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I have decided to make several tau kill-teams (500ish points), like a kroot mercenaries squad and perhaps some counts-as human rebels. To do this I need a current codex. I discovered 6th edition codices for very cheap, whilst 7th ed are a LOT more expensive. But after more investigation, I learned that 7th ed codex (which look almost exactly the same, much to my confusion) might not even be a necessary upgrade. (as in little more then a reprint? I am confused.)

Can I buy the cheap 6th ed. Codex or do I need 7th to play?

The thing is that the 7th edition of the Tau Codex is more or like a 6.5 Codex. It added new units and formations, but didn`t change any of the "old" units. So you should be good to go as long as you don`t want to play the new units and if you don`t want to attend any kind of tournaments, because i`m pretty sure that these kind of events want you to have the newest stuff.

The 6th edition codex is valid basically except it doesn't have some of the new stuff like Stormsurge, the removal of restrictions of experimental weapons like the Cyclic Ion Blasters, Breacher Team, and a few added wargear options for the Ethereal, Fire Warriors, etc. To my knowledge GW said the old codex is still valid and you could just buy the campaign book Kauyon to get the new added rules/formations.

If you have an iphone/pad you could get the Gamers Edition of the new codex for $24 which is a lot cheaper than $50 for the book.

Fauk wrote:
The thing is that the 7th edition of the Tau Codex is more or like a 6.5 Codex. It added new units and formations, but didn`t change any of the "old" units. So you should be good to go as long as you don`t want to play the new units and if you don`t want to attend any kind of tournaments, because i`m pretty sure that these kind of events want you to have the newest stuff.

It changes some minor things. For example Crisis teams can be taken in squads up to 9 I believe. A few other minor things like that making things able to be taken in squads like Skyrays ect.

Ah, okay, thanks guys! It will really be convenient if I could buy a cheap, used codex rather than a brand new one.

Personally?

I don't think getting a cheaper codex is ideal. Get the current one, by whichever legal means, but if you got an old one - I'd either not play you (unlikely, but only if you were a dick) or require you to play by that codex.
If you play a 6th Ed codex, you play by 6th Ed units. I wouldn't let you use anything that wasn't in that book or a supplement for that book because it's not in that book.
To my knowledge, that would mean no Hunter Cadre, no Stormsurge or Ghostkeel, Breacher teams or Tidewalls. If you want them, get the codex with them in.

It would be like me using a unit from 4th Edition, then one from 5th, but Flyers from 6th. It's not okay in my books to do that.

Of course, your opponents are the best judges of this, but I would personally recommend not getting the outdated one. Save up, or if you can, get the digital version.

 Sgt_Smudge wrote:
Personally?

I don't think getting a cheaper codex is ideal. Get the current one, by whichever legal means, but if you got an old one - I'd either not play you (unlikely, but only if you were a dick) or require you to play by that codex.
If you play a 6th Ed codex, you play by 6th Ed units. I wouldn't let you use anything that wasn't in that book or a supplement for that book because it's not in that book.
To my knowledge, that would mean no Hunter Cadre, no Stormsurge or Ghostkeel, Breacher teams or Tidewalls. If you want them, get the codex with them in.

It would be like me using a unit from 4th Edition, then one from 5th, but Flyers from 6th. It's not okay in my books to do that.

Of course, your opponents are the best judges of this, but I would personally recommend not getting the outdated one. Save up, or if you can, get the digital version.

Except nothing has changed stats wise... so what's the point? GW even said the 7th ed Tau codex is for new players who need one. The 6th ed codex + the Kauyon/Mont'ka books would be sufficient to be the 7th codex which it is.

Space Marine stats didn't change between 6th and 7th. Would you advocate that a SM player not upgrade?

Again - I wouldn't have an issue, as long as they only use 6th units.

Could I see where GW have said this? I'm not trying to be rude, but this is the first I've heard of it.

 Sgt_Smudge wrote:
Space Marine stats didn't change between 6th and 7th. Would you advocate that a SM player not upgrade?

Again - I wouldn't have an issue, as long as they only use 6th units.

Could I see where GW have said this? I'm not trying to be rude, but this is the first I've heard of it.

Your asking me to cite a source from octoberish of last year to feed your ego. Hell no. Find it yourself.

 Gamgee wrote:

 Sgt_Smudge wrote:
Space Marine stats didn't change between 6th and 7th. Would you advocate that a SM player not upgrade?

Again - I wouldn't have an issue, as long as they only use 6th units.

Could I see where GW have said this? I'm not trying to be rude, but this is the first I've heard of it.

Your asking me to cite a source from octoberish of last year to feed your ego. Hell no. Find it yourself.

Woah, I'm asking YOU to back up a claim YOU made.
If you don't want to, fine, but don't expect me to when I don't have the resources to do so. Your claim = onus is on you for evidence.

I'm just trying to be sure the OP gets all the facts they need. Not "feeding my ego".
If you could refrain from such aggressive comments in the future, that would be appreciated.

I could find more if needed. Also your a prime example of why I don't really have manners on the internet anymore. Why bother when 82% of people will just respond to a simple comment with frothing anger and rage? Anyways have a nice day. You've been served by Gamgee citation post #72345.

http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2015/10/tau-codex-reprint-not-actually-needed.html & http://natfka.blogspot.ca/2015/10/something-new-old-tau-codex-is-not.html

 Gamgee wrote:
I could find more if needed. Also your a prime example of why I don't really have manners on the internet anymore. Why bother when 82% of people will just respond to a simple comment with frothing anger and rage? Anyways have a nice day. You've been served by Gamgee citation post #72345.

http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2015/10/tau-codex-reprint-not-actually-needed.html & http://natfka.blogspot.ca/2015/10/something-new-old-tau-codex-is-not.html

In which case, if it's word of god from GW, I stand corrected.

Still, would the OP not need to buy Mont'ka and Kauyon, which would cost just as much as getting the single codex? Unless, of course, they don't use anything in those two books.

There are a few formations in both not in the codex. Typical GW. The Riptide Wing being one of them. The cheapest way would be to get the 7th codex. However if he can get a 6e codex dirt cheap then maybe. It also has the fluff and story which I liked. Up to him if that's worth it. Also rules for White Scars and Raven Guard and the IG formations.

OK, a rundown of all changes in the 7th codex:

Commander (coldstar option added)
Fire warriors (various options added)
Crisis suits (bigger max squad size, experimental weapons now standard issue)
Riptide (can squad, fire team rule)
Hammerhead (can squad, fire team rule)
Skyray (can squad, fire team rule)

New units, ghostkeel and riptide.
The Hunter Contingent and assorted formations.

If none of these interest you, the 6th codex is good enough.


Beyond that, there are more formations in other books.

Also, most of the boxed units of late since their 6th codex came out now have the unit stats in the box, or you can run them from a White Dwarf in the month they came out. It's not necessary to "keep up with the Jones" on codexes on the moment.

I still play with my 6E SM codex, for example. Anyone who tried to tell me they wouldn't play me because I didn't buy the 7th can go feth themselves and buy it for me.