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Hi! I'm new to 40k and was looking at Tau. What are the formations. Its confusing me because some people are saying you have to run CAD but some say you can run unbound. Also how can I save some money playing this game because it seems expensive. Thanks!

Hi,

I am also new to 40k but I am playing WHFB since 10 years almost. I can only advice you for saving money to set up a good army list you invested a little time into.
Then check what is "mailorder only" so only sold via games workshop-shops or Mailorder. Those products usually are expensive and if you like check out ebay. But everything else usually is 10-25 % reduced in local game stores or via online retailers. That usually covers tanks / standards and so on.

Play the formation that lets you spam storm surge and riptides for the easy win like a newb.

if you think this game is too expensive then you are absolutely right. Save yourself the head ache and anger by not playing. Use your senses to save your cents.

WH40k is for people with insanely disposable income. People with so much money eneable GW to charge outrageous prices.

Mansur204 wrote:
Hi! I'm new to 40k and was looking at Tau. What are the formations. Its confusing me because some people are saying you have to run CAD but some say you can run unbound. Also how can I save some money playing this game because it seems expensive. Thanks!

Combined Arms Detachment is sort of your generic type of army with the basic requirements being 1 HQ choice and 2 Troop choices. If you're starting out I'd go with the CAD... in fact, maybe for your first game or 2, literally follow 1 HQ and 2 Troops... mostly to get a feel for some of the simpler mechanics.

An 'Unbound' army doesn't follow a structure like a detachment (like CAD does). For example, while CAD requires 1 HQ and 2 Troops... you could, with an Unbound army, run merely 1 Troop and maybe no HQ.

Formations are a type of detachment. They have a set make up that doesn't necessarily follow what a CAD might contain. For example, normally, for a CAD, 3 heavy support choices are the most you can have if you want to stay within a legal CAD setup and not move into unbound territory. A formation might allow you to take more than just 3 heavy support... in fact the formation could be ALL heavy support... You'd be breaking CAD but you wouldn't be moving into unbound so you'd get to keep benefits that you'd lose if playing unbound. Formations have similar requirements to the CAD in that it usually has a particular amount of a certain unit choice you'll need to fulfill. The codex books and supplements will usually have the info on formations and other detachments.

There is a bunch more details but this is the gist of it.

In regards to saving money, as I mentioned start simple, with just what you need to start playing which is at least a 1 HQ and 2 Troop choices. You'll also need the books involved in playing: rule book, codex, and whatever supplements to play your particular army. When you start expanding your army, don't go crazy... just pick a unit or 2 that you might want to learn or you think would compliment your army. Even before you buy your new unit, if you have an extra unit of something else, maybe use that as a sort of proxy for a couple games to see if it is something you definitely want to add. Also sometimes helps to have a list ready that way you can sort of use it as blinders to keep you from buying extra models you don't need; if its on the list, get it... if it isn't there, then don't get it. Yet another filter to help you from spending money... before you buy a new unit, make sure the units you have are fully painted before you make any new purchases.

If you want to save money pick up the start collecting Tau box, it is outrageously good value. Heck, get two and you have a fairly sizeable force.

It's only 'expensive' if you jump in with both feet and try and get everything at once. Especially if you can figure out what you want well in advance, and have the patience to keep an eye on Ebay, wait for holiday/black Friday sales, find the best deals online, etc.

(ignore the "bay area" bit - that's a limit for a specific event.)

Find a good store or mail-order place that gives you good service and a decent discount.

As you go deeper down the rabbit hole that discount will be worth more and more...