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So with pre-orders up for the new Xmas battleforces, I can't help but be curious about starting a new army.
I've never really cared much for Space Marines but I've always had a soft spot for Crimson Fists.
I know Adeptus Astartes aren't favourable in the meta right now but it's more of a fluff and fun project.

Is this a good place to start?

https://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Imperial-Fists-Supremacy-Force-2018

I'd say so. I plan to grab it to start a Primaris army and I don't even plan on playing Imperial Fists.

Captain is a good all around HQ basically every army needs.

Intercessors are a decent troop choice all around, versatile based on how you equip them, and might be getting better in CA.

Hellblasters are always good, especially with the Captain's reroll 1s to hit.

Aggressors are fun, T5 is always nice, never used them myself.

Same with Redemptor, Though I've heard good things.

Its pretty good value, though bare in mind that you can get the easy build Intercessors and Hellblasters from Dark Imperium for pretty cheap still. These are much nicer kits though, so it's up to the individual whether that matters.

Also I don't think we know yet exactly who will be able to use the Power Fist, but it'll be an optional thing anyway so not a massive deal. Would be weird if Crimson Fists couldn't use it anyway!

 Stux wrote:
Its pretty good value, though bare in mind that you can get the easy build Intercessors and Hellblasters from Dark Imperium for pretty cheap still. These are much nicer kits though, so it's up to the individual whether that matters.

Also I don't think we know yet exactly who will be able to use the Power Fist, but it'll be an optional thing anyway so not a massive deal. Would be weird if Crimson Fists couldn't use it anyway!

Yeah, I think it'd be pretty stupid to restrict it to IF or their successors. I hope everyone can. If not, its not a huge loss, but still a shame.

Sir Heckington wrote:

 Stux wrote:
Its pretty good value, though bare in mind that you can get the easy build Intercessors and Hellblasters from Dark Imperium for pretty cheap still. These are much nicer kits though, so it's up to the individual whether that matters.

Also I don't think we know yet exactly who will be able to use the Power Fist, but it'll be an optional thing anyway so not a massive deal. Would be weird if Crimson Fists couldn't use it anyway!

Yeah, I think it'd be pretty stupid to restrict it to IF or their successors. I hope everyone can. If not, its not a huge loss, but still a shame.

I don't think it'll be everyone in all honesty. Only Blood Angels are allowed Chainswords, and the Primaris Fist is only available in the Imperial Fists upgrade sprue.

 Stux wrote:

Sir Heckington wrote:

 Stux wrote:
Its pretty good value, though bare in mind that you can get the easy build Intercessors and Hellblasters from Dark Imperium for pretty cheap still. These are much nicer kits though, so it's up to the individual whether that matters.

Also I don't think we know yet exactly who will be able to use the Power Fist, but it'll be an optional thing anyway so not a massive deal. Would be weird if Crimson Fists couldn't use it anyway!

Yeah, I think it'd be pretty stupid to restrict it to IF or their successors. I hope everyone can. If not, its not a huge loss, but still a shame.

I don't think it'll be everyone in all honesty. Only Blood Angels are allowed Chainswords, and the Primaris Fist is only available in the Imperial Fists upgrade sprue.

BA have chainsword options? ...Why? That makes no sense, there is absolutely 0 reason for GW not to give those options to everyone. All they are doing is hurting Primaris, that is unfathomably stupid. All Primaris need to be complete is some more units and options for sergeants and stuff.

Sir Heckington wrote:

 Stux wrote:

Sir Heckington wrote:

 Stux wrote:
Its pretty good value, though bare in mind that you can get the easy build Intercessors and Hellblasters from Dark Imperium for pretty cheap still. These are much nicer kits though, so it's up to the individual whether that matters.

Also I don't think we know yet exactly who will be able to use the Power Fist, but it'll be an optional thing anyway so not a massive deal. Would be weird if Crimson Fists couldn't use it anyway!

Yeah, I think it'd be pretty stupid to restrict it to IF or their successors. I hope everyone can. If not, its not a huge loss, but still a shame.

I don't think it'll be everyone in all honesty. Only Blood Angels are allowed Chainswords, and the Primaris Fist is only available in the Imperial Fists upgrade sprue.

BA have chainsword options? ...Why? That makes no sense, there is absolutely 0 reason for GW not to give those options to everyone. All they are doing is hurting Primaris, that is unfathomably stupid. All Primaris need to be complete is some more units and options for sergeants and stuff.

Yup, I think just Intercessor Sergeants.

Sir Heckington wrote:

 Stux wrote:

Sir Heckington wrote:

 Stux wrote:
Its pretty good value, though bare in mind that you can get the easy build Intercessors and Hellblasters from Dark Imperium for pretty cheap still. These are much nicer kits though, so it's up to the individual whether that matters.

Also I don't think we know yet exactly who will be able to use the Power Fist, but it'll be an optional thing anyway so not a massive deal. Would be weird if Crimson Fists couldn't use it anyway!

Yeah, I think it'd be pretty stupid to restrict it to IF or their successors. I hope everyone can. If not, its not a huge loss, but still a shame.

I don't think it'll be everyone in all honesty. Only Blood Angels are allowed Chainswords, and the Primaris Fist is only available in the Imperial Fists upgrade sprue.

BA have chainsword options? ...Why? That makes no sense, there is absolutely 0 reason for GW not to give those options to everyone. All they are doing is hurting Primaris, that is unfathomably stupid. All Primaris need to be complete is some more units and options for sergeants and stuff.

No model, no rules. The chainsword is on the Blood Angels upgrade sprue, ergo only the Blood Angels can use it. Apparently everybody considers this lack of options on Primaris silly except for GW.

Based on this precedent we can already assume that the powerfist isn't for everybody, but if you're an Imperial Fist or using Imperial Fists Chapter Tactics you can use it fine. I'd assume that the Crimson Fists can get it since they use IF Chapter Tactics even though they're a bit of an odd case in that they have their own separate Warlord Trait and Relic. Then again, their Relic is a fist!

 Bellerophon wrote:

Sir Heckington wrote:

 Stux wrote:

Sir Heckington wrote:

 Stux wrote:
Its pretty good value, though bare in mind that you can get the easy build Intercessors and Hellblasters from Dark Imperium for pretty cheap still. These are much nicer kits though, so it's up to the individual whether that matters.

Also I don't think we know yet exactly who will be able to use the Power Fist, but it'll be an optional thing anyway so not a massive deal. Would be weird if Crimson Fists couldn't use it anyway!

Yeah, I think it'd be pretty stupid to restrict it to IF or their successors. I hope everyone can. If not, its not a huge loss, but still a shame.

I don't think it'll be everyone in all honesty. Only Blood Angels are allowed Chainswords, and the Primaris Fist is only available in the Imperial Fists upgrade sprue.

BA have chainsword options? ...Why? That makes no sense, there is absolutely 0 reason for GW not to give those options to everyone. All they are doing is hurting Primaris, that is unfathomably stupid. All Primaris need to be complete is some more units and options for sergeants and stuff.

No model, no rules. The chainsword is on the Blood Angels upgrade sprue, ergo only the Blood Angels can use it. Apparently everybody considers this lack of options on Primaris silly except for GW.

Based on this precedent we can already assume that the powerfist isn't for everybody, but if you're an Imperial Fist or using Imperial Fists Chapter Tactics you can use it fine. I'd assume that the Crimson Fists can get it since they use IF Chapter Tactics even though they're a bit of an odd case in that they have their own separate Warlord Trait and Relic. Then again, their Relic is a fist!

I hate that, so fething much. I really, really hope they release a separate upgrade spruce for everyone. I play Iron Hands, and I would like a power fist, and I intend to buy that box.

I would hope CF can take the first, since the Chapter Symbol is identical. It would surprise me greatly if they miss that opportunity.

 CrabSlap wrote:
So with pre-orders up for the new Xmas battleforces, I can't help but be curious about starting a new army.
I've never really cared much for Space Marines but I've always had a soft spot for Crimson Fists.
I know Adeptus Astartes aren't favourable in the meta right now but it's more of a fluff and fun project.

Is this a good place to start?

Yes. You're basically getting enough for a Patrol Detachment, the easiest detachment to fill. You'll need a second HQ and another troops choice to fill a Battalion (assuming you do 5-man Intercessor squads). I'd recommend buying a Librarian (for Deny the Witch if nothing else) and a box of Intercessors so you can fill a Battalion out of the gate (more CP). I assume the IF upgrade sprue will be available fairly soon as a separate sprue.

 Nightlord1987 wrote:
I would hope CF can take the first, since the Chapter Symbol is identical. It would surprise me greatly if they miss that opportunity.

Yeah for sure, I definitely agree. We won't know for sure until we see the rule though.

Thanks for all the feedback! You've all given me a lot more confidence.

I have Dark Imperium somewhere, gathering dust. I'll use that to supplement the battleforce.

Certainly hope that powerfist can be used too!

I don't have the codex yet. Can anyone give me rough points value of the box?

 CrabSlap wrote:
Thanks for all the feedback! You've all given me a lot more confidence.

I have Dark Imperium somewhere, gathering dust. I'll use that to supplement the battleforce.

Certainly hope that powerfist can be used too!

I don't have the codex yet. Can anyone give me rough points value of the box?

It's about 750pts depending on what gear you use.

I joke about it on occasion, but I do firmly believe that the no-model-no-rules thing will have a serious negative impact on GW long-term. Shame.

Fortunately, we don't abide by that locally, because we don't do competitive games, but it is a really gak decision which undoes one of the main attractions of warhammer and miniature wargaming in general.

So I finally have the battleforce, a Primaris Librarian and codex. Next is assembly.

This list I have in mind will look like this:


This is pre CA 2018. From what I've seen, I'll have another 75ish points to play with.

For now, how does this look? Any glaring mistakes or pitfalls? How bad should I expect to be beaten?

 CrabSlap wrote:
So I finally have the battleforce, a Primaris Librarian and codex. Next is assembly.

This list I have in mind will look like this:

Spoiler:

Battalion Detactment
Chapter tactics: Imperial Fists
HQ
Primaris Librarian
- Warlord: Storm of Fire
- Relic: The Armour Indomitus
- Powers: Might of Heroes, Null Zone

Primaris Captain
- Stalker Bolt Rifle
- Power Sword

Troops
Intercessor Squad (x3)
- 5 + Sergeant
- Bolt Rifles

Elites
Aggressor Squad
- 2 + Sergeant
- Auto Boltstorm Gauntlet + Fragstorm Grenade Launcher

Redemptor Dreadnought
- Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon
- Icarus Rocket Pod
- Onslaught Gatling Cannon
- 2x Storm Bolters

Heavy Support
Hellblaster Squad
- 4 + sergeant
- Plasma Incinerator

999/1000 pts

This is pre CA 2018. From what I've seen, I'll have another 75ish points to play with.

For now, how does this look? Any glaring mistakes or pitfalls? How bad should I expect to be beaten?

Well, once CA a couple of Hellblasters to your squad and to your Intercessor an auxiliary grenade launcher per squad.

That sounds super doable and effective. I'll definitely try that. Are auxiliary grenade launchers that useful?

Just finished assembling and basing the Librarian and I have to say, I'm super stoked. The Imperial Fists upgrade sprue adds a new layer of style!

So, now that CA 2018 is out, this is how my 1000 points list looks now:


How does this look now? Any tips, tricks or warnings?
Considered making room for a Primaris Lieutenant or Ancient. Would they be worth it?

Solid starting force.

Lieutenants are good, will give you a nice boost in damage throughput to everyone in range.

I don't think an Ancient is really worth it with this list. If you get a bunch more Hellblasters maybe.

What I think you're currently lacking is long range, high strength attacks. I'd be looking at getting some Lascannons in your list basically!

When I get around to playing larger games, I'll definitely add some Lascannons.
I think a full lascannon predator is my preferred choice at the moment. I don't really want to add regular marine devastators.
Centurions are FUGLY, no matter how much of a points drop they receive!

 CrabSlap wrote:
When I get around to playing larger games, I'll definitely add some Lascannons.
I think a full lascannon predator is my preferred choice at the moment. I don't really want to add regular marine devastators.
Centurions are FUGLY, no matter how much of a points drop they receive!

I totally understand. Predators aren't the best, but I run them too because I have a Primaris force and I don't want Devastators.

Repulsors aren't awful either, and will be nice for protecting and ferrying your Hellblasters too. FLY is really useful too, as it means you can fall back and shoot, so it's really hard for the opponent to pin you down.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I'm also a big fan of Plasma Inceptors. Not very long range, but their deep strike ability means you can lay down the hurt where it's needed. Great at vaporising elite infantry or light/medium vehicles and monsters.

I haven't given much thought to Repulsors or Inceptors.

Las on a Repulsor is interesting. It's a big points investment but being able to move Hellblasters/Aggressors sweetens the deal.
Is there any way to too make it look less cluttered though? It looks like the designer covered it with glue and dropped it in their bitz box.

I really like Plasma Inceptors. They'll definitely be on my expanded list!

 CrabSlap wrote:
I haven't given much thought to Repulsors or Inceptors.

Las on a Repulsor is interesting. It's a big points investment but being able to move Hellblasters/Aggressors sweetens the deal.
Is there any way to too make it look less cluttered though? It looks like the designer covered it with glue and dropped it in their bitz box.

I really like Plasma Inceptors. They'll definitely be on my expanded list!

Yeah the design is pretty bizarre on the Repulsor. I haven't actually bitten the bullet and gotten one myself. I like the rules, but it is the look that's putting me off.

I'm still hoping, with dwindling optimism, that one day they'll let Primaris in other Transports.

I'm hoping one day we get drop pods!

As someone who's been into the hobby for a long time but has only just picked up space marines, I've envied how cool drop pods are.

Hopefully GW will update the kit so it's not so awful to build and let Primaris use them.

 CrabSlap wrote:
I'm hoping one day we get drop pods!

As someone who's been into the hobby for a long time but has only just picked up space marines, I've envied how cool drop pods are.

Hopefully GW will update the kit so it's not so awful to build and let Primaris use them.

Agreed!

Depending on who you're playing, you could of course float the idea of them letting you put Primaris in them.

 CrabSlap wrote:
When I get around to playing larger games, I'll definitely add some Lascannons.
I think a full lascannon predator is my preferred choice at the moment. I don't really want to add regular marine devastators.
Centurions are FUGLY, no matter how much of a points drop they receive!

I love how the Centurions look (those are just some contentious models), but they're a poor choice for mounting the Lascannons now. I'd take a couple.of regular Dreadnaughts instead. The shooty Missile/Twin Las loadout is only 5 more points then a similarly armed Centurion, although admittedly the Centurion Missile Launcher deserves to be 5 more points than a regular one and built-in ignoring movement and cover modifiers is nice.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Sir Heckington wrote:

 Bellerophon wrote:

Sir Heckington wrote:

 Stux wrote:

Sir Heckington wrote:

 Stux wrote:
Its pretty good value, though bare in mind that you can get the easy build Intercessors and Hellblasters from Dark Imperium for pretty cheap still. These are much nicer kits though, so it's up to the individual whether that matters.

Also I don't think we know yet exactly who will be able to use the Power Fist, but it'll be an optional thing anyway so not a massive deal. Would be weird if Crimson Fists couldn't use it anyway!

Yeah, I think it'd be pretty stupid to restrict it to IF or their successors. I hope everyone can. If not, its not a huge loss, but still a shame.

I don't think it'll be everyone in all honesty. Only Blood Angels are allowed Chainswords, and the Primaris Fist is only available in the Imperial Fists upgrade sprue.

BA have chainsword options? ...Why? That makes no sense, there is absolutely 0 reason for GW not to give those options to everyone. All they are doing is hurting Primaris, that is unfathomably stupid. All Primaris need to be complete is some more units and options for sergeants and stuff.

No model, no rules. The chainsword is on the Blood Angels upgrade sprue, ergo only the Blood Angels can use it. Apparently everybody considers this lack of options on Primaris silly except for GW.

Based on this precedent we can already assume that the powerfist isn't for everybody, but if you're an Imperial Fist or using Imperial Fists Chapter Tactics you can use it fine. I'd assume that the Crimson Fists can get it since they use IF Chapter Tactics even though they're a bit of an odd case in that they have their own separate Warlord Trait and Relic. Then again, their Relic is a fist!

I hate that, so fething much. I really, really hope they release a separate upgrade spruce for everyone. I play Iron Hands, and I would like a power fist, and I intend to buy that box.

CA added Chain Sword and Power Fist to the sergeant options for vanilla Intercessors. Honestly I'd have much rather seen the Reivers get those options and the Intercessor Sergeant get Melta Bombs instead.