Arson Fire wrote:The math to work this out is very basic. It's just multiplying a few numbers. I'll do it this time though.
Both units are 288 points (assuming the warriors took boneswords, which is pretty much a given). Which simplifies things.
I'll assume the enemy has a 3+ save.
6 Hive Guard (with impaler cannons)
12 shots hitting on a 3+ = 8 hits.
Vs T6 or T7 they're wounding on a 3+ giving 5.33~ wounds.
Assuming a 3+ save with
AP -2, that's 3.55~ unsaved.
D3 damage per unsaved wound averages to 7.11~ damage.
Against T6, T7 they average 7.11~ damage.
Against T8 they average 5.33~ damage.
With the Kronos re-roll 1's buff, you're starting with 9.33~ hits instead of 8 (because 12 / 6 = 2 dice get re-rolled. Then 2 * 2/3 = 1.33~ hits get added to the 8 hits from the first roll).
Vs T6, T7 they average 8.296~ damage
Vs T8 they average 6.22~ damage
Warriors (with a tyranid prime buffing their
BS to 3+)
6 with deathspitters
3 with venom cannons
The deathspitter shots are the same vs T6, 7, and 8
12 hits
4 wounds
2 damage goes through.
Average of 6 venom cannon shots, which basically have the same profile as the hive guards impaler cannons. So just take the results from the hive guard and divide by 2.
Vs T6 and T7, 3.55~ damage.
Vs T8, 2.66~ damage.
Giving the warriors a total of 5.55~ damage vs T6, T7.
Giving the warriors a total of 4.66~ damage vs T8.
With the Kronos buff, the deathspitter hits increase from 12 to 14. The venom cannon you can still take the hive guards kronos results and divide by 2.
Giving the warriors a total of (2.33~ deathspitter + 4.148~ venom cannon) = 6.481~ damage against T6, T7.
Giving the warriors a total of (2.33~ deathspitter + 3.11~ venom cannon) = 5.44~ damage against T8.
In conclusion, when both units are fighting with all models in range, the hive guard are averaging 28% more damage in shooting vs T6/7 than the buffed warriors. Averaging 14% more damage vs T8.
The hive guard do have the range advantage, and they ignore line of sight. A pretty solid shooting unit.
The warriors can however fight in close combat, which the hive guard are worthless at.