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Hey guys, I'm new to Warhammer 40k and I was reading through the space marine codex trying to build my first army. In the relief of kellenport station, it states that the third wave consisted entirely of unmanned drop pods. I think it would be good to use a similar tactic myself in my local group but the rules don't explain how this would be done or if it is even possible. I understand that the history section is artistic in nature and not to be taken as rules. This is simply me trying to judge the viability of a strategy before spending the money on five drop pods. Thanks for any help you can give!

While I am not sure as to -why- you would want to deploy 5 unmanned drop pods it is allowed to do so. The RAW and also the FAQ expressively states that if you buy Drop Pods as dedicated transports you may indeed drop them empty as you do not have to start the game with your units embarked on their transports. However if you do this you may not keep said units in reserve but must place them on the table during deployment. (the marines that is, the drop pods arrive from reserves as per usual).

Thanks. One more question if you do this do you still have to drop half of them rounded up on the first turn?

Drop Pods are insanely cheap points wise, to get 1000 point in just empty drop pods (assuming you could take empty drop pods) would require over 25 drop pods


If youre interested in making a drop pod heavy armor, 5 is probably a good start

I think my friend uses 7-9 drop pods in 1500 points, tho that was 5th edition
I think new reserve rules no longer allows that

@: winaz066. Yes, you always deploy your Drop Pods with the Drop Pod Assult rules on pg 69 Codex: Space Marines without exeption.

@: Talamare. Units that must arrive from reserves (ex. Drop Pods or Fliers) are not counted towards the Total Number of units that you have when calculating the 50% that may be placed in reserves. So if you can fit 9 units in drop pods at whatever points they all go into reserves, additional units are then calculated and half of those may also be placed in reserve.

Thanks again. I'm gonna be fighting tyranid swarm tactics and figure i can drop an empty pod within a defensive area to deathwind the hordes.

Ah, then you should get hold of some Forge World Deathwind Drop Pods for extra Dakka. Looks like FW is going to be completely integrated into 40k with official GW faq soon.

Deathwind with Whirlewind Launcher

That looks fun. Better start counting my pennies. Will wait for the actual FAQ before I buy anything.