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I'm just wondering what use greatswords are and if they are worth the cost, money and point wise. Just wanted to check how effective they are and some tactics they use before i splash out 48 quid to buy some.

Well, I've never used them, but there is no real reason I haven't, other than not having the models for them.

In theory, they are excellent troops. 4+ Save with a Great Weapon, AND Stubborn. Not to mention the chance to give them Detachments.

And that all I'm going to say, as I've never used them!

Stubborn is about the best special rule any infantry unit can possibly have. It allows the infantry unit to stand up against a heavy hitting enemy and not break. Take a Battle Standard as well to allow them to re-roll their break checks, and the Greatswords will happily take on and pin in place just about any enemy unit, while your knights get into position to flank charge and defeat said enemy. Just make sure you have enough (15-20) so that they don't all die from enemy attacks for a few rounds.

They used to be a fantastic tarpit unit (and still are) but flaggelants have taken over that role somewhat.

What they are is reliable.
You can be pretty sure they will stick around as long as you need them, and dish out some damage to.

They suffer from attacks by cav (but all infentry does) and outnumbering fear causers who beat them will make their break test down to a 2.

firstly, flagellants arent a tarpit, they die too easily. Ever seen high elf spearmen fight 21 flagellants? 2 rounds and its over.
Greatswords can embody the empire infanty as well as swordsmen. Give them a detachment or some knights as backup and they can hold against anything. Ideally you want to add a warrior priest or captain with the icon of magnus to make them immune to fear and keep the BSB nearby if not in the unit (a friend of mine uses the priest for the hatred and bound spells, soulfire hurts).
Long story short, properly backed up, like anything in the empire army, they are awsome

Leith wrote:firstly, flagellants arent a tarpit, they die too easily. Ever seen high elf spearmen fight 21 flagellants? 2 rounds and its over.
Greatswords can embody the empire infanty as well as swordsmen. Give them a detachment or some knights as backup and they can hold against anything. Ideally you want to add a warrior priest or captain with the icon of magnus to make them immune to fear and keep the BSB nearby if not in the unit (a friend of mine uses the priest for the hatred and bound spells, soulfire hurts).
Long story short, properly backed up, like anything in the empire army, they are awsome

2 turns of HE spearmen unit held by a flagellant unit + a unit of knights or ranked infantry into the side of the spearmen in the 2nd turn = dead HE unit.

thats not a tarpit thats an anvil, same as greatswords