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How does a Codex:SMurfs mech force work these days? Is the play style engaging at all?
I'm currently running gunline-esque marines, considering converting to BT because it's putting me to sleep. I tend to do well, but an aggressive BT mech army looks like fun. I'd appreciate some feedback from anyone who runs or plays against Codex:SMurfs with the metal boxes approach.

Marines in Rhinos or Drop Pods, with powerfists and melta guns. I used to play gunline Marines too, but it was just way too boring. As a result I switched over to Space Wolves, and while they're not mechanized, they can do mech better than just about any other Marine.

Mech lists are what's hot right now, and there's no reason you shouldn't try it out. You get right up in the enemy in the first or second turn, and you're in close range combat really quickly. Just watch out for killpoints games, since your Rhinos are going to be really easy targets.

How do you run such a force against a more assault-oriented force? My gunline marines decimate at close range, but once that turns into assault I die. Is there any solution to this with vanilla marines?

Stay in your transports, and use your Rhinos to your advantage. Remember, if they move they take 4's to hit, and over 6inches it takes a 6. So, just stay mobile whenever possible.

It also depends on what form of assault is ruining you. Is it elite small number squads, such as Terminators or Harlequins, or are you having problems with hordes, like Orks and Tyranids. It matters because they are very different beasts. But, to generalize it all, just stay mobile and don't be afraid to use the Tactical squad.

I played a game today and I found myself babying my Tacticals, when I realized halfway through to just try and ram 'em down into people. A smoked up Rhino will survive a good amount of shooting, and a Rhino that has moved will live through an assault. Then, unleash the rapid fire contents.

You should also invest in some TH+SS Terminators. I hate to say it, but they are almost necessary.

If you're having a specific problem post it and we'll be bale to help better.

Against a gunline it might be a good idea to just drive it as close as possible and pop smoke. On your next turn, don't move the vehicles, but pop out and assault. If your vehicle doesn't move you can still assault out of it, if I recall correctly. Don't quote me on that.

Or you could just remove all doubt, play Blood Angels, and have all your dudes in dedicated Land Raiders! Problem solved!

kaptaink wrote:Stay in your transports, and use your Rhinos to your advantage. Remember, if they move they take 4's to hit, and over 6inches it takes a 6. So, just stay mobile whenever possible.

It also depends on what form of assault is ruining you. Is it elite small number squads, such as Terminators or Harlequins, or are you having problems with hordes, like Orks and Tyranids. It matters because they are very different beasts. But, to generalize it all, just stay mobile and don't be afraid to use the Tactical squad.

I played a game today and I found myself babying my Tacticals, when I realized halfway through to just try and ram 'em down into people. A smoked up Rhino will survive a good amount of shooting, and a Rhino that has moved will live through an assault. Then, unleash the rapid fire contents.

You should also invest in some TH+SS Terminators. I hate to say it, but they are almost necessary.

If you're having a specific problem post it and we'll be bale to help better.

I think you've mostly confirmed what I was thinking about this play style. Not a huge fan of the metal boxes unless I'm using them to get closer to assault.
Hordes are pretty easy. I generally go gunline, so letting them come to me means an easy win in objective games and a very easy win in KP games.
I do well with my marines, but I don't have fun.
With that in mind, probably time to play a couple of games with Codex: BT, then strip and repaint if I enjoy it. Thanks for the feedback.