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I'm running Tau as allies and have been struggling with how to equip my Commander. So I'd appreciate any feedback, advice or insight from other players.

I personally use the Commander to support units of Dark Reapers or Broadsides where appropriate and have jumped between these loadouts:


Loadout 1:
Iridium armor
Puretide Engram Chip
Multisensor Suite
velocity Tracker (skyfire)
Early Warning Override (interceptor)
Missile Podx2

Explanation: Essentially, this guy tanks for my units with T5 and a 2+ save and enjoys a 2+ cover save thanks to Conceal. He essentially gives Tank/Monster Hunter and Ignores Cover to a unit to maximize their killing potential while he uses his Missile Pods against incoming Flyers and such or if I need I can have him leave the unit and shoot at another vehicle with his shooting. However, I noticed that if I ever got in combat, it wasn't good (well duh) and was thinking how the Vectored Retro-thrusters would be great for that (they grant Hit & Run). Also, no Target Lock means he has to shoot at the same unit that he is joined to during Interceptor shots and he isn't shooting in the shooting phase if he is using Multisensor Suite (which is awesome for Dark Reapers/Broadsides).

Loadout 2:
Iridium armor
Puretide Engram Chip
Multisensor Suite
velocity Tracker (skyfire)
Early Warning Override (interceptor)
Missile Podx1
Vectored Retro-thrusters

Explanation:Essentially, this is now just a minor support guy who gets 2 cute S7 shots off against flyers during Interceptor shots and just tanks for units while buffing them, the Hit & Run mixed with Stubborn for a turn can let a decently durable unit take a charge then Hit & Run out to give more shooting options and the Eldar Initiative will be used since it is the majority (thereby only failing the test on a 6). Less shooting but more utility...

Loadout 3:
Iridium armor
Puretide Engram Chip
Multisensor Suite
Vectored Retro-thrusters

Explanation: Essentially just a support roll model...I have 3 support systems available and this is where I want you guys to give some advice/input! Should I take the Stimulant injector/4+ save and some drones with maybe a Fusion gun or? If he is truly just to support/tank a unit then perhaps I should focus on making him as tanky as possible rather than try and squeeze in some shooting out of him, what do you guys think?Is this a good place to put Skyfire or really just leave that to the Riptide/Broadsides?

I've just finished my second match using a pure support commander; equipped with CnC node and multi-spectrum sensors and attached to a full squad of 3 crisis suits he can really lay down some pain on your opponent. With iridium armour and a shield generator you can also use him as a fire sink.

I prefer #3. Just keep him cheap.

Commanders are always a buffmander unless you have 2 of them. Far as i know, all of the signature systems that affect the unit do not specify Tau only so making a group of guns twinlinked, ignore cover, and/or tankhunter would be crazy.

I know nothing about the new eldar dex so i cant suggest where to put him, but running the CnC Node, Multi-Sensor Suite, and Puretide are kinda mandatory since his shooting is always going to be meh due to the weapons available and lack of massive drones squadron to buff up.

Also, take the Gauntlet. Nothing better than Falcon Punching something if an assault happens rofl

The C&CNode is not necessary because there should be a farseer there to cast Guide/Prescience on the unit.

I have been using the Puretide engram, but I'm debating about whether to remove it in certain lists, because its quite expensive and a bit situational. Tank hunters and monster hunter are great, when you need them, but against some armies (eg Space Marines) there are no monstrous creatures and quite often very few vehicles.

P.s. I've also been tempted by the gauntlet, as its only 5points, but again is a very situational add-on. Either way I don't bother with ranged weapons at all for three reasons: 1) you can't get that much firepower on him to start with 2) it avoids the temptation to shoot with him, as its much more effective to buff the attached unit and 3) there is at least one warlord trait in the Tau codex that only applies to ranged weapons and you get to reroll; gives you an extra chance to get a pinpoint deep strike (not that that one matters if you're using them as allies)

 jy2 wrote:
The C&CNode is not necessary because there should be a farseer there to cast Guide/Prescience on the unit.

15 points to be able to put that Guide/Prescience somewhere else is pretty cheap; if the Commander is supporting a backfield unit like Reapers or (never mind, he can't join War Walkers), he lets the Farseer(s) go forward with the rest of the army (such as one on a Jetbike). I'd definitely consider it in one of my armies where one Farseer is guiding Vypers and Warp Spiders, another one usually is guiding Reapers and Rangers; it would let the Farseer guide a Wraithlord instead of the Reapers, for instance, or that unit of Fire Warriors that you took to go along with the Commander.

EDIT:
So... the question remains, what would be the best unit to attach a full ECM Commander to? He can't join War Walkers, can't keep up with Jetbikes or Warp Spiders, won't want to join an assault unit, can't join a Wraithlord or Knight. Dark Reapers seem the obvious choice, especially since the second choice, Wraithguard, might be a waste since you will often only get a turn or two in of shooting with those.

The Gauntlet is literally a "I have 5pts left..." item. There is no tactical advantage to it, period, since the only time it would b e better than the normal commander attacks would be against vehicles (due to the number of attacks) and if hes assaulting a vehicle something is horribly wrong lol.

Its just hilarious when it lands. I pasted a bikernob with it once....that was awesome

I find the guantlet a very fun and often helpful in certain situations. I've actually managed to instant kill a few multi-wound T4-5 models and characters when I've used it. That and the Neuroweb System Jammer are pretty good for what they offer at the price. Something situational and fun, but is purchased when you don't have room for anything else.