Tau 8th Edition Tactics

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**Dynas**

Looking at starting Tau. Are there different kits for the xv84, 85,86 suits?
Are the xv8 crises box with the 3 guys in it the ones you use for the xv8 commander?

**Dynas**

captain collius wrote:
The 85 (enforcer) and 86(coldstar) are the same kit. The xv84 is a forgeworld variant that is no longer available.

Yes you can build a commander out of the crisis box. However get the enforcer with cyclic ion Blasters they are really good. Coldstars are great but tend to be assassin's.

Yea, ive noticed this. Been scrounging 3rd party bit sties. So far 3 of Broadside, Riptieds, XV85 Commanders, and some FW and Pathfinders is on the shopping list.

The XV-84 is the one with the scorpion tail thing over the head?

Are the XV9's on FW worth getting?

**Dynas**

I am trying to make sure I understand this Greater Good and normal overwatch interaction. Is the below explanation correct?

You can only Greater Good one time per unit. You cannot normal Overwatch AFTER using the Greater Good. However, a unit can still "normal overwatch" for itself as much as it wants(say if charged by a unit which fails, then another unit charges it can Overwatch again, etc...)

If enemy declares a charge against multiple Tau units to charge then each unit can fire per "normal overwatch." (without using Greater Good). THEN if able and within 6” of another unit that is charged (even if that unit used Regular overwatch) it can now use its For the Greater Good.

Is this correct?

**Dynas**

Are the Ghostkeel and Stealthsuits a good combo. Infiltrating deploying the stealthsuits first just outside opponent deployment so you can possibly get a closer than 9" charge. Then charging in to 3 point a model and lock up in fight phase to not get shot. Then following turn Using the Positional Relay stratagem to TP away.

**Dynas**

Jancoran wrote:
Ice_can wrote:
Dynas wrote:
Are the Ghostkeel and Stealthsuits a good combo. Infiltrating deploying the stealthsuits first just outside opponent deployment so you can possibly get a closer than 9" charge. Then charging in to 3 point a model and lock up in fight phase to not get shot. Then following turn Using the Positional Relay stratagem to TP away.

Lov3d ghostkeels 7th edition rules in 8th their rules IMHO just dont justify their points cost. Their drones always get blitzed and then killing a -1 to hit isn't enough of a challenge for most armies.

There is actually an exceptional reason to take them. I have gotten SO much mileage out of mine.

You find the building that the enemy is most likely to want to use and defend etc... Then you plant it FIRST right in front of it. RIGHT in front of it. Screw the stealthfield. I take the Shield Generator and the Target Lock, Collider and Fusion. So now the Ghostkeel is blocking movement and it is directly and immediately threatening the BEST core location for the enemy to rest.

The Ghostkeel is T6 and 3+/4++ and has 10 wounds you can heal up. It actually isn't weak and it takes some shooting to take it out. So it absorbs a lot of punishment for the rest of your force and it isn't expensive to let it do that.

Round 1, you can assassinate something important and then charge a WHOLE bunch of stuff if you go first with the goal simply being to survive it. It isn't important what you kill, it's important what cant kill the REST ofyour army. In other words it is the Tau distraction Carnifex.

I have loved using it this way. Its destructive capabilities are real, firing as many as 5 meltas and with a whole lot more toughness than the iffy Coldstar, albeit less accurate.

The important thing about it is to place it FIRST, with a clear path behind the main building or terrain piece the enemy would otherwise be using. Jump it and kill what you can then charge the shooting into silence, heal up on their turn and hold the line as best you can. It will die eventually but in many games it does not. It gets into melee, and the power fists bounce off the 4+ invul just enough. Then I heal on their turn. They pull away to try and get away or they let their shooting continue to be locked up. So then they are shooting it again.

Just an excellent distraction carnifex.

Sounds good this was sorta my plan. Place him first out of LoS if able (hide the stealth drones). DO you take any stealth suits with him?

**Dynas**

When is the best time to use the Upload Marker like stratagem. Is it better to use it after your first marker light hits, or wait until you have fired all your marker lights and use it on the last guy to max out the lights?

**Dynas**

VladimirHerzog wrote:
Ordana wrote:
From the Faq.

Saviour Protocols
Change this ability to read:
‘When resolving an attack made against a <Sept>
Infantry or <Sept> Battlesuit unit whilst that unit
is within 3" of a friendly <Sept> Drones unit, if the
wound roll is successful, you can roll one D6; on a 2+
that Drones unit suffers 1 mortal wound and the attack
sequence ends.’

Does this actually change anything? Or is it just a wording clarification?

it means that any mortal wounds that would be applied on top the normal damage (snipers, Wrath of mars) are also negated by the saviour protocols since you stop the sequence before assigning damage. Its a slight buff.
Some people are saying that this kills shield drones because ending the attack sequence means the drones dont roll the FnP (while this is obviously not intended, discussion might spark in the coming days concerning that)

This is my interpretation as well. Though how does this differ from this?

Q: If an attack inflicts mortal wounds on a unit as a result of a
hit roll, and the attack sequence ends before it successfully wounds
the target (e.g. the Hellfire Shells Stratagem or an attack made
with a shokk attack gun with a Strength characteristic of 11+ that
fails to wound the target), can I allocate the mortal wounds to a
Drones unit with the Saviour Protocols ability?
A: No. As the attack sequence has ended before the target
has been wounded, there is no wound to allocate to the
Drones unit. Therefore the target suffers the mortal
wounds as normal.

Automatically Appended Next Post:
We did get a nerf to Automated repair system. Can still use it in either opponent or your turn, but only once instead of each.

**Dynas**

nordsturmking wrote:
Tau FAQ: Page 106 – XV104 Riptide Battlesuit, Nova ReactorChange the Boost text to read:‘You cannot use this ability to move within 1" of any enemy models.’

Does this mean the boost ability is gone? Because RAW this is the whole text now.

No. That is not RAW. It just means you cant move to within 1" of enemy models. Ie you can't make a "charge" move without actually charging in the charge phase (and thus ignoring OW.)

**Dynas**

A Town Called Malus wrote:
Dynas wrote:
nordsturmking wrote:
Tau FAQ: Page 106 – XV104 Riptide Battlesuit, Nova ReactorChange the Boost text to read:‘You cannot use this ability to move within 1" of any enemy models.’

Does this mean the boost ability is gone? Because RAW this is the whole text now.

No. That is not RAW. It just means you cant move to within 1" of enemy models. Ie you can't make a "charge" move without actually charging in the charge phase (and thus ignoring OW.)

No he's right. Without it specifying what text to change it replaces the entire text for Boost. All it needed was to add it to the end ("add the following text after the final sentence for Boost") but it did not actually say to do that, it said to change the text for boost in its entirety to 'You cannot use this ability to move within 1" of any enemy models.'

This is errata basics. There is zero excuse for such terrible technical writing.

Ah I see what your getting at. Yeah. Basically, the intent is to not allow crazy charge sheningans outside the charge phase. You can never move within 1" of an enemy model when using this ability.

**Dynas**

Jancoran wrote:
LoftyS wrote:
Anyone else going to try suicide Vespid squads with their juicy points drop? Unlike everything else in our army with problems, the main problem with Vespid was always their points cost

I own 27 Stingwings. so yeah.

Whats the draw. Hitting on 4s, wounding on 2s at -2 AP? Any tricks im missing?

**Dynas**

Does Shadowsun take up a commander slot or she the exception to the rule since she is named character. Google searching is giving me mixed answers.

**Dynas**

Does the Coldstar Vector Manuever Thrusters allow you to fly over/through walls to hide out of LoS. I know fly got nerfed and the unnerfed with how it interact in movement vs non movement phases. For instance abilities that allow movement outside movement phase.

Can you move, shoot, then vector fly over a L wall like in ITC for example?

**Dynas**

happy_inquisitor wrote:
Dynas wrote:
Jancoran wrote:
LoftyS wrote:
Anyone else going to try suicide Vespid squads with their juicy points drop? Unlike everything else in our army with problems, the main problem with Vespid was always their points cost

I own 27 Stingwings. so yeah.

Whats the draw. Hitting on 4s, wounding on 2s at -2 AP? Any tricks im missing?

Speed, mobility. They can drop down from the sky or just fly across the table awfully fast. Movement wins games.

T4/4+ is OK for an 11 point model
14" move with Fly and deep strike is fantastic for an 11 point model
S5 Assault 2 AP -2 shooting is good for an 11 point model

They get synergy from markerlights and ethereals but not much else. Without much benefit from auras you feel more free to use all their mobility and ability to get into the far corners of the table.

Tried 3 units of 6 in a RTT, they were excellent value in every game and I would definitely take more if I owned more.

Hmm. So the way I read this, they dont get SEPT tenants but do get the benefit of Marker lights. Is there anything else they don't get?

**Dynas**

Aeri wrote:
The new and improved shadowsun sure looks awesome!
The additional firepower is going to be usefull

Yeah i like it. I always thought her model was too small for commander, she needs to be on 60mm like the rest of the commanders.

I wonder if her rules/points are going to change?

**Dynas**

Has anyone tried the Ghostkheel in ITC format since CA points drop?

In theory, I like him as a distraction carnifex; -2 hit with a 3+4++. It takes 160 Bolter shots at AP -1, reroll 1 to hit to bring him down. That same amount of fire would kill 20 Shield drones. So taken him is like having 20 shield drones in your army.

Use etheral to buff him even more for 6+FnP which would mean 185 bolter shots. Drop him into cover assuming you can get 50% obscured and gain even more.

given this is all theory hammer at the moment. Just curious if anyone has had success with him?

**Dynas**

IN ITC what deployment types favor Tau? What are the worst ones? DO certain deployment types work better for Kauyon vs Montka?

**Dynas**

SO... Siegler shows as playing Adaptes Astartes for LVO. The hero we needed has betrayed us. :(

Edit: But Brian Pullen is true to Tau. Seems like he added some Stealth Suits since there points drop. I am assuming he is putting them forward to grab objectives or screen. He has a great video on his YouTube Channel about it. Only thing is he isn't running the coldstars to support them.

Should be interesting to see how it turns out.

**Dynas**

Did the FW TX-42 Piranna get discontinued/legacy statused?

**Dynas**

Dracarys wrote:
Dynas wrote:
SO... Siegler shows as playing Adaptes Astartes for LVO. The hero we needed has betrayed us. :(

Edit: But Brian Pullen is true to Tau. Seems like he added some Stealth Suits since there points drop. I am assuming he is putting them forward to grab objectives or screen. He has a great video on his YouTube Channel about it. Only thing is he isn't running the coldstars to support them.

Should be interesting to see how it turns out.

Do you have a link to his channel? My google and youtube-fu is apparently quite weak and I wanted to see that while I put together my adepticon list.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-3TjY277uBsBl8VU8C4nqw

**Dynas**

https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/02/03/the-greater-good-shadowsun-strikesgw-homepage-post-1/

Thoughts on the new Rules for Shadowsun?

I like that she gives 6+ FnP aura, but it stinks that its only friendly models and not units within 3".

**Dynas**

carldooley wrote:
Dynas wrote:
https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/02/03/the-greater-good-shadowsun-strikesgw-homepage-post-1/

Thoughts on the new Rules for Shadowsun?

I like that she gives 6+ FnP aura, but it stinks that its only friendly models and not units within 3".

That drone is probably going to ride herd on one of my stormsurges. Also, does she still have the Commander keyword? The article hints that she can be taken 'alongside' Farsight.

I doubt that. There is a rule that basically is like the Inquisition rules where you can have her in a detachament and not have it count toward the SEPT keyword, thus allowing to mix her in with Farsight Enclaves.

**Dynas**

I think Yhvara and Rhanara would benefit, im still taking heavy burst cannon riptides, 18 shots shreds primaris marines, and the threat of imperial fist has limited vehicles, no need for the ion.

New update.
https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/02/04/the-greater-good-faction-focus-tau-empiregw-homepage-post-1/

I might start taking a ghostkheel. I really hope they give something to sniper drones, we are getting into hero hammer with all the marine character buffs and possessed bombs. Farseer enclave, etc...

**Dynas**

I think the Crisis suits are being overrated. Its not like you couldn't get +1 to hit from 5 markerlights before. Nothing has really changed unless you are trying to use them to hit a unit out of LoS of your markerlight sources.

**Dynas**

I am a bit disappointed that we have to give up our relic for the Prototype signature systems. Why cant we have 1 of each or pay CP for it like marines. Oh wait, not daddys favorite. Cant get the Puretide chip and a Prototype system.

I see FSE coming into the fold with crises sutis for sure, but I don't think its gonna be taking the place of the current tau ITC tourney list.

Getting with 12" is dangerous, you are basically always fighting at rapid fire range for marines, and they can move and and get a 6" charge, with the 17 attacks on 5 guys. Its a dangerous game to be playing.

I do like the breacher strat where then can get there close range profile at 15".

**Dynas**

small_gods wrote:
Dynas wrote:
I am a bit disappointed that we have to give up our relic for the Prototype signature systems. Why cant we have 1 of each or pay CP for it like marines. Oh wait, not daddys favorite. Cant get the Puretide chip and a Prototype system.

I see FSE coming into the fold with crises sutis for sure, but I don't think its gonna be taking the place of the current tau ITC tourney list.

Getting with 12" is dangerous, you are basically always fighting at rapid fire range for marines, and they can move and and get a 6" charge, with the 17 attacks on 5 guys. Its a dangerous game to be playing.

I do like the breacher strat where then can get there close range profile at 15".

You can still pay for extra signature systems with the standard codex steat so you can effectively get one for 1cp. It's not clear if you can have 2 prototype systems yet though?

Wait.. so I can take my Puretide Chip AND a prototype relic?

**Dynas**

Typical GW wording.

**Dynas**

Who is taking land raiders? Other than the Character Dreadnoughts or Fliers, or the unkillable leviathan dread, i dont see a lot of vehicles.

I dont think the rail gun will be seen as much. I do like the ghostkeel one, at least in current meta with all the DS shenanigans.

**Dynas**

Babar_babar wrote:
I do see a lot of vehicles these days, but that may change a lot depending on the meta of your region. Also I tend to see a lot of T8 on those vehicles (Tank commanders, repulsors, Knights....) for which the S9 of the ION is something to consider

OK your meta is way different than mine. I see a lot of marine spam with TFC, centurions, knights are done. Very few Tank Commanders due to Imp Fist.

**Dynas**

captain collius wrote:
Jancoran wrote:
Babar_babar wrote:
Well actually Centurions are a great target for the Super ION as it has great AP and minimun 4 damage

IMagine the level of consternation when they gotta lift three or four centurions off the board. oofta.

I can't wait for the nerf Tau rage to begin

I saw a list with the 8 plus 2 detachemnts of 2 commanders each. Thats basically like 12 commanders (well 11 if you dont count the Riptide lol).

**Dynas**

I think i found a way to kill the Broviathan Unkillable Dreadnought.

Needs a few things.
Marker lights for enough for 5 for +1
Stromsurge with Protoype Weaponry ANnihilation Warhead
A Character preferably like Darkstrider or Fireblade to throw EMP Grenade.

Optional if needed: Suicide Coldstar with 4 Fusion
Optional if Needed: Orbital Ion Beam Stratagem

So make sure you deploy your anchors at start of shooting phase. For +1
Shoot Markerlights to get 5 on the Leviathan for +1, use uplink markerlight strat if needed.
Now our Stormsurge has +2 hit with reroll 1s, so you shouldn't miss with any of the 4 missiles.

Put all 4 missiles into the Leviathan for 12 mortals
Use the EMP Grenade for D3 mortals (possibly having to use CP or Puretude 1/game reroll for damage to finish him off).

If he is still alive, send in the Fusion Coldstar.
You have to kill him all in 1 Turn or his ass is going to heal back up and you wont be able to get him.
Also, have to clear any surrounding Intercessor/Drones screeners with the rest of your army, likely riptides/commanders.

Make sure to take Kingslayer. Thoughts?