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so the sniper drone team can have 3 controllers and up to 9 sniper drones.. that's a huge change... providing they stay as one unit of course.. if you can split them..well its not a huge change

im beginning to feel like TH/SS terminators may not be ruling to block much longer. Massive fire, high strength weapons, AP1 sniper rifles.......it will be sweet

I am really looking forward to a missile drone in FW squads, that way they can have some tactical flexibility in terms of range and heavy weapons, plus it does not interfere with basic tau battle principles restricting heavy weapons in infantry!

Sniper teams, the ultimate Killers, time to finish my team.

 generalchaos34 wrote:
im beginning to feel like TH/SS terminators may not be ruling to block much longer. Massive fire, high strength weapons, AP1 sniper rifles.......it will be sweet

I am really looking forward to a missile drone in FW squads, that way they can have some tactical flexibility in terms of range and heavy weapons, plus it does not interfere with basic tau battle principles restricting heavy weapons in infantry!

unfortunately th/ss are taken for that exact reason.. to not give a damn about your ap.. weight of fire will def do the trick though.. and yes I too cannot wait to have missiles in my FW squads

Have to admit, the new Tau releases are pretty impressive.

I don't generally bother much with GW stuff these days due to it being skull-infested or toylike nonsense.

but this release is really good, probably the best set of sculpts that GW has done since the dark eldar.

There's a distinct lack of "really, really dumb sculpts" that other releases have been plagued with (pretty much the entire necron release, GK baby carrier, dark angel church speeder etc.).

New battlesuits look great as does the plastic pathfinder kit. Solid release, hopefully the eldar will be just as good.

I like how it all looks like plausible sci-fi military hardware and not just some kind of stupid parody of the genre like a lot of other 40k armies feel like these days.

 boy wonder wrote:

 generalchaos34 wrote:
im beginning to feel like TH/SS terminators may not be ruling to block much longer. Massive fire, high strength weapons, AP1 sniper rifles.......it will be sweet

I am really looking forward to a missile drone in FW squads, that way they can have some tactical flexibility in terms of range and heavy weapons, plus it does not interfere with basic tau battle principles restricting heavy weapons in infantry!

unfortunately th/ss are taken for that exact reason.. to not give a damn about your ap.. weight of fire will def do the trick though.. and yes I too cannot wait to have missiles in my FW squads

excellent point, but this is ALOT of Ap1 at range, and hopefully after they have lost their Land Raider to a Railgun shot. Then when they try to assault said pathfinder squad, they take a a loss or two and darkstriider lets your consolidate and move just slightly out of range, i cant imagine anything more frustrating. Finally, revenge for all those terminators who attacked my FWs!!!!!

I agree the only issue I have is the fireblade who looks like he has tau'ns syndrome

It looks to me like all drones(except Riptide Drones) are now T4(R4) in the leaked pictures.

I keep reading different things on the Markerlights. Is it "spend a token" like now and then it is gone, so only one unit gets it's benefit, or is it the tokens stack so all units get the benefit when targeting the marked unit?

Did Weapon costs go up, stay the same, or go down for Battlesuits?

What do marker drones cost now?

 boy wonder wrote:
I agree the only issue I have is the fireblade who looks like he has tau'ns syndrome

Im going to give one of those tanker body taus with the binoculars a sword, then i dont have to worry about silly looking models

 generalchaos34 wrote:

 boy wonder wrote:
I agree the only issue I have is the fireblade who looks like he has tau'ns syndrome

Im going to give one of those tanker body taus with the binoculars a sword, then i dont have to worry about silly looking models

luckily I have one of the 2002 metal fire warrior shas'uis.. I will use that as my fireblade


Automatically Appended Next Post:
devilfish... 90pts with a burst cannon and a seeker missile system. loaded with carbine FW. worth it?

Impressed with all but one The Sun Shark Bomber/Razor Shark Fighter.

What a hash up it really looks like a five minute wonder from a Piranah 2 straws and bit of duct tape.

(Flame Over)

I apologize if I missed this...

Any word on Piranha point cost?

 boy wonder wrote:

devilfish... 90pts with a burst cannon and a seeker missile system. loaded with carbine FW. worth it?

Why not just keep the drones? SMS is still only 4 shots, and carbines are 2 shots now. 188 points is 12 FW + d-fish, 32 s5 shots.

Also, can anyone confirm how many drones I can take with stealth suits?

I am not feeling very confident about this release. Overall, the units and most of the new weapons, save the Riptide, seem awfully weak. There are units and weapons that seem to have almost made it to the point were they would be truly potent, but just fell short of their true potential. For instance that quad ion gun on the fighter would probably be more useful if it were AP3, making it an ideal way to tackle Monstrous Creatures in addition to light vehicle and flyer hunting. Although I supposed the overload will be useful against hordes.

Problem is, I see far too much anti-horde and str 7, ap 4 type firepower, and very, very little hard hitting firepower needed to deal with heavy tanks, monstrous creatures, MEQ and TEQ. All most all of the later is concentrated in our elite slots + hammerheads (oddly enough, FW barracuda could be used to nuke MEQ if the ion cannon rule carries over to it, too bad it only has 2 HP). The Riptide is looking like an auto-include with its ion-accelerator. Its rather sad many of our other units aren't getting the same treatment as the Riptide and I have a feeling the Riptide is going to be overshadowing a lot of our other units.

Still have some hope for the bomber, but that hope depends a lot on how those interceptor drones will work in practice. If they don't benefit from flyer rules once detached, they are going to die in really short order, in which case most sensible players will keep them attached. This would be unfortunate, as then they would just be another str 7, ap 4 gun.

The shas'vre of a Stealth squad can take two drones: gun, marker, shield, or missile

That blows. I was hoping for 6 stealth suits/ 12 drones like I fielded one time - that would have been pretty hardcore with 18 more shots for the unit.

Also, is it just me, or should we just rename the army to Codex: T'AUtocannons? s7 ap4 dude...

Phanixis wrote:
I am not feeling very confident about this release. Overall, the units and most of the new weapons, save the Riptide, seem awfully weak. There are units and weapons that seem to have almost made it to the point were they would be truly potent, but just fell short of their true potential. For instance that quad ion gun on the fighter would probably be more useful if it were AP3, making it an ideal way to tackle Monstrous Creatures in addition to light vehicle and flyer hunting. Although I supposed the overload will be useful against hordes.

Problem is, I see far too much anti-horde and str 7, ap 4 type firepower, and very, very little hard hitting firepower needed to deal with heavy tanks, monstrous creatures, MEQ and TEQ. All most all of the later is concentrated in our elite slots + hammerheads (oddly enough, FW barracuda could be used to nuke MEQ if the ion cannon rule carries over to it, too bad it only has 2 HP). The Riptide is looking like an auto-include with its ion-accelerator. Its rather sad many of our other units aren't getting the same treatment as the Riptide and I have a feeling the Riptide is going to be overshadowing a lot of our other units.

Still have some hope for the bomber, but that hope depends a lot on how those interceptor drones will work in practice. If they don't benefit from flyer rules once detached, they are going to die in really short order, in which case most sensible players will keep them attached. This would be unfortunate, as then they would just be another str 7, ap 4 gun.

High volume of Str7 AP4 is actually pretty good against MC. There's also mass sniper Kroot, so high toughness isn't an issue. With Fusion Blaster now being 18" and Tau still having access to Str10 AP1 Hammerhead, I don't see an issue with heavy tanks. Heck, you can even use the Riptide to smash attack in assault!

Every time I see someone complaining about how the revealed stats we've seen so far for the codex seem weak, I keep thinking of how little they must have played with or against the old codex. I'm completely in love with the fact that we're actually getting more options on more platforms. TBH, the old codex was borderline competitive if played right. It didn't have much variety but it had strength where it counted so it could actually do some work with proper usage. Now it's pretty much just taking the base and giving it new toys and buffs all around? It may not be an overpowered uber codex, but from what we have seen so far, it is a straight up build off of the previous codex and that makes me SO happy.

Phanixis wrote:
I am not feeling very confident about this release. Overall, the units and most of the new weapons, save the Riptide, seem awfully weak. There are units and weapons that seem to have almost made it to the point were they would be truly potent, but just fell short of their true potential. For instance that quad ion gun on the fighter would probably be more useful if it were AP3, making it an ideal way to tackle Monstrous Creatures in addition to light vehicle and flyer hunting. Although I supposed the overload will be useful against hordes.

Problem is, I see far too much anti-horde and str 7, ap 4 type firepower, and very, very little hard hitting firepower needed to deal with heavy tanks, monstrous creatures, MEQ and TEQ. All most all of the later is concentrated in our elite slots + hammerheads (oddly enough, FW barracuda could be used to nuke MEQ if the ion cannon rule carries over to it, too bad it only has 2 HP). The Riptide is looking like an auto-include with its ion-accelerator. Its rather sad many of our other units aren't getting the same treatment as the Riptide and I have a feeling the Riptide is going to be overshadowing a lot of our other units.

Still have some hope for the bomber, but that hope depends a lot on how those interceptor drones will work in practice. If they don't benefit from flyer rules once detached, they are going to die in really short order, in which case most sensible players will keep them attached. This would be unfortunate, as then they would just be another str 7, ap 4 gun.

Dude, you were just handed a way to completely mitigate the ADL for 2 markerlights.

Anyone know if markerlights specify when you have to declare? Can I use them after I see how many hits I've scored? or after someone decides to goto ground?

 megatrons2nd wrote:
It looks to me like all drones(except Riptide Drones) are now T4(R4) in the leaked pictures.

I keep reading different things on the Markerlights. Is it "spend a token" like now and then it is gone, so only one unit gets it's benefit, or is it the tokens stack so all units get the benefit when targeting the marked unit?

The way I'm understanding Markerlights now, is that they haven't changed much. You can stack on BS as usual. But instead of 1 markerlight removing 1 point of cover, you just spend 2 markerslights to remove all cover. A nice improvement in some cases.

The New Codex...so many options...room spinning from all the options!?!....


Can't wait to try this stuff out, gonna come at my enemies like a spidermonkey!

davou wrote:

Phanixis wrote:
I am not feeling very confident about this release. Overall, the units and most of the new weapons, save the Riptide, seem awfully weak. There are units and weapons that seem to have almost made it to the point were they would be truly potent, but just fell short of their true potential. For instance that quad ion gun on the fighter would probably be more useful if it were AP3, making it an ideal way to tackle Monstrous Creatures in addition to light vehicle and flyer hunting. Although I supposed the overload will be useful against hordes.

Problem is, I see far too much anti-horde and str 7, ap 4 type firepower, and very, very little hard hitting firepower needed to deal with heavy tanks, monstrous creatures, MEQ and TEQ. All most all of the later is concentrated in our elite slots + hammerheads (oddly enough, FW barracuda could be used to nuke MEQ if the ion cannon rule carries over to it, too bad it only has 2 HP). The Riptide is looking like an auto-include with its ion-accelerator. Its rather sad many of our other units aren't getting the same treatment as the Riptide and I have a feeling the Riptide is going to be overshadowing a lot of our other units.

Still have some hope for the bomber, but that hope depends a lot on how those interceptor drones will work in practice. If they don't benefit from flyer rules once detached, they are going to die in really short order, in which case most sensible players will keep them attached. This would be unfortunate, as then they would just be another str 7, ap 4 gun.

Dude, you were just handed a way to completely mitigate the ADL for 2 markerlights.

Anyone know if markerlights specify when you have to declare? Can I use them after I see how many hits I've scored? or after someone decides to goto ground?

Currently, you declare the moment you remove the markerlight, which is right before the unit taking advantage of them fires. Can't imagine that has changed.

 Soo'Vah'Cha wrote:
The New Codex...so many options...room spinning from all the options!?!....


Can't wait to try this stuff out, gonna come at my enemies like a spidermonkey!

I just cant wait, Im taking my codex to a tourney a week later(small local one) Where i know ragers are.
Oh....yuo have a blob squad? Say hello to my str 7 blasts.
Or? Oh that is a nice flyer, Has it met my riptide?

High volume of Str7 AP4 is actually pretty good against MC. There's also mass sniper Kroot, so high toughness isn't an issue. With Fusion Blaster now being 18" and Tau still having access to Str10 AP1 Hammerhead, I don't see an issue with heavy tanks. Heck, you can even use the Riptide to smash attack in assault!

I have gotten a lot of mileage out of str7 ap4 in the past. Heck, in 5th edition I ran 3x3 deathrain+ because of all the light vehicles. That being said, even with that many missile pods tackling Tyranid Monstrous Creatures was still I chore. I would actually prefer it if I had the right tool for the right job, rather than using the missile pod or equivalent for bloody everything. After all, aren't the Tau supposed to be about hard-hitting firepower, not slowly grinding the enemy away (which is how missile pods seem to work)? I was hoping for some truly lethal firepower in this new codex.

 YotsubaSnake wrote:
Every time I see someone complaining about how the revealed stats we've seen so far for the codex seem weak, I keep thinking of how little they must have played with or against the old codex. I'm completely in love with the fact that we're actually getting more options on more platforms. TBH, the old codex was borderline competitive if played right. It didn't have much variety but it had strength where it counted so it could actually do some work with proper usage. Now it's pretty much just taking the base and giving it new toys and buffs all around? It may not be an overpowered uber codex, but from what we have seen so far, it is a straight up build off of the previous codex and that makes me SO happy.

I approve this post!

Tau with the CURRENT dex (not this new one) ARE capable of wining. Yes they have issues against thinks like the Helldrake but they are still capable of pulling off wins with minimal losses. I have seen it done against some of the NWP best players. This new dex gives 3+ times more options and adds more firepower than even IG can muster at times. Missile Drones, possible 48 shot overwatch on FW's (per squad) The buff on Burst Cannon shots . . . all this equates to awesomesauce in a bag!

Suits having anti Nightvision free is HUGE! Mass missiles, also big, I could EASILY go on. . .

I think we did get some pretty amazing firepower so far. And we did get the right tools for the right job. We have troops with sniper ammo to take down MCs. We have missile drones on stealthsuits to get early game alpha on units like manticores. We got beacons for reliable DS for units that can JSJ 3d6. That pretty effective imo. And they granted a lot of people's wishes with 18" Fusion and Assault 4 BCs. So far I'm satisfied. I just need to see some point values and GAME ON!

Well , if the Tau are selling as well as kroothawks post suggests, (they not being able to meet release day demands) maybe that will put a bit of starch in the ceo's underwear, and help the development of more of the xenos races, especially the ones that have languished for so long in the shadows of the limelight troopers.
Eldar, the Tau may have blazed a trail for you.

This new dex gives 3+ times more options and adds more firepower than even IG can muster at times.

Beating IG in terms of raw firepower remains to be seen. Thing about IG firepower is that it freaking HURTS! Lascannons, battlecannons, multimeltas, seige shells, heavy flamers, plasma cannons, you name it their weapons are absolutely deadly. When these weapons connect, models die, even the toughest on the board.

Most of our new stuff seems like we are going to need to shoot any reasonably resilient target repeatedly and pray they fail their saving throws. Death through massed fire as opposed to having particularly lethal firepower.

Almost seems like a role reversal. IG should be putting out more firepower do to shear numbers, but the Tau firepower should do more damage when it connects. Somehow GW got it backwards where Tau are putting out potential more firepower in terms of str 7, ap 4, while IG is putting out the higher quality firepower with lots of str 8+ and ap 2 and 3.

Suits having anti Nightvision free is HUGE!

Its 24 points of free hard-wired BSF tops. Granted its a welcome change, and makes sense just like free spotlights do (otherwise you are being asked to buy stuff that only works for 1/6 of the game), but I would hardly call huge.

Phanixis wrote:

Almost seems like a role reversal. IG should be putting out more firepower do to shear numbers, but the Tau firepower should do more damage when it connects. Somehow GW got it backwards where Tau are putting out potential more firepower in terms of str 7, ap 4, while IG is putting out the higher quality firepower with lots of str 8+ and ap 2 and 3.

Yeah what's with all these new high-strength weapons having gakky AP?
It doesn't bother me that much, it just looks silly. GW truly hates the thought of SMs dying easy, so matter how ridiculously powerful the guns are that shoot them.
Oh well. I'm fine with massed firepower as an alternative.

P.S. I just finished and added new pics of my flamey Hammerhead to my Blog of anyone wants to check it out!

In a game where you roll 6 sided dice, more will almost always be better, tau have always struggled with fire volume, they have had quality firepower, but not enough volume to deal with the horde armies in the game, tyranids, Orks, IG, SM have generally not been the hardest for me to deal with, a couple hundred IG...now that's a problem.

So the Tau lose some of the str 10 stuff..ohwell, just make the ones you bring count, target priority and everything counts in large amounts, frankly I look forward to rolling fistfuls of dice.