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I have 24 outriders in my force. How should I use them?

I have played one battle (small with little similarity to what I have now) but in 7 days i'll have my second. Shall I just run past units and harrass them from behind?

My army is mostly cannon, muskets and a few spears with a wizard, 2 enginerrs and 1 captain hero guy.

You really need a beat-stick type unit to keep the enemy worried. The best use of a shooter is having a big melee threat that keeps the enemy from just quickly closing range on the guns.

Great Swords, Demi-gryphs or Innercircle knights can all fill this role (as can a steamtank).

-Matt

 HawaiiMatt wrote:
You really need a beat-stick type unit to keep the enemy worried. The best use of a shooter is having a big melee threat that keeps the enemy from just quickly closing range on the guns.

Great Swords, Demi-gryphs or Innercircle knights can all fill this role (as can a steamtank).

-Matt

The problem is though that I only have particular units (and its kinda themed) so although its not optimum or the best fit for my forces I was hoping I could still find a use for them.

I have one big melee unit but the rest is ranged (I like black powder) so until I decide to put more money into the game I gotta make do. Any tips?

 Swastakowey wrote:

 HawaiiMatt wrote:
You really need a beat-stick type unit to keep the enemy worried. The best use of a shooter is having a big melee threat that keeps the enemy from just quickly closing range on the guns.

Great Swords, Demi-gryphs or Innercircle knights can all fill this role (as can a steamtank).

-Matt

The problem is though that I only have particular units (and its kinda themed) so although its not optimum or the best fit for my forces I was hoping I could still find a use for them.

I have one big melee unit but the rest is ranged (I like black powder) so until I decide to put more money into the game I gotta make do. Any tips?

Then why not take the steamtank? That's about as black powder as it gets...

Because I dont have the model... But I do have 24 outriders.

Once I find a non GW steam Tank I might buy one but at the moment I have what I have.

I just wanted to know the best way to make use of outriders.

In your situation, my first thought is that you should use your speed (that is- vanguard and march) to really concentrate fire on units. If you can cripple a unit sufficiently, your lighter main-line should be able to manage a bit better.

Don't be afraid to flee with one unit if it means the other can keep laying in the fire.

What lore is your wizard? That often can have a big effect on what the rest of the army needs to accomplish.

Well I havent decided yet as im new to this but last time I used the heavens one (with that comet) and I liked it, what do you suggest?


I was gonna split them into 3 small groups and have them all pick on 1 unit together, and if I get desperate I can flank both sides and rear charge while they are fighting another unit but that feels like it may be a waste.

I think I'd be going MSU. That would give opponents a really hard time of getting rid of them and it allow for more versatility too

I went with 4 teams of six in my list currently, i kept them cheap too with minimal upgrades. I just want them to fast and shooty at the moment.

Because they can change formations etc that means I can squeeze between units and such correct?

I think 4 units is probably illegal, unless you're playing 3,000 plus. As a special choice, can't you only have three of the same type?

And generally speaking, yes, you can "squeeze between units" with your free reforms.

 Red_Zeke wrote:
I think 4 units is probably illegal, unless you're playing 3,000 plus. As a special choice, can't you only have three of the same type?

And generally speaking, yes, you can "squeeze between units" with your free reforms.

Really? Luckily I converted my fourth cannon to a hellblaster then haha.

Ok well since its my second game im sure it wont be a problem but 3 units will be easy enough to make as well. currently im playing 2400 points.

 Brother Payne wrote:

Then why not take the steamtank? That's about as black powder as it gets...

If we really wanted to split hairs, the Steam Tank's cannon is steam powered actually.

Outriders vanguard up to short range, and start shooting away. They move when they have to to avoid combat.

 thedarkavenger wrote:
Outriders vanguard up to short range, and start shooting away. They move when they have to to avoid combat.

Thats it, no tricks to them or anything. Hmmm seems easy enough.

 Swastakowey wrote:

 thedarkavenger wrote:
Outriders vanguard up to short range, and start shooting away. They move when they have to to avoid combat.

Thats it, no tricks to them or anything. Hmmm seems easy enough.

That is the trick. Whereas pistol urea have the versatility to squeeze in gaps and harass, outriders sit back with their move or fire weapons. Which means, they vanguard up, sit in place and shoot. Until/Unless something threatens them in their current position.

I tried them out, and I think im gonna take a unit of knights with a quick conversion instead. I won the game but that was after a goog chain lightening streak, comet and great cannon rounds. Dice won me the game but I think my army would make better use of knights. And maybe one unit of pistoleers or so.

 thedarkavenger wrote:
Outriders vanguard up to short range, and start shooting away. They move when they have to to avoid combat.

I thought repeater handguns had 24" range?

 Krellnus wrote:

 thedarkavenger wrote:
Outriders vanguard up to short range, and start shooting away. They move when they have to to avoid combat.

I thought repeater handguns had 24" range?

Yes. Meaning they're out of range on turn 1. And the vanguard gets them into position. Two units can work wonders for screening your opponent.