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So im brand new to 40k, and ive done some research and i think i want to start tau.
anyways i need help to start a basic army list just to start out, so i know what models i should buy.

i know i need to have at least 2 troops and 1 hq, im thinking of buying 2 firewarrior boxes.
but im not sure what hq choice. im thinking something like either cadre fireblade orethereal, something that will support my troops more
and be somewhat less strong in combat instead of battlesuit commander.
(i also only have about $100-$150 to buy models with)
any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated
thanks

Well you should start out with a box of fire warriors for sure.

A decent budget HQ is the fire cadre
but the Ethereal which is only 10 points less has some merit even at lower points.

He gives a very useful LD buff which is a major problem with TAU. But he is exponentially more use full the more units are around compared to a fire blade.

Then to buff out the rest of your army i would suggest getting like 2-3 crisis suits. magnetize them to be able to change out whatever gear you need when you want too.
Crisis suits are your multi tool.

Later on you can add in hammerheads riptides and whatever else you need.

Another question i plan to get 2 of the firewarrior boxes, im curious in general would it be more effective to have 2 12 man fire warriors or 4 6 man teams?
What do you think is the most effective way to divide them up?

It will depend on the HQ.

With FB you can utilize that standstill salvo better than with a 12 man squad compared to a 6man. while a Ethereal only needs to be within 12" to share his powers between small or large squads.

My general 500 pointer is

Ethereal
9 man FW
9 man FW
crisis team of 3 w/ double plasma
Hammerhead with rail and submunition and bsf
that is 498 points that can deal with most lists

Awesome this has been very helpful, thank you!

The tau Battle Force box is your first purchase. For years, I've been recommending it, and I still do.
8 year tau veteran here.

The Ethereal smokes the cadre leader for buffage. I'm 10 & 3 so far with the new book. The FW base, with ethereal boost puts out far more punishment than the cadre can with one crew. I usually play at 1500 with 36+ FWs.

The BF box gives you two min FWs units, the Stealths, 3 suits, which will be a Shas'O, and two single dudes. Piranha.

Plenty to start. You'll buy another box of FWs after that.

Find the articles on the 'Net to Magnetize your Crisis Suit's guns (kjmagnets.com is a good place to shop). Totally worth it for the labor involved.

Welcome to shooty-Goodness.

The BF box with a Ethereal is basically one of the best boxes if you have no clue.

You might want to pick up a box of Pathfinders tho, the box is 10, but minimum squad is 4, so you can put out 2 small units with it. ( with firewarriors its 6 so 2 squads, but you would like to have them up to 12 as a full unit, or at least 10 )

And as said: GET MAGNETS! jeez, there is so many options on the suits and the tanks you will thank yourself for magnetizing everything.

Dracoknight wrote:
You might want to pick up a box of Pathfinders tho, the box is 10, but minimum squad is 4, so you can put out 2 small units with it. ( with firewarriors its 6 so 2 squads, but you would like to have them up to 12 as a full unit, or at least 10 )

I made/converted my PFs by buying cheaper FWs, equipping with carbines. I cut the pulse rifle's barrel and glued it on top.

Now PFs are almost the same price as FWs ....