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So, I've been playing for a little while and I'm looking for a challenge. This being the tactics section, I was hoping someone could guide me towards an army that is both competitive, but also demanding to play. I play Chaos and Necrons, and both are too forgiving in my opinion. The only army I don't want to play is Dark Eldar, because their models are rubbish imo. Thanks in advance for any help.

Tau is a tough army that if played right can be competitive.

I was always under the impression eldar was for tactically advanced players. They have one of the few codices that can make multiple competitive builds. Every unit is a scalpel worth the investment when played correctly but when used incorrectly is a complete waste of points. The 'dar model line is of a high standard; I think the Wraithlord is one of the best kits in 40K.

Also, they are expected a new jetbike model in the relatively near future (everything is relative with GW releases).


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also, if you already have Crons do you really want another shooty army or MEQ?

If I were you I'd be looking at Eldar or horde lists or IG as these are the most different from the two armies you have currently.

Grey knights can be a challenge both tactics wise and wallet.

Tau, in my experience are the ultimate tactical challenge. There have been plenty of complaints that they have been nerfed in 5th edition, but these complaints could not be more wrong. 5th edition forced Tau to be the army they are meant to be: an efficient, coordinated, intense tactical challenge. The truth is, the way Tau are meant to be is too complex for the average player to play. Each unit must react perfectly to the enemy's movements, concentrating fire, evading lower priority targets, and coordinating their attack to assist every other unit. Tau are certainly a tough army to play, and they are perfect for a player who feels other armies are "too forgiving." It's perfectly competetive, but only for a real master. Do you think you can handle Tau?

Yorick_of_Tau wrote:Tau, in my experience are the ultimate tactical challenge. There have been plenty of complaints that they have been nerfed in 5th edition, but these complaints could not be more wrong. 5th edition forced Tau to be the army they are meant to be: an efficient, coordinated, intense tactical challenge. The truth is, the way Tau are meant to be is too complex for the average player to play. Each unit must react perfectly to the enemy's movements, concentrating fire, evading lower priority targets, and coordinating their attack to assist every other unit. Tau are certainly a tough army to play, and they are perfect for a player who feels other armies are "too forgiving." It's perfectly competetive, but only for a real master. Do you think you can handle Tau?

biased much? haha

I'd tell you to go with Tau or Eldar too. Necrons being forgiving is something I'm not used to hearing; I think perhaps you haven't had the opportunity to play with many skilled players if you truly think so.

Then you would like Dark Eldar they are great but punish you heavily for making even slight mistakes.

Thank you all for all the quick and good responses. I'm not used to a forum with so many helpful users. Anywho, I think I will look into Tau and Eldar, and yes, Necrons are too forgiving. Abusing resurrection orbs, tomb spiders, and mononliths make playing the necrons somewhat boorish. I think a friend of mine has some Eldar models he wouldn't mind parting with, and I always thought Tau looked cool, despite being decidedly anime-ish. Thanks for all the help.

Eldar can be a challenging army to play. With their very specialised unit selection you can play them the way you like.
They have lost some strength compared to 4th edition, but fun to play and indeed competetive.

I support the GK guy too, but they are the absolute last word in challenging and cool. There is nothing better than 10 supersoldiers beating off 100 Orks or an army of Eldar.

That being said they are not the most competitive out there but that just makes the victories better

Deuce11 wrote:
biased much? haha

NO!!!!...yes. I am a supremely biased tau player, but I can back up everything I said. 5th did damage JSJ, and make it harder for lone wolf units to survive because of outflanking and the nerffing of kroots' fieldcraft. Tau are now one of the most tactically challenging and still rewarding armies to play. By the way, I can never tell where the supposed anime influences are from. Maybe that's because I never watch any anime .

I think Tau and Eldar will suit you fine. Do consider a Witch Hunters army though: Massive amount of tactical variety, very cool models/modeling opportunities.

A pure SoB list is incredibly competitive when played properly, which is tricky; it takes some time to learn to engage the enemy at such short range. The Exorcist tank is also one of the best models you can get and a bargain in terms of points cost

make a 3 raider GK build if you want something thats powerful but not at all forgiving...

@ 1850 points, you have 3 land raiders on the table, holding grey knights. thats it. It really can kick ass, but its really really unforgiving of even slight mistakes. Misjudge the range to target, and you may have an enemy getting within melta range and popping your raiders... forget about outflanking, and boom, your screwed...

but damn, can it be powerful if played right. I used to play a 3 raider GK build, and I did very well against most opponents. Its all about identifying where their melta / lascannons are, killing that first, and then going about being superior armed and armored. its especially fun against orks. Being outnumbered 5 - 1 (not an unusual thing) and still winning just feels good.

Eldar could be except most eldar players feel the mighty need to have an army specifically tuned to one specific enemy, then the eldar pretty much only lose if they screw up.

tau all the way.

i'm starting an all - biker SM list... looks fun and interesting. Hell, I might even use vanguard in it at some point (I have scout bikers, I could give them a locator beacon)

it looks to be a challenging, powerful, if unforgiving, army.

I'd consider IG.
It has an up-to-date codex, nice models, and can be played competitively.

Go with Daemon Hunters. Find ways to abuse their old strange codex, and get a fun and funky army.

As everyone else siad, try DE, Eldar, or Tau.