Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I recently picked up a DE army. I used to play DE in 3rd ed and its interesting to see how they have changed (oh how I miss sweeping advance!) I think I can hold my own with most other armies but Nidz seem to be a tough nut to crack. With all of the big bugs hiding in terrain and getting cover saves and the hive gaurd with their Str 8 no LOS needed weapons - how do DE fight Nidz?

I originally thought that a mass rush would do allright but the shear number of attacks from gaunts seems to be overwhelming.

There is a 1500pt tournament coming up in my area and I thought of taking the DE. I propably need more practice before playing them - oh well, the best way to learn is to play.

I have 10 raiders, several witch squads, loads of DE warriors with pleny of DL and 3 Ravagers. I also have several lords and 2 homoculi. Is there a reasonable take all comers list (tournament) that can handle nidz also?

What is the list you're running that is having problems with Nids? I personally consider them one of the easier armies for DE to defeat. I'm not a big fan of writing lists for people but I certainly enjoy trying to help you maximize the functionality of what you do play.

Lances and blasters are an excellent tool versus the big bugs. Dissies, Destructors, and Gunboats can saw up small bugs. The mobility of the Raiders helps make you harder to lock down and can let you assault what you need.

hi as a fellow DE player I will says use nids are especially annoying in this new edition, however I personally think we have a few options against them.

First and formost if you don't get the first turn don't be scared to reserve everything.
Speed is your greatest weapon. I also happen to think wych lists function better than kabal lists against nids and they are competitive. Succubi with agonizers ruin TMC. Further wyches have that 4++ save in CC making them verr suvivalable. Also do not forget about lelith she is just amazing. Lelith + retinue + raider + 12" charge = automatic first turn assault. 12" raider move + 2" disembark + D6" fleet + 12" assault = potential 32" charge. Those hive guard are dead or at least wont' be able to do much and since she is in a retinue she can't be targeted by enemies.

Another few things. Take a cruicible, get close pop it off. Many nids are pyskers so you stand a pretty decent chance to auto kill one of them for a mere 25 points.

Also iirc terrorfexs can still pin fearless creatures by RAW. Ask Thor665 or Dashofpepper to confirm. They should be able to point you to the thread where this is discussed.

Just dance around outside of the 30" threat bubble of the HG and DL everything into oblivion. Don't charge until you've broken down the limited nid fire support (T-fex, hive guard, Zoanthropes).

I've been running (forgive me if pts are off - I'm working from memory)

HQ Archon 138
Agonizer
Combat Drugs
Splinter Pistol
Hell Mask
Shadow field

HQ Homculi 65
Destructor
Scissor hands
Crucible of Malediction

HQ Homculi 45
Destructor
Scissor hands

E 6 Witches 177
2 blasters
Succubus with Agonizer
All with plasma greandes and witch weapons
Raider

E 6 Witches 177
2 blasters
Succubus with Agonizer
All with plasma greandes and witch weapons
Raider

T 5 Warriors X5 = 525
1 DL
Raiders

T 9 Warriors 142
1 blaster
1 splinter cannon

HS Ravager 3 Dissies x2 240

total of 1497

A crucible would be a good addition to your list for reasons already mentioned and they are a good metagame pick right now due to Space Wolves, Blood Angels, and IG as well.

I personally run more Gunboats and less sniper boats, though that's a personal call. I do think your Wych squads should be bumped up to 6 man squads as that will help their survivability and adaptability immensely.

With the raw amount of Lances you have I'm surprised you're having much issue with MCs. Cover save or no cover save you ought to be able to saw them up pretty well, and if they're just going to sit back in hiding that's sort of a win for you anyway as your list is pretty much a gunline build.

You don't really have any great anti-horde tech in your mix besides the Ravagers and 2 Haemons, and they can each only do so much (another reason I tend to run Gunboats).

The Archon and Wyches are the perfect foil for dealing with the Impaler cannon (the no LOS gun) that gun has a 24" range (plus 6" movement since it's assault) which equates to a threat bubble of 30"

Lances and Dissies have better range then that, so while you're gunlining you have no need to fear this weapon. Also, by where you place your Raiders you can often force the bugs to come out somewhere you can see them in order for them to have the ability to shoot you - there's no reason to fly towards the solid wall they're hiding behind - make them come out to you.

Your Lord can assault out of a Raider 28-33" so roughly half the time you can even assault them without being shot at once. Other then that, sometimes a Raider just needs to take one for the team.

Thanks for the advice. I edited the list with the changes.