Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I love the Defiler and really want to make it work in 8th, but it's seeming a bit overpriced. It has some nice guns, but with BS4+ it's not great at using them, and the firepower isn't enough to earn its points back from long range. It has ridiculous S16 melee attacks, but not very many of them and with only WS4+. The Defiler is tough, but not all that tough given its points cost.

So is there a build or role for the Defiler where it's effective and worth its points? Maybe launch it forward with Warptime as a meat shield and to get it in range for the expensive-but-effective twin heavy flamer? Even then, it seems like too many points for the results.

Has anyone had good success with the Defiler in 8th? What wargear and tactics seem like the best options?

I think the way to make them work is to put them in an army that makes it hard to choose what to shoot at, them or the other scary things, such as 5 or so rhinos full of Korne Berzerkers.

Also I think Heavy Flamers and auto-cannons are the way to go.

The Gorestorm Cannon is autohit, so your idea of warptiming the Defiler probably isn't all that bad.

Might be a good idea to encheapen the loadout as much as possible, too. Scourge + bolters brings it down to 245 points.

A great way to make them work is to call it a soul grinder.