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In 5th Edition, I ran a lot of MSU and mech. I regularly ran a list with only 20 troop models in it, and it did fine. However, in this new edition, I’m finding that only 20 troop models is not nearly enough to sustain throughout the game. Further, a 5 man ASM squad will get hosed pretty quickly. In addition, at least in my local meta, I’m seeing a lot less light/medium vehicles. Heavies still on occasion, but generally a lot more heavy infantry. As a result, I’ve been running something very similar to the following:

20x ASM with 2 Meltas per squad

9x Sternguard with a Libby in a Drop Pod, usually with a few combi-meltas

5x TH/SS Terms in a Storm Raven

2x Vindicators

I usually play in 1850 games, so the extra points have varied from game to game as I try different things out. The list I’m going to try tomorrow has a Furioso in a Drop Pod with a couple Sanguinary Priests with PF to help out the ASM.

-Every game so far, the Sternguard have been champs. I take that back….one game against Draigowing they didn’t do much, but every other game they’ve made their points back and then some.

-The vindicators are hit or miss…sometimes they really dish out some pain, others they whiff it big time. They are always targeted first.

-Nobody has shot down my Stormraven yet.

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The problem I’m having is that I’ve had quite a few games where I’ve just barely squeaked it out. Having only 20 ASM seems to be a real liability. Several games I’ve held an objective with only 1 marine left in the squad, and I would like to give myself a little more wiggle room in that regard.

Secondly, my ASM don’t really do much. Maybe I’m using them incorrectly? The last few games, I’ve combat squadded them into 4 units with 2 units have the meltas in them and dropping next to high priority targets. While this normally works (they take out the landraider or whatever it is they need to), they tend to die. And when you only have 4 scoring units, that’s not good.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Very open to feedback.

Nice to hear good things about the Sternguard, I've been wanting to work them in my lists.

Think about trading the Vindicators for a unit of Sniper Scouts with camo cloaks and another unit of 10 Assault Marines. This gives you a unit that can stay out trouble and camp an objective and more flexibility with your marines.

I use 2 melta squads as well but only like to combat squad one of them in most circumstances. Combat squad'ing is great for targeting but I find they get one-dimensional since they are not as effective in assault.

Personally i run 3 asm units with pf 2 melta with a jp priest. They last long and hit hard.

ever think about trading the termies for dc with bolters? those guys destroy units.

i dont like the drop pod because you can't move up fast enough to support them and then you waste a unit.

I would try baal preds those work wonders. so much fire power tht dosnt have a chance of scattering onto your marines.

land speeders are also really effective. they move fast and for 70 they have a mm and hf so are super versitile.

I feel the issue with assault marines is that you get them into the heart of the action, so little are left to score.
An option is to combat squad but this leaves the squad a little weak, though sometimes works well.

Maybe take some sniper scouts to objective camp if you are worried.

WAIT, you have no priests. 20 marines with FNP last a long time. 20 marines with furious charge are also pretty good at killing in combat, though this is not as good as 5th edition :(

I find your list a little all over the place. AT the very least it makes the enemy's decisions easier(shoot antitank first turn at vindi, AA at raven, short range antiifantry at the sternguard, et cetera.)