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One of my favorite eldar units is the warp spider. im cant remember the last time i built a list without atleast seriously considering a spot for the WSs. In large games I like having the exarch with withdraw so i can get out of CC, especially in cases where i move into range (<= 12" and botch my assault move out in such a way that the unit im attacking can assault or im just dealing with a fast moving assault squad.

My question now is regarding small games. In a 750 list, for example, I am often left with a situation where i could field say 8 WSs or 5 WSs+1 Exarch and this becomes a tough decision for me.

On one hand, an 8 man squad will optimize number of shots. And one could argue that there wont be that many units on the table so its easier to position ureself in a manner such that you can get out of range more easily. However, if they are caught in CC they have essentially been neutralized.

On the other hand, I do always like the insurance of having withdraw to get out of these situations. Now ill equip the exarch with 2 spinnerets so the unit has the same firepower as a 7 man squad w/o exarch, but with 6 models the unit has 2 less bodies (i.e. earlier check for falling back and easier to kill outright).

thoughts??

I think the exarch with withdraw is a good way to go, since he counts as a second spider when shooting. The obvious drawbacks you mention are going to be an issue for any small unit at the 750 level, but if you keep them moving (away from assaulting units) and in cover the shootiness of the WS squad will definitely pay off. They'll work great to contest objectives, but I wouldn't build a list around them...

In a 750 point list, warp spiders are the best thing to build a list around. 7+withdraw exarch with extra spinners is optimal. Fill out your list with some pathfinders and a warwalker or vyper for cheap, sacrificial shots and you can defeat pretty much any other 750 point list in the game.

Flavius Infernus wrote:In a 750 point list, warp spiders are the best thing to build a list around. 7+withdraw exarch with extra spinners is optimal. Fill out your list with some pathfinders and a warwalker or vyper for cheap, sacrificial shots and you can defeat pretty much any other 750 point list in the game.

I am just returning to 40K after 8 years off (and several editions), and am just curious why you think so highly of the WS's?

On paper, they don't look that good - STR 6 is nice, but No AP value, and they aren't templates anymore, I am just curious why you like them?

In no way am I saying you are wrong - just curious if you could help me understand.

Thanks!

In larger games warp spiders are not top-tier units. They're not durable enough to hold up well when there are a lot of guns around able to shoot at them.

But in games of 800 points and less, you're only looking at two or three enemy units, usually not full size, with only 2-4 weapons that have decent firepower beyond 12" Also you're only looking at maybe 1-2 vehicles, one transport tops, most with light side/rear armor.

So spiders can kill most vehicles at this level with a single volley, then escape out of assault range of the passengers or counterchargers. They can pick a unit at the edge of the enemy deployment, rip the crud out of it with str6 shots, and escape beyond countercharge/counterfire range. Then repeat as often as necessary until the enemy is dead (or finish off the last few models with an assault).

Because of their combination of high volume, high strength fire, 3+ saves and supreme mobility, spiders get a really good economy of scale in small games that other units (in any army) can't match.

Once you get over 1000 points, put the spiders back on the shelf though.