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I'm building a hard-hitting, fast moving force of Blood Angels successor Space Marines (My Angels Revenant). Currently I have a tactical squad, an assault squad with jump packs and a land speeder).

Probably won't be buying next units until November/December, but not sure whether to go for a bike squadron or a dreadnought?

Any tips? Is the attack bike with the sidecar worth it? Or is a squadron of bikes better?

If going for a dreadnought, which is best value/most effective? Furioso, venerable, regular?

Thanks.

Bikes with a storm bolter on the Sergeant can stick at range and still get 16 bolter shots from 3 dudes, which is OK for plinking away at hordes.

 AlmightyWalrus wrote:
Bikes with a storm bolter on the Sergeant can stick at range and still get 16 bolter shots from 3 dudes, which is OK for plinking away at hordes.

Thanks.

Hard-hitting and fast-moving says, from that list, one of two things:

1) Bikes. Not the hardest-hitting, but definitely fast!

2) Librarian Dreadnought. Definitely hard-hitting, and can move quite fast with the Wings psychic power!

 JNAProductions wrote:
Hard-hitting and fast-moving says, from that list, one of two things:

1) Bikes. Not the hardest-hitting, but definitely fast!

2) Librarian Dreadnought. Definitely hard-hitting, and can move quite fast with the Wings psychic power!

Interesting. Hadn't considered the Librarian dreadnought - will do so now!

Tough choice here. (which also depends on your meta: if your looking ITC efficiency, you're going to get completely different answers than for local gaming club who use the units they have/want to)
Also note, I play a White Scars successor....and my tables are somewhat competitive, but not ITC levels.
I feel the bike squadron is worthwhile now. It is fast, does damage etc. I like the three bikes with an attack bike. For a harassment unit I do two special weapons (plasma guns usually work). I always add the attack bike as a wound soaker. This ranges around 120 points iirc. 3 bikes plus attack bike get 16 boltgun shots and 4 from the plasma guns if you run around the flank with your speed. The heavy bolter is a bonus but the -1 to hit hurts) Add in the new bonus to attack on charge, and you can race up, guns some things weaker, and then finish off a lame duck. It isn't the toughest unit, but takes some actual heat to eliminate and can hurt infantry of all levels. Plus, the speed is massive for stealing VP's like linebreaker, table quarters etc.

However, I also have dreads in my list and they work well too. If you want shooting, you go venerable with twin las/missile and hope he survives long enough to make points back.
I also have an ironclad who seems to draw an inordinate amount of firepower. You basically cannot let him get to CC with any help (he has done 20 wounds to a knight under the new rules with his 5 attacks and chainfist).

Again, think of your reason for playing. Bikes are fun, race around, tactically flexible guys. Dreads aren't, but they give a ton of painting and coolness options in an army.

Thanks. Lots of thoughtful advice. I'm leaning towards a dreadnought now, although having just opened my Blood Angels codex and looked at the stats and specs for the Baal Predator again - I'm now split 3 ways!

For me this is another aspect of the game that's fun! Seeing and choosing units you want for whatever reason. You really can't go wrong, as long as your at the table to play and enjoy win or lose.

edwardmyst wrote:
For me this is another aspect of the game that's fun! Seeing and choosing units you want for whatever reason. You really can't go wrong, as long as your at the table to play and enjoy win or lose.

So true

 Darian Aarush wrote:
Thanks. Lots of thoughtful advice. I'm leaning towards a dreadnought now, although having just opened my Blood Angels codex and looked at the stats and specs for the Baal Predator again - I'm now split 3 ways!

What ? The baal predator is pathetic. If you like its AC, a razorback can do the same for less points.

Looking at what you currently have I would recommend a dreadnought of some flavour, it will give you a different unit type to get used to and also offer something that your army doesn't already have.

Options:
Libby Dread - You get to play in the Psykic phase, he is a proper beat stick in close combat and depending on the powers you choose he can be pretty quick. Add to this the fact he is an 8 wound character who can shelter behind cheaper units he can be quite easy to protect.

Ven Dread with Twin Las & Missile Launcher - Heavy firepower, pure and simple. If your struggling to deal with opponents who bring tanks and monsters then grab this guy. Reliable long ranged powerful weaponry.

Deathcompany Dread - Great in combat, good against a variety of target but struggles to get to the enemy. If you play against people that like coming to attack you this is less of a problem. Reasonably cheap is a bonus.

I think the librarian dread wins hands down. The thing is a wrecking ball and very difficult to avoid. It’s on a different level to the other units being discussed here. With wings it can even smash planes up.

 p5freak wrote:

 Darian Aarush wrote:
Thanks. Lots of thoughtful advice. I'm leaning towards a dreadnought now, although having just opened my Blood Angels codex and looked at the stats and specs for the Baal Predator again - I'm now split 3 ways!

What ? The baal predator is pathetic. If you like its AC, a razorback can do the same for less points.

Isn't it faster, tougher and more heavily armed than a razorback? It can take sponson weapons too, unlike a razorback... Or have I missed something?


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 WisdomLS wrote:
Looking at what you currently have I would recommend a dreadnought of some flavour, it will give you a different unit type to get used to and also offer something that your army doesn't already have.

Options:
Libby Dread - You get to play in the Psykic phase, he is a proper beat stick in close combat and depending on the powers you choose he can be pretty quick. Add to this the fact he is an 8 wound character who can shelter behind cheaper units he can be quite easy to protect.

Ven Dread with Twin Las & Missile Launcher - Heavy firepower, pure and simple. If your struggling to deal with opponents who bring tanks and monsters then grab this guy. Reliable long ranged powerful weaponry.

Deathcompany Dread - Great in combat, good against a variety of target but struggles to get to the enemy. If you play against people that like coming to attack you this is less of a problem. Reasonably cheap is a bonus.

I am leaning towards a dreadnought. Fits in with background and concept of my custom successor chapter, too.



Automatically Appended Next Post:

Mandragola wrote:
I think the librarian dread wins hands down. The thing is a wrecking ball and very difficult to avoid. It’s on a different level to the other units being discussed here. With wings it can even smash planes up.

My only concern is that it's another HQ choice (unlike the other options which are elite or heavy support or fast attack), or does that not really matter?

I am thinking of removing my Primaris lieutenant though (it's not actually a lieutenant model, so am being naughty atm), and just having a small Intercessor squad - so that might balance things up enough to justify a Librarian Dreadnought!

I would say that Libby dread is the second best unit in the whole BA codex. Only the smash captain is better.

It can fly, it has a threat range of 29" on average rolls and hits like a truck in melee. Its way better than any of the other choices discussed here. Not even close.

The BA predatoris expensive for what you get and doesnt shoot that well. Especially the flamer variant since you cant even advance or use the stratagem and then shoot up close with it. Unlike the libby dread the Baal Predator is probably the worst unit in the entire codex. Dont even go there