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So as the title suggests, I'm curious about the competitiveness of the tank armies in 40k. How competitive are they? I personally like to run emperor's fist with around 35 or so infantry guys, an imperial knight paladin, and close air support, manticore, or a wyvern/something similar. I also use an aegis defense line along with camo netting on all my tanks.

I've had some success, but to be honest, it hasn't been the stellar hit I thought it would be.

So while I'd definitely love to know what I can do with my list tactically, I'd also love it hear more about what people think about tank lists in general. Thanks all.

They aren't top-tier, but they can win. The main problem with IG tank armies is that they tend to be very binary in outcomes: lists that can handle lots of LRBTs will beat them effortlessly, lists that can't will have no hope of winning. There isn't usually a lot of movement or clever strategy involved, you put down your tanks and roll dice until one side wins.

 Peregrine wrote:
They aren't top-tier, but they can win. The main problem with IG tank armies is that they tend to be very binary in outcomes: lists that can handle lots of LRBTs will beat them effortlessly, lists that can't will have no hope of winning. There isn't usually a lot of movement or clever strategy involved, you put down your tanks and roll dice until one side wins.

This is exactly right. You either win a crushing victory or you get crushed. It is also, like Peregrine mentioned, very boring to play. You place your tanks at the start and shoot with them until they die. Seldom do you even move. That said, I do enjoy my Emperors Fist + Wrath + Talon army, but again it's very binary.

I like my tanks tho!

But seriously, what are good ways to tweak a tank army then? Are there better unit choices I suppose?

I think I'm going to axe my Eradicator and replace it with another Punisher. I'm currently running the following five tanks:

2 vanquishers
1 punisher
1 demolisher
1 eradicator

I feel the Eradicator has not really given me its money's worth so far. It looks like a cool weapon though.

Also, does anyone feel that potentially taking on Space Marines as allies, with terminators, could really boost this type of an army?

I always take a small detachment of tanks. Usually 3 tanks. Company tank commander in vanquisher with beast hunter rounds, Commissar vanquisher tank with beast hunter rounds, and an Eradicator.

If I have the points I'll also take a tech priest and a trojan because power of the machine spirit is awesome and preferred enemy is pretty great to have. Especially when you are chucking beast hunter shells down range.