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Just wanted to know if anyone has tried using deffkopters as a screening unit? And by that I mean deploying them in a corner and using there turbo boost to get a +3 cover saver it would require some carefull deployment and would not work unless you had first turn but I really want to find a use for my deffkopters since ive got 9 of them and usually only field one as a buzzsaw suicide kopter.

They seem a bit expensive for a screening unit - maybe warbikes would be better... But why would it only work if you had first turn? You can turbo boost on your scout move... (assuming no pesky infiltrators have got in the way...)

Arakasi wrote:They seem a bit expensive for a screening unit - maybe warbikes would be better... But why would it only work if you had first turn? You can turbo boost on your scout move... (assuming no pesky infiltrators have got in the way...)

you get the +3 save for scout move cool i didnt know that thanks heaps

you get the +3 save for scout move cool i didnt know that thanks heaps

Since when? Sorry but I don't think you do. *looks at scout bikers on shelf* Please prove me wrong.

Quick search:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/303517.page#1717352

Thanks for that mate!
I just learnt a new tactic for my repertoire

LD 7 and their cost is a big reason I don't do this. If I get first turn, they are attacking vehicles. If I go second, they will outflank.


Then again, my save rolls probably suck which lends me to not subject them to shooting until after I get my first shots in.

Sarigar wrote:LD 7 and their cost is a big reason I don't do this

Spot on there

if you need a screening unit you gotta go for gretchin or kans. They are way cheaper and you have moer of either of them. Everyone will tell you that multiple koptas in a single unit are a point sink. try 3 single suicide units. It will tie up a really good portion of their army turn 1. Then if they dont die you still have rokkits and a klaw to utilize for another turn

I actually tried something like this in a little friendly game the other day, I used my scout move to screen my Vehicles from Tau Railgun fire in the first turn. It kinda worked but I can't say I'd recommend it, as others have said, they're pretty expensive and can be used far more effectively elsewhere.

I can't see how this would be an effective tactic. At minimum, you're spending 70pts on a screening unit that only screens ~6" of space. This unit also only needs two wounds before it takes Ld on 7 and flees 3d6.

Deffkoptas are much better used for popping Tanks first turn, and/or outflanking for shots on side armor.

In conclusion, there are much better screening units out there and Koptas can be put to much better uses.

Claypool wrote:I can't see how this would be an effective tactic. At minimum, you're spending 70pts on a screening unit that only screens ~6" of space. This unit also only needs two wounds before it takes Ld on 7 and flees 3d6.

Deffkoptas are much better used for popping Tanks first turn, and/or outflanking for shots on side armor.

In conclusion, there are much better screening units out there and Koptas can be put to much better uses.

This says it all

thanks for the input guys I guess Im stuck with using them a buzzsaw delivery systems

Jubear wrote:thanks for the input guys I guess Im stuck with using them a buzzsaw delivery systems

Good sir, you are not stuck using them in any particular way!
Sure, the buzzsaw trick is the most popular way they are used, but deffkoptas are much more useful than this one trick pony.
Here are some uses for your deffkoptas that you might want to consider.

Turbo Boost for Cover
You can turbo boost them and use them to screen another unit. As the koptas have moved over 18", they get a 3+ cover save, and any unit behind them can get the 4+ cover save. This allows you to protect those important units, such as lootas, when you need to keep them from getting creamed. While this is not a main role, its something you can do in a pinch * (see 2 posts down)

Objective Contesting
On turn 5, it makes good sense to turbo boost a kopta near an enemy objective to contest it. On turn 6, do the same with another kopta. The goal is to keep him from getting the objective points while you hold you own. Its just gud' kunnin' dinkin.

ZOMG Twin-Linked Rokkits
The deffkopta has a ~55% chance of hitting with its twin linked rokkits. The ability to move 12" and shoot 24" means that 5 deffkoptas will score between 2-3 hits on a target. This can be of great use when it comes to cracking open rhinos and other transports. Once you get those marines out of their candy coated shell, they are much easier for your boys to smash!
You might say "But whats what Lootas are for!". To this I ask, "Can you lootas move and shoot?" The ability to move around to get a clear shot, or come onto the board (such as in dawn of war) and fire is a huge advantage. Unlike lootas, they are also AP3 STR 8 weapons. These are how you take down the "Doom of Cheeze", or score a few critical hits on thunderpuppies. A few STR 8 weapons can be a huge advantage for the 'kunnin warboss.

Get da little ones
You can use them to assault units such as Thuderfire cannons, small units of 5 lootas, etc. Even if they just tie up the unit for a few turns, they can do the job well by keeping the gun from shooting your boys. After all, isn't it better to have those 5 long fangs spend 3 turns killing your deffkoptas instead of firing 15 frag missles into your boys?
Hell, if it happens to have a buzzsaw, you can even use them to crunch necron scarab swarms!

@labmouse 42

Didn't we just determine that screening units is not an effective use for Koptas??

Objective contesting is good, but there is no reason to take more than 1 Kopta in a mob.

I'm not saying make it their primary function.
I'm saying that on turn 5 of a KP game, when you have 1 loota left, you can turbo boost the 3 koptas in front of the loota to give it cover.

I should have been more clear