Need Tactics for Battleforce

[Bucky_24]

Okay me and my family are all going to get into W40k. So to start, we are all geting a Battleforce and a Codex. I was wondering if anyone had any good tactics using the Cadian Battleforce vs Tau Battleforce/Assault on Black Reach Models (Granted this is not a Battleforce but it should do for around a 500 point game. Also the Ork may get a Trukk. Anyways if you have any tactics or if there is an issue with this plan please tell me now so I can order the guys.

[Architech]

I have no tactical advice for you....but AoBR is NOT 500 points for either side, and is not intended to play against anything but itself. So keep that in mind

[Bucky_24]

I was told before (Don't have either Codex) That infact the Space Marines from AoBR was over 500 and the Orks if I added a Trukk would be real close to 500. I may be wrong here but do you know if the Two Battleforces are 500? Any advice would help here.

[Plix36]

The guard battle force is very variable, they can get all kinds of different gear and the like to make them more expensive.

[Architech]

If they have AoBR, they have the rulebook.

SM in the box are 590, rather poorly constructed by most people's standards (not awful...but like...most people wouldn't give a cpt a power weapon and a bolter...as pistol adds an attack)
Orks are under 500...a trukk helps...but doesn't solve the problem. The 2 forces are great for fighting each other if you do it right (proper terrain, and AoBR book only [no extra rules or abilities])

Battleforces allow a significant amount of variation...especially over AoBR which has NO options. Battleforces should get you between 500 and 750 depending on upgrades.

I just want you to be aware before you dive headlong into this endeavor. Not all battleforce are created equal. Best to use them to learn the rules...and then use them to build up a 1000 point list for each army.

[Bucky_24]

Oh, well thank you for that insight, I thought all Battleforces were designed as 500 or maybe less if there wasn't an HQ choice with it. But I will rethink this, Thank you again. Saved around 3-4 hundred if I went with terrian and upgrades.

[Architech]

I suggest you research into it a bit on a case by case study for each battleforce. Most will grant you around 500...but again all 500 point lists are not equal....which is why AoBR can't compete in general with something you actually designed

I'd be more than happy to help you break down Orks, IG, Nids or SM (I'm not up to speed on points for other armies)...and a good idea is to look in the respective threads for the armies...check out starter lists and compare those.

In general my suggestion is start with 1000 point games...using 500ish ONLY to learn how the game works (under 1000 and you'll barely scratch what the army does). this also allows you to not be stuck with the battleforce...but to use it as a base (same with AoBR)

[Bucky_24]

Okay, thank you. Now to Ponder how I am to gather enough money for a 1k army for four. Cuz we are all ordering the guys together, and I'M PAYING FOR HALF! SO anyways, for a starting ork,Space Marine, or Guard army. How much do you think money wise (USDs) I should gather. I have to figure the total cuz if we do 1k I am not paying for most (I'm only 14 btw)

[Architech]

Incredibly well spoken for a 14yo, color me impressed.

if that's the case I suggest the Following. A=500 points, B=250-ish, C=250 ish points

Buy A now (battle force, AoBR, etc). Learn to play and enjoy the initial building/painting with your friends/family

Buy B when you have finished painting A...that way you have all progressed together and can now play 500 or 750 point games (adds in 1-2 extra units to play with). You'll have learned plenty and will now be able to start learning some of the finer points

Buy C when you have finished learning with/painting B. Now you are at 1000 points. You've built a list that can be played based off what you already had, and anything you feel like adding in the future. Plan this out over several months...go in steps. Plan the next purchase on what works for your 1000pt list based on your 500 point starter core.

If I had to guess...I think you could build a 1000 point list for 150 USD per army. This is a rough guess based on saving from battleforces and AoBR. I also suggest Wayland or Firestorm (ad banners on the site)...both will offer you between 10-20% discounts and fair shipping.


The key is finding out what you want. What models do you like? What tactics do you want to use. Let us help you build some lists that you can buy in segments and build up

[Shining Finger]

Wow, only 14 and paying for your own and your brother's armies? Very impressive!

[Bucky_24]

Wait did you say 150! Sweet! I may be able to manage that, and yea paying for maybe three though. One of my other brothers is trying to pitch in his whole army so that might help. Wish me luck! But I have to bookmark this thread, that info is totally invaluable. Architech thank you SO much for all your help and everyone else. I may actually get a club going. Who knows, if it works in my household I may spread it to my friends! Thank you all again. Happy Wargaming!

[Architech]

That was a guess...but it shouldn't be much more than that. Again I suggest building the list then seeing the price

[Plix36]

One of the things i found really useful are the other threads. Most of the stuff you will find in the codex has it's own thread about if people like it or not. Also looking at other people's lists is very useful cus usually there are comments on what people think is worth it or not. Also when you have a list done throw it up on here, every one has an opinion and they like to give them. That's why they are here

[Bucky_24]

Alright! Thank you again. Can't wait till I get my codex! That is IF I can stay with an army. Darn me and my comentment issues! Well if you have any tips on that subject check my post about Space Marines. People are trying to sway me but idk which will be best. Too bad no one has a list of all the Pros and Cons of each army. I mean like an "on paper" type.

[Architech]

Just did a price check...I think you'd be looking at 180 for a decent SM army (160-ish with some sort of discount). This is battleforce, commander and terminators.
-5 scouts
-Tactical squad 10 marines
-Combat squad 5 marines
-Assault Squad
-Rhino
+Terminators
+Captain/ChapterMaster/Librarian/Chaplain

Which is a pretty great start with real models. Or you could do 1/2 AoBR add a rhino and some other models...which helps since you need the orks too.

[Bucky_24]

Are Terminators really even all that? Sometimes they seem like it and others they look like a waste! (I watch A LOT of Battle Reports lol) But Arch, your crazy with the amount you have helped me! Heck you gave me a list of what looks like will fit perfect for me! But I might do the AoBR just because the Ork part (Seems to be able to save myself some money for when I got 1k )

[Architech]

I'm not allowed to use terminators any more...I only roll 1's for their saves. I only added them in because they are in the starter kit. If you don't want them...then don't get them. The one's in AoBR are pretty poorly equipped


Also helping new members is my job. If you want quick live feedback from lots of people, try using the forum IRC for some questions

[The Dark Pwner]

Hi there. Im a new IG player (last 6 months) and i can tell you that your not going to get 500 points from the IG BF. I suggest picking up a LRBT aswell. Heres a pretty simple 500 point army using the contents.

Company command Squad with Missile launcher
Veteran Squad with Lascannon
Veteran Squad with Lascannon
Heavy Sentinel with Plasma Cannon and Hunter Killer Missile
Leman Russ Battle Tank with Heavy Bolter Sponsons

Some people complain about LRs in 500 point games but i think its perfectly reasonable considering your waffer thin infantry.