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Micro-tactics question, but what have Chaos players found to be the best unit size to field cultists? Usually, I've been fielding 30, which I split into a unit of 20 and a unit of 10, but I've recently bumped that number up to 60 cultists. Is it better to go all-in for a 40-man unit and leave the others minimum sized? Spread out the wealth in 3 20-man units? Put them all in minimum-sized 10-man squads for target saturation?

Additionally, for any Alpha Legion players out there ... is it worth it to "Forward Operatives" a horde of cultists at the beginning of the game? Does that gum up my opponent's sight lines or does it just offer them an easy shot at the First Blood VP?

For CSM, the bigger the unit, the better, because of the Tide of Traitors. However, this is based on the points level, your list, etc. I'd say at least 1 unit of 40 is a must if your a CSM based force.

I run 80 cultists in my competitive list - my break down is one big unit of 40 and then several units of 10 fill out detachments to drive the CP I need for the list to work.

The 40 man unit I take in that size for tide of traitors impact, maximum impact on things like prescience, delightful agonies, veterans, etc. Effectively its a bomb and I want to be able maximize my various 1 use abilities to get the most out of them on the biggest pool of models.

What rules are you playing? In ITC it makes a difference. How many CP? Morale immunity is imperative for larger cultists blobs (iron warrior / abaddon / enough CP to make morale immune). Relationship to poxwalkers etc. These are the things you should be considering more than any one optimal size.

I use 40 man squads.

It lets them take a lot of wounds before you have to use Tide of Traitors. Finding that timing is key with this Stratagem.

From a tactics perspective, I'm usually marching them up the board the first couple turns. Then I use ToT to move them near an objective my opponent is holding and just walk on it turn 4 or 5. Late game, it's hard for an objective holder to do enough wounds to outnumber a unit like that, it hasn't failed me so far.

40 models is also important if you are using Endless Cacophony on them. There's a big difference between Cultists doing 60 and 80 shots, even a single additional wound can make a huge difference in outcomes.

Sounds good, Everyone! I have been convinced. A 40-man blob of cultists it is.