Gun Drones)
Heavy Support 2: One Sniper Drone Team
Heavy Support 3: One Hammerhead Gunship (2 Gun Drones)
Points: 3,854
High End Roster:
HQ 1: Commander Farsight with 7 strong Shas'vre Bodyguard (14 Marker Drones)
HQ 2: Shas'o with 2 strong Shas'vre Bodyguard (6 Marker Drones)
Elites 1: One 6 strong Stealthsuit squad (12 Marker Drones)
Elites 2 & 3: Two 3 strong Crisis Battlesuit squads (6 Marker Drones per squad)
Fast Attack 1: One 8 strong Pathfinder squad (2 Marker Drones) with Devilfish (2 Gun Drones)
Heavy Support 1: One 3 strong Broadside Battlesuit squad (6 Marker Drones)
Points: 7,509
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In 15th place are:
The Masters of the Empyrean, Chaos Dæmons [223 – 272 Models]
The Masters of The Warp, pure emotion itself, Chaos Dæmons shows that although it is the newest addition to
40k it certainly does not lack punch, with 223 models and the potential to generate 7 Spawns per turn via Boon of Mutation, resulting in a total maximum of 272 models. Again I am assuming that the game will last the maximum seven turns and also that each and every attempt to create a spawn will be successful. While Spawn may suck in many, many ways, it still provides a way to instagib models with Eternal Warrior, which
GW seems to hand out like candy nowadays.
Note: Furies of Chaos are only applicable for the Low End Roster. Additionally, all models able to buy Boon of Mutation have taken it, even in the Low End Roster.
Low End Roster:
HQ: Four Heralds of Tzeentch
Elites: Three 12 strong Flamers of Tzeentch units
Troops: Six 20 strong Dæmonette of Slaanesh units
Fast Attack: Three 20 strong Flesh Hounds of Khorne (or Furies of Chaos) units
Heavy Support: 3 Dæmon Princes of Chaos
Points: 4,490
High End Roster:
Troops: Six 20 strong Pink Horrors of Tzeentch Squads (One Changeling)
Heavy Support: Three Dæmon Princes of Tzeentch.
Points: 6,225
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In 14th place are:
The Zealous Black Templars [226 Models]
Let me just start off by saying I have never had to do anything this complicated regarding
40k ever! The Black Templars' method of being able to attach Chaplains and others to different
HQ squads is beyond impenetrable! Not to mention the sheer amount of permutations meant I had to check them all to ensure the maximum model count! That being said the Black Templars' main advantage is 20 strong Troop Choices, but is then swiftly negated by a total lack of any squad based Heavy Support, thus lowering the potential Model count.
Low End Roster:
Special
HQ: Emperors Champion
HQ 1: High Marshal Helbrecht with 10 strong Command Squad, 5 Neophytes and attached Reclusiarch with 3 Cenobyte Servitors
HQ 2: Castellan with 10 strong Command Squad, attached Reclusiarch with 3 Cenobyte Servitors and attached Chaplain Grimaldus with 3 Cynobyte Servitors
Elites: Three 10 strong Sword Brethren Squads with Drop Pod
Troops: Six 20 strong Crusader squads (10 Initiates and 10 Neophytes)
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Assault Squads
Heavy Support: Three Predator Destructor
Points: 5,898
High End Roster:
HQ 1: High Marshal Helbrecht with 10 strong Command Squad, 5 Neophytes and attached Master of Sanctity with 3 Cenobyte Servitors
HQ 2: Castellan with 10 strong Command Squad, attached Master of Sanctity with 3 Cenobyte Servitors and attached Chaplain Grimaldus with 3 Cynobyte Servitors
Elites: Three 10 strong Veteran Sword Brethren Squads with Land Raider Crusader
Heavy Support: Three Land Raider Crusader
Points: 10,003
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In 13th place are:
The Enigmatic Eldar [241 Models]
So, the first Xenos army on this list, we have the Eldar. As well as some kick ass psychic powers, the Eldar are able to take 30 Toughness 6 Wraithguard with 22 model perma 5+ Cover Guardian Squads. If that backed up by powers such as Guide, Doom and Fortune doesn't just scream “Awesomesauce”, I really don't know what does. With all other troops capped at 10 models, and Wraithguard at 11 (10+Warlock), along with a squad of Warlocks per Farseer, the maximum Eldar army makes liberal use of these combinations.
Low End Roster:
HQ 1 & 2: Two Farseers
Special
HQ: Two 10 strong Warlock squads
Elites: Three 10 Strong Wraithguard squads with Spiritseer
Troops: Six 20 Strong Guardian squads (with Heavy Weapon Platform) with Warlock
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Swooping Hawk squads
Heavy Support: Three Support Weapon Batteries with Warlock
Points: 3,890
High End Roster:
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Warp Spider squads
Points: 5,871
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In 12th place are:
The Faithful Adepta Sororitas (Witch Hunters) [252 Models]
The Daughters of the Emperor make a fine showing, coming in the top half with a fine showing of Zeal and Flamy 3+ goodness. With the inherent ability to ignore physic powers on a 5+ and Acts of Faith in the Empra that can allow them to rip up anything they please, Sisters of Battle are the ultimate Glass Cannon.
Note: For the purposes of these lists, the Witch Hunters “Pure Adepta Sororitas” Army is defined as a Witch Hunters Army consisting only of Models with the Adepta Sororitas special rule and their Transports, Sisters Repentia, Priests, Immolators and Exorcists.
Low End Roster:
Special
HQ: 5 Priests
HQ 1: Palatine with 10 strong Celestian Retinue
HQ 2: Palatine with 10 strong Celestian Retinue
Elites: One 20 strong Sisters Repentia squad
Elites: Two 10 strong Celestian squad with Rhino
Troops: Six 20 strong Battle Sisters Squads
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Dominion Squads with Rhinos
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Retributor Squads with Rhinos
Points: 3,430
High:
HQ 1: Cannoness with 10 strong Celestian Retinue
HQ 2: Cannoness with 10 strong Celestian Retinue
Points: 7,876
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In 11th place are:
The Watchful Ordo Herectus (Mixed Witch Hunters, No Inducted Guard) [254 Models]
Yup, doing the same thing as the Dæmonhunters for the Witch Hunters too. To make it up to you, I give you the shortest roster on the list, because it is actually the exact same as the above Adepta Sororitas roster, with only the single following change in both the High and Low End Rosters.
HQ 1: Inquisitor Lord with 12 strong Henchmen Retinue
Low End Roster Points: 3,409
High End Roster Points: 8,665
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In 10th place are:
The Sadisitc Dark Eldar (Kabal) [270 Models]
Dark Eldar have always been another Army I have admired, having a reputation for being “crap”, but when in the hands of a skilled player can run circles around any new player with twinked list. With Dark Lances galore even a Marine player is going to have to hug cover to get a chance to hit back at these Dark Kin.
Dark Eldar (Kabal)
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Dracon with 10 strong Warrior retinue
HQ 2: Dracon with 10 strong Warrior retinue
Elites: Three 20 strong Wych Squads
Special Elites: One 5 Strong Warp Beast Pack with Beast Master
Troops: Six 20 Strong Warrior Squads
Fast Attack: One 10 strong Hellion squad and two 10 strong Reaver Jetbike squads
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Scourges squads
Points: 3,145
High End Roster:
HQ 1: Archon with 8 strong Incubi retinue, Drazhar and Raider
HQ 2: Dracon with 9 strong Incubi retinue and Raider
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Reaver Jetbike squads
Points: 7,646
In 9th place are:
The Cursed Blood Angels [295 Models]
Personally I have always liked the Blood Angels. They are not moody whiny gits like the Dark Angels and they have a kick ass back-story. I mean, having to go your entire life trying not to succumb to a genetic madness imprinted into your DNA by your Primarchs psychic death scream all they while battling a unquenchable thirst for blood? Not to mention being based on a world even more hardcore than Fenris (At least Fenris doesn't irradiate you to death Fallout style!) However, their Glory Days of 3rd edition are both fondly remembered and universally reviled, and this 4th ed codex, while balanced, is certainly lacking when compared to the newer Marine codices (coughSpaceWolvescough). Nevertheless, they are able to put forth a respectable 175 models. Oh, and Assault Squads as troops. How awesome is that!
Note: Deep Striking Land Raiders and Bat-Nipple Armour cancel out all of the above and more. [Sadfaec] Even being able to field 295 models doesn't help. The fact that a maxed out Sternguard Veteran Squad costs 666 points does a little though, as does a massive Twenty Five and a Half Thousand points in a single
FoC!
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Astorath the Grim
HQ 2: Captain (or Librarian)
Special
HQ: Two 5 strong Honour Guards with Drop Pods
Elite: Three 10 strong Sternguard Veteran Squads with Drop Pods
Troops: Six 30 strong Death Company Squads with Drop Pods (One Squad with Lemartes)
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Vanguard Veteran Squads with Drop Pods
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Devastator Squads with Drop Pods
Points: 6,800
High End Roster:
HQ 2: Sangunior
All Drop Pods above replaced with Land Raiders (Normal or Crusader varient)
Points: 25,507
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In 8th place are:
The Sexy Dark Eldar (Wych Cult) [298 Models]
[Insert something funny about bewbies here]
Dark Eldar (Wytch Cult)
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Wych Dracite with 10 strong Wych retinue
HQ 2: Wych Dracite with 10 strong Wych retinue
Elites: Three 20 strong Warrior squads
Special Elites: Six 5 strong Warp Beast Packs with Beastmaster
Troops: Six 20 Strong Wych squads
Fast Attack: Fast Attack: One 10 strong Hellion squad and two 10 strong Reaver Jetbike squads
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Scourges squads
Points: 3,860
High End Roster:
HQ 1: Wych Archite with 10 strong Wych retinue
HQ 2: Wych Dracite with 10 strong Wych retinue
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Reaver Jetbike squads
Points: 7,681
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In 7th place are:
The Insatiable Tyranids [224 – 827 Models]
The Hunger that Stalks the Stars is well known for it's hoard army tendencies, with many units having a 30 model upper limit. Sadly the image Tyranids have at the moment is one of “cheesy” Tervigon spam, which is a shame as the Nids are one of the more fun
OTT GRIMDARK™ armies around. The 'Nids also get the pleasure of both having the exact same models between the Low End and High End rosters and being one of the few rosters with a variable model count, thanks to the magic of Tervigons and Biovores. Tyranids sadly do badly in this list as it is ranked on the lower end of the variable count, with a relatively low 224 models. However, such a Tyranid army can, theoretically, disgorge 603 extra models over the course of a seven turn game, via Tervigons and Biovores, leading to a whopping 827 models needed!
HQ 1 & 2: Two Tervigons
Elites: Three 10 strong Ymgarl Genestealer broods
Troops: Three Tervigons and Three 30 strong Termagant broods
Fast Attack: Three 30 strong Gargoyle broods
Heavy Support: Three 3 strong Biovore broods
Low End Roster Points: 2,885
High End Roster Points: 4,490
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In 6th place are:
The Naïve Tau Empire (Sept Worlds) [345 Models]
Unlike the Renegade Farsight, the Tau Empire still follows the Greater Good and have all the resources of the Empire available to them. However, just like the Farsight Enclaves, the Tau Empire relies on Drones to make up the bulk of the numbers in their Max Model Count army roster. Of particular note are the Stealthsuits, being able to Infiltrate, move, then fire an ungodly amount of Pinning shots or Markerlights (as they are Relentless) and then slink away out of sight.
Note: For the purposes of these lists each gun drone attached to a vehicle of any sort are counted as 1 model each (For example, a Single Piranha consists of the Piranha itself and 2 Gun Drones. As such, this will count as 3 models).
Low End Roster:
HQ: Shas'
el with 2 strong Shas'vre Bodyguard (6 Gun Drones)
HQ: Ethereal (2 Gun Drones) and 12 strong Honour Guard (2 Gun Drones)
Elites: Three 6 strong Stealthsuit squads (12 Gun Drones per squad)
Troops: One 12 strong Tau Firewarrior Squad with Devilfish (2 Gun Drones) and five 20 strong Kroot Carnivore Squad with 12 Kroot Hounds and 3 Krootox
Fast Attack: Three 5 strong Piranha Light Skimmer squadrons (10 Gun Drones per squadron)
Heavy Support 1 & 2: Two 3 strong Broadside Battlesuit squads (6 Gun Drones per squad)
Heavy Support 3: Three Sniper Drone Teams
Points: 4,810
High End Roster:
HQ: Shas'o with 2 strong Shas'vre Bodyguard (6 Marker Drones)
HQ: Ethereal (2 Marker Drones) and 12 strong Honour Guard (2 Marker Drones)
Elites: Three 6 strong Stealthsuit squads (12 Marker Drones per squad)
Heavy Support 1 & 2: Two 3 strong Broadside Battlesuit squads (6 Marker Drones per squad)
Points: 8,206
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In 5th place are:
The Unbeatable Orks [380 – 387 Models]
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Da Green Tide Cometh! Da Orkz iz gonna krump ya wiv lotz o' da boyz! Wat da yoo meen da boyz iz not 'ere? Grah, grab da grotz den, wez gotta krumpin ta get too!
The Orks are great army, fun, effective and nice to look at as waves upon waves of orks trudge towards you. Oddly though, the maximum model count does not contain any Boyz, as Gretchin have a maximum unit size of 33, meaning they win out in this instance. Also for Da Orkz is Old Zogwort, with his Squigifying abilities able to turn seven poor
IC's into seven confused Squigs over the course of the game.
Note: As Grot Oilers and Ammo Runtz are technically models, they are included in this roster.
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Old Zogwort
HQ 2: Big Mek wiv Ammo Runt an' 3 Grot Oilers
Elites: Three 10 strong Nobz Mobz wiv ammo runtz for all da Nobz
Troopz: Six 30 strong Gretchin an' 3 Runtherd mobz
Fast Atta'k 1 & 2: Two 20 strong Stormboyz mobz
Fast Atta'k 3: One 20 strong Vulcha Boyz Mob wiv Boss Zagstruk
'Eavy Support 1: One 9 Strong Flash Giz mobz wiv 3 Ammo Runtz an' Kaptain Badrukk (wiv Da Powder Grotz) an' wiv a Painboy wiv a Grot Orderly
'Eavy Support 2 & 3: Two Kannon Batteriez each wiv 6 Additional Gun Krew, 3 Ammo Runts an' Runtherd
Points Cost: 3,006
High End Roster:
Elites: Three 9 strong Nob Biker mobz wiv ammo runtz for all da Nobz an' a Painboy Biker wiv a Grot Orderly
'Evy Support 2 & 3: Two Zzap Gun Batteriez each wiv 6 Additional Gun Krew, 3 Ammo Runts an' Runtherd
Points Cost: 6,087
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In 4th place are:
Mixed Dæmonhunters with Inducted Guard [714 Models]
It seems Infantry Platoons contain a lot of models.
With close to double the number of models Orks have, Inducted Guard are able to swarm the battlefield like there is no tomorrow.
Note: The Platoon Command Squad Special Characters have been included in the High End Roster, as well as “Send in the Next Wave”.
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Brother-Captain with 9 strong Grey Knight Terminator Retinue
HQ 2: Inquisitor Lord Coteaz with 15 strong Henchmen Retinue
Elites: Three 10 strong Grey Knight Terminator Squads
Troops 1 & 2: Two 10 strong Inquisitorial Stormtrooper Squads with Rhinos
Troops 3 – 6: Four Full Strength Platoons with Six Chimera each
Fast Attack: One 10 strong Rough Rider squad and Two 10 strong Grey Knight Teleport Attack Squads
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Grey Knight Purgation Squads.
Points: 9,651
High End Roster:
HQ 1: Grand Master with 9 strong Grey Knight Terminator Retinue
Troops 1 & 2: Two 10 strong Inquisitorial Stormtrooper Squads with Chimeras
Points: 17,483
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In 3rd place are:
Mixed Witch Hunters with Inducted Guard [750 Models]
Yup, it's Inducted Guard again. Happy Happy Joy Joy!
Low End Roster:
Special
HQ: 5 Priests
HQ 1: Palatine with 10 strong Celestian Retinue
HQ 2: Inquisitor Lord with 12 strong Henchmen retinue
Elites: One 20 strong Sisters Repentia squad
Elites: Two 10 strong Celestian squad with Rhino
Troops 1 & 2: Two 20 strong Battle Sisters Squads
Troops 3 – 6: Four Full Strength Platoons with Six Chimera each
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Dominion Squads with Rhinos
Heavy Support: Three 10 strong Retributor Squads with Rhinos
Points: 8,209
High End Roster:
HQ 1: Cannoness with 10 strong Celestian Retinue
Points: 17,713
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In 2nd place are:
The Hammer of the Emperor, The Imperial Guard [975 Models]
Yeah, No Surprises here methinks. Imperial Guard have always had the potential for High Model Count armies, being able to fit whole Platoons into one
FoC Selection. In this current iteration, you are able to fit a massive 144 models per platoon. Add to that Company Command Squads with advisers and Chimeras for everything, you can get just shy of 1,000 models into this army.
Low End Roster:
HQ 1: Company Command Squads with Advisors and Chimera
HQ 2: Company Command Squads with Advisors and Chimera
Special
HQ: Two Techpriest Enginseers with 5 strong Servitor squad
Special
HQ: Five Minisorum Priests
Elite: Three 10 strong Psyker Battle Squads with Chimera
Troops: Six Full Strength Platoons with Six Chimera each
Fast Attack: Three 10 strong Rough Rider squads
Heavy Support 1 & 2: Two 3 strong Griffon (or Hydra Flak Cannon) Squadrons
Heavy Support 3: One 3 Strong Leman Russ Battle Tank Squadron with Knight Commander Pask
Points: 11,195
High End Roster:
HQ 1: Company Command Squad with Colonel “Iron Hand” Straken, Advisors and Chimera
HQ 2: Company Command Squad with Lord Castellan Creed, Colour Sergeant Kell, Advisors and Chimera
Elites: Three 10 strong Ogryn squads with Chimera
Troops: Same as low but one Platoon lead by Captain Al'rahem and another by Commander Chenkov (All conscripts have “Send in the Next Wave!”)
Heavy Support: Three 3 strong Leman Russ Executioner squadrons with Knight Commander Pask in one.
Points: 23,059
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Drum roll Please!
In 1st place are:
The Traitorous Chaos Space Marines [∞ – ∞ Models]
“Wha? Gwar! Has finally gone mad! What is that weird Squiggly line thing!!!!!”
It is Infinity, and yes, wining on a technicality, Chaos Space Marines are officially the largest Model count army, being able to take an Infinite amount of models. This is because Summoned Lesser Dæmons do not take up any
FoC selection, and there are no restrictions or limits on their inclusion in the army. You can buy them even if there is no way for them to arrive on the battlefield! Thus, you can include as many as you want!
However, I know that you all love reading, so I shall include the maximum Model count possible without resorting to loopholes, which actually ends up as another Variable Model count roster, as Gift of Chaos can be used to generate lovely Spawns! The army is able to use Gift of Chaos a formidable eleven times a turn (Three from Ahriman, six from Thousand Son Aspiring Sorcerers and twice from a Chaos Sorcerer with the
MoT) resulting in a 77 model variance (again, assuming each and every attempt is successful), 314 to 391 models.
Note: All models able to buy Gift of Chaos have taken it, even in the Low End Roster. Furthermore, the Chaos Sorcerer in the Low End Roster has the Mark of Tzeentch, as it allows for a 2nd casting of Gift of Chaos.
HQ 1: Ahriman, Exile of the Thousand Sons
HQ 2: Chaos Sorcerer with Gift of Chaos and Mark of Tzeentch
Elite: Three 20 strong Possessed Chaos Space Marine Squads Rhino
Troops: Six 19 strong Thousand Son Squads with Aspiring Sorcerer and Rhino
Fast Attack: Three 20 strong Raptor Squads
Heavy Support: Three 20 strong Havoc Squads with Rhinos
Low End Roster Points Cost: 7,652
High End Roster Points Cost: 9,867
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So there you have it folks, the Largest possible Physical Model Count armies. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did making it!
And now for some Statistics! Remember, reading this will make you boring and lame, not cool and awesome like Gwar! is.
Positional Recap:
24th: Dark Angels (Pure Deathwing)
23rd: Dark Angels (Pure Ravenwing)
22nd: Dæmonhunters (Pure Grey Knights)
21st: Blood Angels
20th: Dark Angels (Mixed)
19th: Dæmonhunters (Mixed)
18th: Necrons
17th: Space Wolves
16th: Space Marines
15th: Tau Empire (Farsight Enclaves)
14th: Chaos Dæmons
13th: Black Templars
12th: Eldar
11th: Witch Hunters (Pure Adepta Sororitas)
10th: Witch Hunters (Mixed)
8th: Dark Eldar (Kabal)
8th: Dark Eldar (Wytch Cult)
7th: Tyranids
6th: Tau Empire (Sept Worlds)
5th: Orks
4th: Dæmonhunters (Mixed + Inducted Guard)
3rd: Witch Hunters (Mixed + Inducted Guard)
2nd: Imperial Guard
1st: Chaos Space Marines
Some Needless Statistics
Note: I am including the "non Loophole" Chaos Space Marines here otherwise everything would just be ∞.
Highs and Lows:
Highest High End Points Cost: Blood Angels (25,507 Points)
Lowest High End Points Cost: Orks (3,600 Points)
Highest Low End Points Cost: Imperial Guard (11,195 Points)
Lowest Low End Points Cost: Tyranids (2,885 Points)
Largest
Raw High/Low Difference: Blood Angels (18,707 points difference)
Smallest
Raw High/Low Difference: Orks (616 points difference)
Largest Percentage Difference: Blood Angels (275.10% difference)
Smallest Percentage Difference: Ravenwing (Dark Angels)(19.37% difference)
Totals:
Total Models (Low Count): 7,243
Total Models (High Count): 8,042
Total Low End Roster Points Cost: 119,528 Points
Total High End Roster Points Cost: 233,054 Points
Total
Raw Difference Points: 113,531 Points
Averages:
Average Maximum Army Size (Low Count): 301.79 Models
Average Maximum Army Size (High Count): 335.08 Models
Average Low End Points Cost: 4,980.33 Points
Average High End Points Cost: 9,701.79 Points
Average High/Low Difference: 4,730.46 Points
Average High low % Difference: 92.66%
and 
5000+ Points
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