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I was wondering what people generally consider the best builds of fast calvalry to be. I always though that with the new rules, that somewhere from 12 (6x2) to 15 (5x3) is the best build as with ten models, all it takes is one casualty and the unit can no longer cause disruption, which, tbh, was what i was going to use them for, also combined with a frontal charge from a strong unit and even the most ranked up unit will be sent running for the hills.

However i've seen many armies with builds of 10 or, more commonly, two units of 5. I think these are primarly used for harassing emeny flanks, and trying to draw off units by tempting them to charge your fast cavalry or for hunting war machines.

So what build works best? Or is it dependant on what i intend to do with them?

It is wholly dependent on what you intend to do with them. Most people run 5 because even 5 crummy fast cav should be able to take out a war machine crew. On the other hand, the main bonus of fast cav (Vanguard move) doesn't really help in the rank-breaking role, you have to wait until a supporting infantry block is there before you can negate steadfast anyway. Most fast cav also have lousy armor, so they have a hard time keeping their own rank long enough to negate someone else's rank. That's not to say it can't be done, it just depends on your fast cav.

Like Biophysical said really depends on what you want to do with them. In my experience fast cave are best used for flank shooting attacks or warmachiene hunting.

DE Dark Riders - xbows and a Musc, they either go after warmachienes with shades (my new favorite unit) or harpies. If there are none they are best used for flank shooting and if desperate flank/rear charges. (I use 2 units of 5)

WoC Marauder Horsemen - I go MoS and Flails, with a Musician. These guys are there for warmachiene hunting and general annoyance.

Fast Cav got hit hard when march blocking was nurffed (thanks to the BSB reroll).

I usually run 6 with musician. I dont see too much of a point on ranking them in units of 10 or so.

If I were to run Fast Cavalry I would use 1 or 2 units of 5 to get around the flank and pick off weak units.

I have seen some people experimenting with units of 10 Dark Riders. I am experimenting with not using them at all and replacing them with an additional unit of Shades.

The Vanguard move is interesting, but I am not seeing them doing much but dying after harassing something with minimal shooting.

- Blackbone

Right, i see that the preference is for using them in units of 5 (which is good because then i don't have to buy anymore). I can see that they should be able to close with war machines quite quickly with their vanguard move and high movement.

The units in question here are really ellyrian reavers and spider riders, and kinda dark riders. My spider riders aren't armed with bows as of yet, but i think i'll correct that.

Thanks for the tips guys.

if the fast cavalry have ranged weapons a unit of 10-12 is good as they can run circles around the enemy peppering them with shots.

if you march around them you can still shoot(-1 to hit) and be in their rear so they can't charge you.

then there is warmachine hunting.



I plan on running 10 marauders with Javilins, shields and MoN as a tough annoyance unit. you are at -1 to shoot them(which is the bane of LC) and they will be in your face quickly.

For my Empire I run 2 units of 5 Pistoliers with a Musician. I used to run an outrider with them, but I'm trying to keep them cheap.

For WoC I run 2 units of 5 Horsemen with Flails, LA, Musician, Throwing Spears, and MoS. With the throwing spears I'm usually killing 2-4 models a game, but if I'm facing Fast Cav then they are used to tie the opponent's fast cav up. Our local Metagame dictates very few warmachines.