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I'd like to start out saying that I am not new to warhammer 40k, just new to Tau. I have play Eldar, Space Marines, and I now currently play Orks. Looking for a vastly different style of play and Tau just seemed to fit that.

Anyways, I just got the codex and decided to make a 1000 point army list to buy models towards. I would like to stay away from XV8 Crisis suits in this particular build. (yes I know they are the bread and butter of Tau armies, but I find the models atrocious and I like to play with models pleasing to my eye. I plan on eventually shelling out for the Forge World suits.)

The list i formulated is almost completely static, but I am hoping to possibly change that if it will make the list better. I find the Stealth suits very pleasing to the eye however I was a bit skeptical on the points cost. Some one tell me otherwise

I also really dislike that it's mandatory to include a commander battle suit. I want to field an Etherial just for the flavor.

__1000pt. TAU ARMY__

__HQ__
1x Commander Shas'el .....................................................................................140
-Plasma Rifle, Airbursting fragmentation projector, and Multi-tracker
-Hard-wired drone controller w/ 2x Shield drones
-Failsafe detonator

__TROOPS__
12x Firewarrior Team .......................................................................................143
-Shas'ui w/ Markerlight and Hard-wired blacksun filter

12x Firewarrior Team .......................................................................................143
-Shas'ui w/ Markerlight and Hard-wired blacksun filter

12x Firewarrior Team .......................................................................................143
-Shas'ui w/ Markerlight and Hard-wired blacksun filter

__HEAVY SUPPORT__
1x Hammerhead Gunship ..................................................................................175
-Railgun, Burst canons, Multi-tracker, and Disruption Pod
-Blacksun filter

1x Hammerhead Gunship ..................................................................................175
-Railgun, Burst canons, Multi-tracker, and Disruption Pod
-Blacksun filter

1x Sniper Drone Team .......................................................................................80


TOTAL ..........................................................................................................999


From what I have seen in forums, is that Mechanized is the way to go in a competitive environment. These guys will be my little friendly side army so I dont necessarily need the hardest force, but if Mech is just really the only viable option, I will adjust. Alot of people just run 6 man squads in a devilfish and tons of battle suits. I don't want to be that guy

That looks same as one of my first Tau lists. i'm not good Tau player myself so dont listen to me
I also think that battlesuits are boring but i have to admit they are really good
but if you dont want use them and want ethereal i have few advices i guess...
So first more fire warriors and maybe ethereal honor guard then take pathfinders, those markerlights have saved my days...
And try take few devilfish, use them to close your enemy, come out and RAPIDFIRE!
I know that this is small list and my suggests take more points so make bigger list if possible
And try some kroot. Not my favourite but can help tp keep your FW safe

But i hope you good luck and FOR THE GREATER GOOD!

To be honest I am not exactly sure on how markerlights work. Like if the Firewarriors Shas'ui uses his markerlight, is he unable to fire his pulse rifle?

How do pathfinders markerlights work with their built in pulse carbines? Can someone walk me through the steps clearly?

I like the idea of Pathfinders and would not object including them in my army, I am just not sure on how to use them.

camcam_HALO wrote:1x Commander Shas'el .....................................................................................140
-Plasma Rifle, Airbursting fragmentation projector, and Multi-tracker
-Hard-wired drone controller w/ 2x Shield drones
-Failsafe detonator

The PR/AfP is an odd combo. AfP is anti-I and the PR is MEq bashing. Not a *bad* combo, but not optimal. Maybe a BC or MP instead of the PR? BC is more anti-I and the MP matches range.

camcam_HALO wrote:12x Firewarrior Team .......................................................................................143
-Shas'ui w/ Markerlight and Hard-wired blacksun filter

BSF? I'd skip that, not like it costs a lot but if the MarkerLight needs help .. eh, not like it comes up *that* much.

camcam_HALO wrote:1x Hammerhead Gunship ... -Railgun, Burst canons, Multi-tracker, and Disruption Pod
-Blacksun filter
Alot of people just run 6 man squads in a devilfish and tons of battle suits. I don't want to be that guy

I don't perceive the Mech-tau guy as TFG.

camcam_HALO wrote: I find the Stealth suits very pleasing to the eye however I was a bit skeptical on the points cost. Some one tell me otherwise

A full 6 Stealths, al BCs, Team Leader, bonded, dedicated to anti-I. Don't work in the 2 FusionBs, as it splits the unit's purpose, being neither effective at anti-I or T. At 1k, though, too hefty in points costs. Wait until 1500.

camcam_HALO wrote:The list i formulated is almost completely static, but I am hoping to possibly change that if it will make the list better.

It will get eaten by most of what's out there: BAs, SWs (at least what I see in the LA scene) because FWs are so fragile, worse so than DireAvengers ... like Eldar Guardians, really.

Best improvements, majorly;
a. One FW unit out for a WarFish (SMS, TA, MT, DisPod),
b. and another FW unit out for a good sized kroot unit (for OUtflank use).

Gun-line will simply fold under a 2 Drop Pod, SW scout, or BA set up, as even 3 Space Marines can wallop an FW unit.
MathHammer:
6 swings (no power toy), 4 hits on the charge ... ~3 wounds, ~2 dead FWs.
9 swings back, ~4.5 hitting ... ~1.5 wounding, and an unlikely failed SM armor save. FWs are likely to make that Morale check, but the next one?. If failed, SM Init will Sweep Advance them.
--If there's an SM sergeant with a power toy? And SW or BAs have *more* attacks.

Thank you for your input.

TBH, I just slapped that commander together. It's frustrating to know that I HAVE to field him despite how good he might actually be. I plan on eventually having him with a missle pod/plasma with a team kitted out the same. I was just filling points.

In regards to the TFG: I didnt mean it that way. I just want to play a very friendly fun version of Tau and actually use my firewarriors intead of just min/maxxing for more suits and railguns. (Although the Hammerhead appeals to me greatly)

If I field the stealth suits, should I dedicate another Elite slot to them and have 12 strong? or is that overkill/pointsink? Thats alot of dakka!

As a former marine player, Drop-pods worry me quite a bit. Im not sure if I am able to have an answer to them at 1k.

How do you feel about the Sniper drone team? I feel like it will end up being underwhelming unless I actually pin something.

I read alot of people posting to just stay clear of kroot in army lists. Maybe just in mech builds

camcam_HALO wrote:To be honest I am not exactly sure on how markerlights work. Like if the Firewarriors Shas'ui uses his markerlight, is he unable to fire his pulse rifle?

If he has a Multi-Tracker then he can fire both. But the points aren't too worth *one* pulserifle.

camcam_HALO wrote:How do pathfinders markerlights work with their built in pulse carbines? Can someone walk me through the steps clearly?

They won't be firing their carbines when they use the MLs. Thus:
Bob: "My 6 PathFinders are going use MarkerLights on those Grey Hunters behind the wall.
*rolls dice*
"That's five hits. Sweet!
*places a die with '5' on it next to the GHs*
"This FirKnife Crisis unit will use two MLs to increase BS to 5 and I'll use another 2 MLs to reduce the Cover Save to six-up. Cool?"

Fran: "Okay, got it, so I'll have a six-up versus the plasma wounds and you're hitting on 'twos'. And there will be one MarkerLight left. "

Bob: "Yeah, if there are any marines left, I'll use it for my FireStorm unit. Heh, heh, heh."

Clear enough?

camcam_HALO wrote:I like the idea of Pathfinders and would not object including them in my army, I am just not sure on how to use them.

Use them as above, giving their mandatory D'fish to some FWs. Use the ML to increase chance of hitting and reducing Cover Saves in two cases:
a. As above with infantry and ...
b. Against tanks when targeted by a Railgun.

Bob: *roles* "Hmph. Only 2 Markerhits on your Land Raider. I'll use one to increase my Hammerhead's BS to 5 and then I'll reduce the SmokeLauncher's Cover Save by one, so you'll get a five-up Cover Save."

Fran: "I hate railguns."

You have been extremely helpful Brothererekose!

The markerlight steps are very clear and I now fully understand them.

Would you recommend the Piranha skimmer at 1500 points? It seems fairly decent with a fusion blaster and disruption pod.
for the points.

Also, do you have a good crisis cuit to points level ratio you could give me? I dont know how many I need for them to be effective. I'd like no more than 3 max at 1000.

Again, you have been very helpful and your time is much appreciated.

camcam_HALO wrote:You have been extremely helpful Brothererekose!

I find Bob and Fran rather useful in conveying how things should work.

camcam_HALO wrote:Would you recommend the Piranha skimmer at 1500 points? It seems fairly decent with a fusion blaster and disruption pod.
for the points.

I personally don't own any piranhas; but, their 11AV, FB, TA, and flechettes make 'em lovely, according to others I've read and spoke to. *If* I were to spend any more cash on tau, it'd be them.

camcam_HALO wrote:Also, do you have a good crisis cuit to points level ratio you could give me? I dont know how many I need for them to be effective. I'd like no more than 3 max at 1000..

Um. Hmm. I originally bought and fielded 4 to 6. Recently, I acquired a few more (gift actually) and can go up to 10.

I feel that there should be one *troop* per 500 points, but I've never thought out any such ratio for XV8s. Try your single HQ for a while. There are rumors of a new 'dex circulating.

Eventually, though, you're looking at 3 to 5 odd suits, including the HQ. They fulfill roles, many roles.

Read AdvancedTauTactica.com for the knowledge you seek.

I checked out that forum. Alot of information on the crisis suit configurations that answered some of my questions. You are probably tired of this thread, but would take a look at my edit of this list and see if its going a better direction?

__1000pt. TAU ARMY__

__HQ__
1x Commander Shas'el .........................................................................................77
-Twin-linked Missle pod, Flamer, and Target lock

__TROOPS__
12x Firewarrior Team .........................................................................................120

10x Firewarrior Team .........................................................................................100

10x Firewarrior Team .........................................................................................195
-Devilfish w/ Flachette discharger and Disruption Pod

__FAST ATTACK__
6x Pathfinder Team ...........................................................................................167
-Devilfish w/ Flachette discharger and Disruption Pod

__HEAVY SUPPORT__
1x Hammerhead Gunship ....................................................................................170
-Railgun, Burst canons, Multi-tracker, and Disruption Pod

1x Hammerhead Gunship ....................................................................................170
-Railgun, Burst canons, Multi-tracker, and Disruption Pod


TOTAL ............................................................................................................999


The Pathfinders Devilfish would go with the other ten man squad of FWs and the Shas'el would go with the 12 man squad and take pot shots at low AV targets. (That would be the plan anyway)

Overall the list looks pretty good.

I personally love my fire warriors, but three units are probably too much at 1000pt. I'd see how this list does for you, but dropping a unit of FW and maybe getting a Broadside or two could be helpful. Personally at 1000pts. I run 2 Broadsides and a RailHead. But as you said you're going a little unconventional and not depending on suits, FWs might do ok. Beware fast armies like BA, they'll rip the FWs apart on Turn 1/2.

I know you don't want to go mech, but without battle suits, you're going to have a lot of trouble. Firewarriors just aren't any good. At 1000 points I'd suggest 2-4 suits and at 1500 6-10, but that is my personal preference.

camcam_HALO wrote:
__1000pt. TAU ARMY__

__HQ__
1x Commander Shas'el .........................................................................................77
-Twin-linked Missle pod, Flamer, and Target lock

Hmm, interesting though joining him to the firewarriors, but I think he would be better on his own doing the JSJ thing. Maybe swap the target lock for some other wargear.

__TROOPS__
12x Firewarrior Team .........................................................................................120

I'd drop this squad and use the points for2 more crisis suits. You have enough railguns for 1000 with your hammer heads. 3 Crisis suits (including the commander) and 20 firewarriors would be fairly decent.

10x Firewarrior Team .........................................................................................100

10x Firewarrior Team .........................................................................................195
-Devilfish w/ Flachette discharger and Disruption Pod

Since you want to go a bit heavier of the FWs, fine. Though I'd drop flechettes for multi-trackers (or just add multi-trackers). Gives you a bit more space to move and fire. Assautly armies won't like it either. Hitting on 6s and taking wound from flechettes while you are able to move 6-12 inches and still fire would be very mean.

__FAST ATTACK__
6x Pathfinder Team ...........................................................................................167
-Devilfish w/ Flachette discharger and Disruption Pod

Good, same advice on the devilfih as above. If you need the points you can drop the pathfinders down to a 5-man squad.

__HEAVY SUPPORT__
1x Hammerhead Gunship ....................................................................................170
-Railgun, Burst canons, Multi-tracker, and Disruption Pod

1x Hammerhead Gunship ....................................................................................170
-Railgun, Burst canons, Multi-tracker, and Disruption Pod

Good. These are only 165 points though, so you still have 11 points to do stuff with.

I have 9 points to play with and was considering taking black sun filters on all the infantry squads. Couldn't afford the Devilfish multitrackers but then again, I might have put too many points in my battle suits.


__HQ__
1x Commander Shas'el .......................................................................................87
-Plasma rifle, Missle pod, and multitracker

__ELITES__
2x XV8 'Crisis' Battlesuit Team ........................................................................124
-Plasma rifle, Missle pod, and multitracker

__TROOPS__
10x Firewarrior Team .........................................................................................100

10x Firewarrior Team .........................................................................................195
-Devilfish w/ Flachette discharger and Disruption Pod

__FAST ATTACK__
5x Pathfinder Team ............................................................................................155
-Devilfish w/ Flachette discharger and Disruption Pod

__HEAVY SUPPORT__
1x Hammerhead Gunship ..................................................................................165
-Railgun, Burst canons, Multi-tracker, and Disruption Pod

1x Hammerhead Gunship ..................................................................................165
-Railgun, Burst canons, Multi-tracker, and Disruption Pod


TOTAL ................................................................................................................991

Maybe scrap the flechettes for disruption pods? After that fill out the firewarriors with left over points.

Split the suits up so they're all single units. Gives you more flexibility (unless the squad of two takes an upgraded team lead w/ target lock), but I don't think you have the points for that.

Nungunz's advice is good; make each FireKnife a single unit. They're easier to hide behind terrain and harder to catch in h2h. When possible, always spread the Crisis Suits across the ForceOrganizationChart, for that reason. The downside being that you increase your KillPoints, but oh, well.

*cue the chinese master addressing the student* "You cannot train further here, grasshopper, until you have walked the mountain path, and have faced an enemy" or maybe Yoda saying that Luke has isn't a Jedi until he faces Vader. Take your Kung Fu and see if it works.

Go play this list. Give it several tries, even if it's loss after loss. At some point you'll pull off the Win. Yeah, the list can be changed quite a bit, but 2 Railheads, 2 Fish & 3 FKs is pretty good for 1k.

Last item: I field the D'fish as: SMS, TA, MT, DisPod (Warfish), often fore-saking Flechettes. Otherwise, just DisPods, to keep 'em cheap. At 1k, the enemy probably doesn't have enough troops to actually chase it down (yeah, even with BAs and 5e being a 'faster' game) so the likelihood of it getting assaulted is low. At 1500 points, sure take 'em.

I really like the Flachettes. In my mind I just picture it being very threatening when facing a tervigon list and orks. (I currently play Orks and I would absolutely hate Flachette Dischargers.) Do you think I should just take the multi trackers off the hammerheads and put them on the devilfish?

DON'T take multi-trackers from hammerheads to devilfishes, at least i think it's no good thing
I sometimes play cheap battlesuits with twin-linked missile pods and flamers, i myself find it very effective but cant say for you.
I reallly like flechettes too, but dont often play list that could use them( but i think your list can)

camcam_HALO wrote: Do you think I should just take the multi trackers off the hammerheads and put them on the devilfish?

Leave them on so you can Move Combat Speed and shoot all the guns, or Move Cruising Speed and be able to shoot the RG. Without the MT, you really limit your Move&Shoot capability. Look at the Vehicle Move and Shoot chart in the back of the RuleBook to see what I mean.

I just figured the hammerhead would probably not be moving a whole lot. But I will not be taking them off and my Devilfish will not be getting MTs