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Hi chaps, long time WFB player trying his hand at 40k for first time. I'm a big fan of the contemptor mini, especially armed with two sets of twin linked auto cannons. My question is is this a good load out on the table top? If so for what purpose (anti infantry, tank etc) or what load out do you guys prefer?

I have the latest book and rule book and understand the basics in terms of explanation.

Cheers chaps

Nathanie1

If you are going to use the two twin autocannon loadout, run it as a mortis contemptor to get Skyfire and Interceptor when you stand still. Throwing on the cyclone missile launcher also can't hurt. This will give you very respectable long ranged fire support and anti air.

 Kain wrote:
If you are going to use the two twin autocannon loadout, run it as a mortis contemptor to get Skyfire and Interceptor when you stand still. Throwing on the cyclone missile launcher also can't hurt. This will give you very respectable long ranged fire support and anti air.

Which book can you find the mortis contemptor rules in? (I know its one of the forge world books)

@Kain. Thanks man. I will do so but will more often be running him as a standard/venerable dread from the standard codex.

Also a fan of the plasma cannon, any good?

The latest rules for the Mortis are in the latest IA Apocalypse.

nathanie1 wrote:
@Kain. Thanks man. I will do so but will more often be running him as a standard/venerable dread from the standard codex.

Also a fan of the plasma cannon, any good?

While okay, dreads are very overcosted for being AV12 walkers in a game that extensively favors monstrous creatures, and some more anal players may give you lip for using the noticeably taller and less bulky contemptor.

It can work, but a lot of their optimal targets, Transports in this case, are gone and Wave Serpents will eat a dread for breakfast.

Still, it may provide some extra shots down range which is always nice.

I use a standard Dread with two twin linked Autocannons in every single list I run. I love the model and its performance on the tabletop has made it an auto-include for me.

The biggest benefit I get from it is the pure utility of 4 twin linked str7 shots. It excels at destroying AV10/11, but when needed you can point it at AV12 with a pretty decent chance of damaging it. The Dread is also great for reliably forcing 2-4 wound rolls on nearly anything without an AV. The ap4 isn't the greatest, but the volume of wounds you can put out mean you have lots of chances for your opponent to fail saves. The 48" range on a fairly small model means I can usually deploy my Dread in a good firing position in some cover and have LoS to everything for the entire game. It just keeps pounding out accurate shots all game.

The AV12 of the walker must be dealt with however (cover saves and AV12 will only get you so far). The best way to do this, in my opinion, is through target saturation. My list has two Vindicators, two Rhinos, two Typhoon Speeders, and some form of scary elite unit to pull attention away from my Dread; and between target saturation and cover, my Dread survives the vast majority of my games. When I play people with a single Dread and few other armored threats, I usually pop the Dread within two turns (smaller points games are different).

You can make almost anything work if you plan it into your list and tactical strategy, but there are a few well-accepted thoughts on Standard Dreads:

- 2x Twin Linked Autocannons (known as the Rifleman) is the best ranged loadout. Almost without question. Other shooting variants with two ranged weapons can work, but are usually more specialized and less efficient against all comers.
- Plasma Cannons look cool, but can damage the Dread and are generally better taken on infantry units.
- You don't want your Dread getting too close to enemies. AV12 just isn't that amazing. Longer ranged weapons are preferred.
- Combining a ranged weapon with a DCCW (for example, the ubiquitous Assault Cannon/DCCW Dread), is generally a less competitive option. It can work, but it usually isn't the best use of a Dread or points.
- If you want to get into close combat, take an Ironclad.

@Kain - Thanks for the heads up, I try to avoid the overly competitive types but good to know all the same.

@UltraTacSgt wow thanks for the detailed response. Very helpful from everyone cheers