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Hey guys.

I've just been working on a 600pt army list for an upcoming tournament in the next 2 weeks at my local gaming store. This is the first time I've ever written/thought about Tournament army lists, so any and/or all help would be greatly appreciated

The rules that have been given are Combat Patrol rules, which are as follows:

• You must have one Troop choice.
• You may have one HQ choice, but no more than one
• Armies are not required to take mandatory unit choices. All other unit restrictions (i.e. 0-1) apply.
• You may spend remaining points from anywhere in the Codex.
• No model can have more than 2 Wounds (except models with Swarm universal special rule).
• Psykers may be used, but may NOT use any power requiring a psychic test.
• No model can have a 2+ save.
• No Special/Unique/Named Characters are allowed in the Combat Patrol event.
• No vehicles with a total Armour value greater than 33. This is calculated by adding the Front, Side and Rear armour numbers. (Only count the Side once).
• The 'What You See Is What You Get' (WYSIWYG) rule is in effect. That means all units must be easily identifiable as the particular codex choice they represent and that any and all weapons/options taken for a unit must be clearly represented on the model(s).
• All models must be painted Citadel miniatures (up to 50% conversion is allowed).

So here's the list, any help/advice/tips you are able to give would be great!

(P.S. I'm unaware of what armies I might be facing, as I am new to the club, so I'm just trying to go for a good all rounder list)

HQ

Ethereal
Total 50pt

Elites

3x Crisis Suits
Plasma Rifle
Missile Pods
Multi Trackers
Team Leader
Target Lock
Total 196pt

Troops

12x Honour Guard
Pulse Rifles
Total 144pt

12x Fire Warriors
Pulse Rifles
Total 120pt

Heavy Support

Sniper Drone Team
Total 80pt

Total 590pt

I don't think you're allowed to list all of the points beside each weapon like that. Something about GW being crazy or copyrights? Regardless, Dakka doesn't allow it. Just list the total points for each unit. Now onto the list.

HQ: Ethereals aren't considered competitive. Some people take them and swear by them, but I can't justify the risk of losing it. Tau are at a disadvantage already. I would recommend taking a Shas'El, and if the higher BS of the 'O interests you, give the 'El a Targeting Array. It's 15 points cheaper and gives you the same BS. I would also give him a Plasma Rifle, Missile Pod, and Hard-wired Multi-Tracker. This configuration (fireknife) is extremely versatile and AWESOME against MEQs.

Elites: Looks good to me. Like I said, fireknives are extremely versatile. The only thing I would change would be to split them up into a squad of 2 and a Monat to be joined by your HQ. Gives you the same split-up fire and saves you 10 points. If you're looking to save some more points, you could change the 2-man squad to Deathrains (TL Missile Pod and either Flamer or Targeting Array). I run mine with Flamers and they're nice for when an enemy unit gets too close. Plus at 47 points a piece (with the Flamer) you'll definitely get your points' worth.

Troops: The Honor Guard don't actually count as a troops choice. In the codex under the Ethereal entry it says they don't count as one of the compulsory units of troops you must take. Also, from a fluff stand point, they're veteran FWs, not the troops-choice FWs. I would highly recommend getting Devilfish for these guys. If you can squeeze the points you could run Warfish (SMS, Multi-Tracker, Targeting Array, Disruption Pod), but at least get a Devilfish with a Disruption Pod. Even if this means dropping a few FWs, it's definitely worth it. It's a great way to protect them and it gives them a lot more mobility. If you want to keep both squads of FWs I would just get 1. You could leave the other squad in cover for protection while the other zips around. You could always take Kroot, too. I know a lot of people argue as to whether they're worthwhile or not, but I really like them. They can outflank, they're decent at assaulting (better than FWs anyway) and they make an excellent chew toy for enemy units trying to get to your suits or troops. I would drop one of the FW squads for them, but if you like all the FWs I think they'll do well, too. Remember, they'll do BETTER if they're in a Devilfish.

Heavy: My first thought when I saw the Sniper Team was why is that in there and it needs to go. The more I think about it, though, the more I can see why you took it. It's not a terrible choice, and I think it would be fairly effective (especially vs. MEQs), but I think you could spend those points better elsewhere.

Definitely let us know what you're up against when you find out. That will be the main deciding factor in what you should and shouldn't take. Also post some battle reports if you can. I'd like to see how this list does!

Thanks for the heads up, I didn't realise I'd done that till just now

It's been edited, I have also included the rules that will be used in the tournament.

Anyway, first off, thanks a heap for your feedback, I am looking at revising it now, will keep you posted.

Okay, now to my justification for my unit choices. I chose an Ethereal for my HQ, as he is cheap on points, and I am (unfortunately) unable to field my Shas 'O (which I might add is a bloody BEAST, never let me down, not once xD) as he has 'too many wounds' (the rules to be played don't allow any units with more than 2 wounds). The Ethereal is to be used as my "Patrol Leader" due to his high leadership value. However, the main reason I have him selected is so that I am able to field the Honour Guard, which, while they don't count as mandatory troops choices, I only require one for the rule requirements, which is covered by my standard FW squad. I will look at dropping him entirely though, and moving things around a little.

I went with the Fireknive loadout as I've found these guys to be incredibly reliable on the battlefield, and as I don't yet know what I'm up against, I definitely have the versatility I'll need in this regard. I think I'll definitely consider splitting the Battlesuits - it's a tactic I usually use (I don't know why I didn't do it this time :S), and the Deathrain sounds like a viable idea, though I think I might be sticking to the Fireknives. Partially because they've never let me down before, and I only have 3 suits - All with their weapons glued on DDD:

With the troops, if I decide to keep the Ethereal then they won't change much, though dropping a few and throwing in a Devilfish is sounding pretty good to me. If I drop the Ethereal, then I think I'll stay with a normal FW squad, as I'm not a huge fan of Kroot, while I do see their value and think they're amazing models, they've just never been able to quite do it for me :( - usually end up being blown to pieces in the first turn.

The sniper drone team? Great harassment, and it pretty much is in there for exactly the reasons you mentioned though I might drop this and put those points elsewhere.

All in all I think I know what sort of list I want to go for, and I'll have it up in a day roughly. And I'll try and get the battle reports :3

Again, thanks for the feedback xD


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Alright, revised list here - sooner than I thought xD

Elites

1x Crisis Suit
Plasma Rifle
Missile Pod
Multi Tracker
Total 62pt

1x Crisis Suit
Plasma Rifle
Missile Pod
Multi Tracker
Total 62pt

1x Crisis Suit
Plasma Rifle
Missile Pod
Multi Tracker
Total 62pt

Troops

11x Fire Warriors
Pulse Rifles
Total 110pt

10x Fire Warriors
Pulse Rifles
Total 100pt

Devilfish
Disruption Pod
Targeting Array
Multi Tracker
Smart Missiles
Total 120pt

Heavy Support

Sniper Drone Team
Total 80pt

Total 596pt

I would probably even swap the sniper team and devilfish for more crisis suits, they'll help out much more IMO, they dish out more firepower and are good at taking out both infantry and armor, not to mention more mobile...

Looks pretty scary for a 600 point Tau list, hahaha.

Did you factor in your HQ? I didn't see him in your list and wasn't sure if his 50 points were factored in. If you need the points you could probably drop a couple more FWs or, if you really have to (and I would hate to see it go) some of the upgrades on the Warfish. Although you may find that they can provide sufficient support that you won't need the extra FWs. If you drop both squads down to 8 each that frees up 50 points.

Your justifications definitely seem legit. That's rough you can't take that Shas'O, I think he'd be very helpful. As for the suits, you're right, Fireknives are a good choice especially when you don't know what you're up against.

@daBIGboss - 3 suits at this point level seems sufficient in my opinion. The Devilfish will help out tremendously, especially if he keeps the Warfish. That's 7 extra shots all firing at BS 4, which are going to take out some infantry. Plus they can move 12 inches and still fire a weapon, which is just as mobile as the suits. My Warfish made the difference between losing and tying a game with Eldar yesterday. I was able to pop rear armor of the 2 fire prisms contesting my objective between the 2 I was running, so they have definitely earned their respect in my list. I don't see him needing too much more anti-armor, as the Devilfish will be about as heavily armored of a vehicle as you can get (total armor value = 33 as per the rules of the tournament), and Missile Pods are great for popping lightly-armored tanks.

I think I might just drop the HQ altogether, as it's optional anyway. Plus I think it might be a bit of a risk to take an Ethereal, due to the Price of Failure should he die.

I will post here any revisions I may make however as I still have 2 weeks to go

Time to get a bit painted methinks....

**UPDATE**

Sounds like the players at the store are predominantly Space Marine players.

That works perfectly, definitely drop him if you can. I didn't realize that you didn't have to take one, hahaha.

If your opponents are playing Marines, I think your list is pretty solid. What you may want to consider is making your suits 2 and 1. This can help focus your firepower and keep a killpoint off the table. That's totally your call, though, just having the 3 suits is good.

Not sure why people think Sniper Drones would be bad. I think they would be great for this. Personaly I'm more confused as to why someone would take Firewarriors when they don't have to.

I would run something like this.
Elites
Shas'ui Crisis Battlesuit
- Plasma Rifle
- Missile Pod
- Multi-Tracker
Shas'ui Crisis Battlesuit
- Plasma Rifle
- Missile Pod
- Multi-Tracker

Shas'ui Crisis Battlesuit
- Plasma Rifle
- Missile Pod
- Multi-Tracker

Shas'ui Crisis Battlesuit
- Plasma Rifle
- Missile Pod
- Multi-Tracker

Troops
Kroot (10)
- Hounds (7)

Heavy Support
Sniper Drone Team

Sniper Drone Team

Sniper Drone Team

Total: 600

That's pretty nice,

However at the moment I am limited by my collection, and I've never really been a huge fan of Kroot. I love the models and the fluff behind them, but every game I've fielded them in they just seem to get massacred lol. They are quite useful against Orks I've found though.

ExarchCain wrote:That's pretty nice,

However at the moment I am limited by my collection, and I've never really been a huge fan of Kroot. I love the models and the fluff behind them, but every game I've fielded them in they just seem to get massacred lol. They are quite useful against Orks I've found though.

Indeed they do get massacred but that's more or less the point. Use them as a speed bump unit. (Usually 10 Kroot 5 Hounds but here I had extra points) String them out in a line and have your Crisis suits jump over their heads, shoot, then jump back behind them. Now your opponent has to either assault the Kroot (small unit size and lack of armour save generally means they die outright and you get to shoot the unit that assaulted them on your turn) or they have to go around, either way means your important units are alive and shooting for longer. When they do get assaulted the Hounds will generally go first, after that allocate wounds on the Hounds so as many Kroot as possible survive to attack. When all is said and done their deaths mean nothing since they cost so little.

Also, as far as the limited collection goes I feel your pain. I really want to get some Sniper Drones myself for use in smaller games but of all the metal mini's I've looked at I think they may be the most overpriced.

Personally, I think your list is fine.



I find that the hardest list to play at low points is orks, because they can do mini-kan walls.

65 boys, 6 killa kans - 600 pts.

I would use flamers and fusion blasters on your crisis suits instead of making them fireknives. I also find it helpfully to give all my firewarriors devilfish to get them out of trouble.


If you are going up against space marines, this list looks fine. Its about as good as you'll get.

@ The Bringer Me and my little brother had a game not too long ago, and told me I wasn't allowed to see his army till the game.
I come into the room, and see 100 Boyz on the table.
I got pummeled. Lol.

@ Dorian, I'll be perfectly honest, I never thought of using the kroot like that and I'd probably have to agree with you on the Sniper Drones being overpriced, I got them a while back just before the initial price hike. Ahhh the joys of a limited income on my 40k hobby

Anywho, now that I have my list finalised (And thank you guys for all your input, it helped heaps ) let's talk tactics.

Now this is just a simple runthrough, as I'm tired and my minds all snliug48eyb.

So, basically I plan to set up a static fireline somewhere on the table with my on-foot FW's (preferably behind cover of a sort). I will attempt to flank with my Warfish Mounted FW's and proceed to take out any heavy armour or powerful units with the SMS, they will try to come around and nab the enemy inside a pincer maneuver, these guys will be supported by 2 FireKnives who will be used to mop up stragglers.

I'm thinking maybe holding a Crisis Suit in reserve, so that he can be dropped into the battlefield wherever support might be needed, (such as fire support for the static line).

Sniper Drones will play a similar role here, and will flank on the other side, picking off high value targets, and/or any stragglers, they will also play a vital harassment/distraction role.

Of course no battle plan ever goes according to plan, but this is just a general idea

Thoughts?

I like your strategy. The only thing I have a problem with is deep striking. I've tried it and it can either really, REALLY hurt or it can save the game. I forget who said it, but somebody told me when I thought about deep striking that deep striking suits means that's 1 less turn of shooting with them on the table, and that could mean the difference between popping a transport and making your opponent foot-slog, or not quite having the firepower to bring down a squad. I think if you just spread out your suits so that you can't get multi-assaulted and you need support somewhere, your suits can/will be there to help.

Try deep striking if you want, though. Depending on what army you're playing, that may work out better for you.

Dude, 100 boys?

Get some tanks he can't take down without assault.

Take a bunch of Piranhas with fletchette dischargers, that can do some serious damage.

Anything with a j-pack can outrun the boys, and so that can keep you out of assault range.

@firemind, Yeah it's definitely a toss up in that respect, though in my experience, my Gun Drones and Crisis Suits have always been game savers when deep striking, my XV25 Stealth Suits however..... *facepalm* (yes, they went over the edge of the table. Game losing move.)

@The Bringer, Lol yeah usually I would have, but I felt like trying a foot slogging army. If only I'd known..

Well, the Tournament never even happened

So let's just say I won by default thanks to all you guys who helped