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I have been having a hard time on deciding if I want to play a space wolves army that uses drop pods or rhinos for the main means of transportation. I would rather use drop pods but I have not played any since the new rules have come out and I am still painting my army. I have not purchased any drop pods or rhinos yet and I would like some input on these lists before I make a decision. Any advice to improve these lists to make them stronger or if there is something I am missing due to the new rules please let me knows. Any input on which of the two lists is stronger would also be appreciated. I feel like the first list is more durable but less flexible and mobile than the second. I have been looking around for battle report videos of drop pod armies but I have found less than a handful (so I don’t know if they are inferior to rhinos or just less popular. Thank You - sorry for the cut and paste

Space Wolves 1500 Point Drop Pod Army Variant – List 1

1 Wolf Guard Battle Leader, Terminator Armor, x2 Wolf Claws – 130 (Pack Leader for a 8 man unit)
3 Wolf Guard (x3 Terminator Armor, x3 Combi-Melta, x3 Power Fist – 174 (Pack Leaders for the 8 man units)
8 Grey Hunters (Meltagun, Wolf Standard, Drop Pod) - 170
8 Grey Hunters (Meltagun, Wolf Standard, Drop Pod) - 170
8 Grey Hunters (Meltagun, Wolf Standard, Drop Pod) - 170
8 Grey Hunters (Meltagun, Wolf Standard, Drop Pod) – 170
10 Grey Hunters (x2 Plasmagun, Wolf Standard, Drop Pod) – 205
5 Long Fangs (4 Missile Launchers, Razorback) - 155
5 Long Fangs (4 Missile Launchers, Razorback) – 155

1499 Total

I am tempted to change the Long Fangs to 4 Multi-Meltas each and throw them into a drop pods instead of a razorbacks but I’m not sure on how well that would work. – being within 24” at turn 1 with MM’s would be nice .
Dreadnought equipped with a Multi-Melta, Close Combat Weapon (with storm bolter attached), and extra armor in a drop pod costs 175 (and I have one lying around) – could replace the plasma hunters with a dreadnought and upgrade the wolf guard battle leader to a wolf lord with that option. I’m just not sure how viable Dreadnoughts are right now with the current rules / army make-ups.
Not exactly sure on the Wolf Guard Battle Leader’s wargear but It worked with the points. Thinking swapping the WGBL for a Wolf Priest in Terminator Armor.


Space Wolves 1500 Point Mechanized Army Variant – List 2
1 Rune Priest (Living Lighting, JOTWW) - 110 (Pack Leader for one of the 9 man units)
3 Wolf Guard (x3 Combi-Melta, x3 Power Fist – 129 (Pack Leaders for the 9 man units)
9 Grey Hunters (Meltagun, Wolf Standard, Rhino) - 185
9 Grey Hunters (Meltagun, Wolf Standard, Rhino) - 185
9 Grey Hunters (Meltagun, Wolf Standard, Rhino) - 185
9 Grey Hunters (Meltagun, Wolf Standard, Rhino) – 185
10 Grey Hunters (x2 Plasmagun, Wolf Standard, Rhino) – 205
5 Long Fangs (4 Missile Launchers, Razorback) - 155
5 Long Fangs (4 Missile Launchers, Razorback) - 155

1494 Total Point Value

On both lists in higher games the razorbacks would be upgraded to TTL I wanted to but I could not spare the points. I would have liked to add Thunderwolf Calvary to list 2 but the points were not there. I’m trying to keep the list at 1500 then as I play with it add on to what its lacking for 2000 point games.

Any advice and feedback is appreciated.

My first advice is to buy Razorback kits and not glue the top hatch. This way You can use them as either Razorbacks or Rhinos.

Now to the lists. I like the second one, but I'd put the plasma hunters in Drop Pod, so that they can make best of rapidfiring when they come down. I'd also try to fit in Mark of Wulfen, but I can't see how You could make it with remaining points.
Another remark is that Rune Priest is actually 100 points, unless You gave him Chooser, which is not reflect in Your list. It is pretty decent 5th edition SW mechanised list, similar to what I used to run. However, I still don't know how it will perform in 6th edition, with those Rhinos being easily glanced to death.

If You are set on that dreadnought, then take flamer instead of storm bolter. But, if left unsupported, it will be destroyed too easily. Dreads were best as tarpiters-anwils, waiting for the Thundwolves as hammer to come in their rescue.

I prefer the second list.
Both lack any real ability to shoot at flyers.

The first list needs better pods. I would mostly use meltas as it most likely what you have to deal with first turn.

How about a double assault cannon wolf guard drop pod, or a dread drop pod?
Or a drop pod with rune priest with jaws.
These are the nasty units that can land and do real damage.
Then mostly use grey hunters to come on later and fight over objectives.