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Ok, so I wanted to start a CSM army now that the new codex is out...but I'm not really loaded with models, so I'm having trouble figuring out what direction I should take. First thing that bothers me is that the only two transports we have are a Rhino or a Land Raider...and since Rhinos aren't especially good these days, it's making me think of either running an all foot list or spamming Land Raiders, neither of which are something I see as competitive, but...my hands are kinda tied, aren't they? Anyways, this is what I have so far, and I'm really just looking for some kind of direction as to what to get next. I'd prefer a shooty list, since assault lists aren't that great in 6th, especially when you only have Rhinos and Land Raiders as transports...(Chaos shoulda got some kind of open-topped trucks or something, at least for the cultists!!)

Chaos Lord in Power armour
Chaos Space Marines x10 w/ Meltagun, Heavy Bolter and Power weapon
Chaos Space Marines x10 w/ Meltagun, Heavy Bolter and Power fist
Khorne Berzerkers x10
Chaos Bikers x5 w/ Meltagun and Power fist
Rhino x2

Good start. Some suggestions:

- Right now, there's not any serious AV or anti-flyer in this list. Consider bringing in some Havocs or Obliterators to give yourself options.

- I like the bikers and think they need to be part of every Chaos army going forth. Consider making that unit larger, to give yourself some staying power. I don't see the PF getting you much in that unit, may be better to swap it for another option.

- I don't understand the point of meltas with CSM squads, the range makes them hard to use. Against infantry, you are going to get more wounds against MEQ armies with flamers, which have almost the same range. Considering you can take out a dreadnought or light vehicle with grenades under 6th edition rules, you should not be losing anything by swapping them.

- Consider giving the CL an artefact or two. He has the option to be better, use it.

- If you are going to run with Berkerkers, make sure they are in the Rhino. There are a lot of battle reports going around where Berzerkers are getting chewed up running across the board.

It seems clear you are looking for something shooty with some balance. Consider giving the CL a Mark of Slannesh and swapping out one of the CSM squads for noise marines. I know they are a lot more expensive, but the difference in firepower versus MEQ, TEQ and GEQ is more than worth it. If you can keep the Noise Marines in cover, they are pretty hard to beat within 24 inches.

Agreed, it looks like a good start.

Don't write off Rhino's, the distance they can help you cover is useful. You can still use Berzerkers with Rhino's. just the tactics need to change as you can't assault when disembarking.
If you want to use them take a dirge caster and give your berzerkers some cover from the Rhino when they get out so they are not sitting ducks.
Try to block the enemies movement so you can charge next turn.

The power of the dex appears to be fearless and fnp so perhaps look at what options you could use here.
Additionally T6 bikers and Spawns are rather nice.

Long ranged shooting comes cheap in the form of Havocs and Obliterators are as god as they ever were, MoN on them to increase survival would be a good idea.

You have a good starting point. I agree that the new Havocs are pretty good (autocannons and missiles would be my choice). You might also take advantage of the DV set going cheap on eBay and grab a load of cultists and one of the chosen - the one with the maul to be your dark apostle. The two really go well together and big block of 30 or so cultists is both cheap and actually a pretty good blob unit on the table as they get fearless, etc from the apostle.

techsoldaten wrote:- If you are going to run with Berkerkers, make sure they are in the Rhino. There are a lot of battle reports going around where Berzerkers are getting chewed up running across the board.

Actually if you have to run Berserkers run them in a Land Raider; they live to assault and all a Rhino does is stop them from doing that sooner. With a Land Raider they should be able to assault turn 2.

autocannon havocs can be made from CSM and ork big shootas. much cheaper than buying 4 autocannon sets from GW.