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So the standard CSM troops, when 10 men strong or higher, can take a ML, HB, AC, or LC. Of those options, I personally feel either the ML or HB would be best, if you take either at all.

What are your thoughts on taking a single ML in a 10 man CSM unit, and because this limits your options for a Melta/Plasma/Flamer to one, which of those three work best combined with the ML?

Take 2 assault weapons instead.

You have Havocs if you really want to take missile launchers.

biccat wrote:Take 2 assault weapons instead.

You have Havocs if you really want to take missile launchers.

My issue with Havocs is their competition with Obliterators.

I think a full squad of marines is too expensive a way to get 2 missile launchers. That is a ~200 pt unit that cannot move and fire. Also, you are wasting all the firepower of the bolt guns.

I must concur with the previous suggestion - take 2 assault weapons, probably meltas. If you are firing at light vehicles, you may still get glances vs Av10 using the bolt pistols the CSMs carry. If you want to assault, same thing - pistols and meltas, then knives and pistols.

If you are dead-set on the build, take ML instead of HB. Against hordes, you can fire frag blasts, while against vehicles, the krak missile would be good. HB makes sense only in very specific circumstances.

I would consider putting a heavy weapon in a single unit of CSMs, intended to sit on an objective on or in your deployment zone. I've used a single squad like that in successful tournament lists. The main issue with it is inefficiency- you're paying for ten marines who are equipped for assault and short-range shooting, but for most of the game (unless the enemy approaches them) only one model is actually doing anything, and a single heavy weapon really isn't that deadly. 160pts (10 guys with ML; nothing else) is kind of a lot for a single missile launcher with ten wounds. When I've fielded a unit like this I usually go ahead and spend the extra 30pts to make that ML a Lascannon, to give them a meltagun in case of nearby enemy tank, and to give them an Icon of Chaos Glory so their morale is reliable. A unit like this can hold a home objective reasonably well, is durable, and can add a bit of assault punch in a pinch.

I include a squad of 10 CSM with a ML and Icon of Chaos Glory.

I've had great success with them sat back on a home objective, and the missile launcher has been great for knocking out transports from the back of the board.

I think they're overlooked, and certainly worth a shot.

As for melta/plas/flamer. I just don't use them in that squad.

I find myself scooting back to my objective at home more often then not. If I have only 3 rhino's and one camps at home, that's really reducing the target saturation I need. Besides, if my troops are fairly similar (I usually run CSM and plague-O squads w/ 2x special weapons), I'd rather my opponent thinking I'm hurling everything at him, instead of planning for one rhino to scoot back. And hey, if I lose a rhino in turn 1/2, gratz lads you get the honor of capping the home base, now leg it for cover

My usual play style is sending all but one troop unit into the fray, as most of my opponents generally have outflankers (DAMN YOU KROOT!!!).

Considering this, the group I usually leave back is a dual flamer unit sitting in a Rhino until something gets close, and I was thinking of trading in one of the flamers for a ML to give the unit a little more dynamic use.

All of the comments thus far are very sound and I understand completely why I should and should not bring them now.

Seeing as how I hate Havocs, and wouldn't mind having a group with more versatility than my usual spam of dual Melta/Plasma, I think I'll try out at least one or two CSM troops that don't already have a dedicated AT weapon with a ML. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out.

Jihallah wrote:I find myself scooting back to my objective at home more often then not. If I have only 3 rhino's and one camps at home, that's really reducing the target saturation I need. Besides, if my troops are fairly similar (I usually run CSM and plague-O squads w/ 2x special weapons), I'd rather my opponent thinking I'm hurling everything at him, instead of planning for one rhino to scoot back. And hey, if I lose a rhino in turn 1/2, gratz lads you get the honor of capping the home base, now leg it for cover

I've used that strategy before, but lately I've been running enough Rhinos in my lists that leaving one behind at home base doesn't seem to hurt so much anymore. Though watching my opponent sweat not knowing which Rhino to pop first can be entertaining.

zechariahsword wrote:I've used that strategy before, but lately I've been running enough Rhinos in my lists that leaving one behind at home base doesn't seem to hurt so much anymore. Though watching my opponent sweat not knowing which Rhino to pop first can be entertaining.

You will openly telegraph to your opponent that THIS squad is not coming to beat your face in, and is going to be sitting back at home? Information is power. It might not seem to hurt much, but that indicates it there is some pain there. I'd rather have my opponent sweating, and personally I'd rather not pain myself