Dark Eldar

[Wraith_Raven]

I just noticed something for the first time in all of my years of playing 40k. Does the Dark Eldar army not have assault raiders: basic troops armed with a splinter pistol and a close combat weapon. I have seen their warriors and raiders armed only with splinter rifles. I would think that such a race that is so close combat oriented would have assault troop options.

[anaximander]

I just noticed something for the first time in all of my years of playing 40k. Does the Dark Eldar army not have assault raiders: basic troops armed with a splinter pistol and a close combat weapon. I have seen their warriors and raiders armed only with splinter rifles. I would think that such a race that is so close combat oriented would have assault troop options.

Not in the current codex. it seems to me you are thinking that DE might have the eldar equivalent of storm guardians. "Not yet" is the answer. Who knows what the future codex might bring?

( PS A mod might want to move this thread, as it is not really an army list . )

Baragash: A Mod might, but we don't read every thread.....use the report button.

[shotcoder]

They really aren't a strictly close combat army. They are a Close Combat and Close Support army. This is why their vehicles are open topped and why they have rapid fire weapons.

The only real Close Combat units are Wyches, Archons, Archites, and Incubi. Anything else either inst used or is used to tear up the units from range before these units assault.

[anaximander]

Therre are different kinds of close combat armies IMO.

Some, such as space marines, are durable. They can last a few rounds in CC absorbing punishment and dealing a reasoanble amount back each turn.

DE are different. They have high initiative, and some good weapons, but are fragile. If they can get the charge, their 1st turn of CC can be devastating. However, if the CC lasts beyond 1 round they start to suffer badly. If you don't get it right on the 1st turn of assault, you don't last well.

[Wraith_Raven]

Good points all, and yes, I was thinking something the equivalent of the Eldar storm guardians. I do not play Dark Eldar; this is just an observation I made.

[Eternus]

Good points all, and yes, I was thinking something the equivalent of the Eldar storm guardians. I do not play Dark Eldar; this is just an observation I made.

I agree with the observation though - I expect to see a close combat equipped Dark Eldar squad in the new book. When it finally arrives that is.

I'd also like to see them do something about Reavers. They're supposed to be good assault troops - fair enough they're fast and have 1 higher strength and toughness than a Dark Eldar Warrior, but only 1 attack? Bike's are not really the best assault units, as they can't take additional cc weapons, limiting their number of attacks - not what you need from good assault troops.

[anaximander]

At the moment, reavers are good for attacking small squads, eg IG heavy weapons crews. With 2 blasters per reaver squad, they are not too bad at shooting tough stuff or tanks. But don't try and take on a horde ork or baby nid mob, because you will get swamped.

[Dark_Assassin]

Their assualt option is wyches. While they're mowed down by shooting, in CC they shine. Especially with Initiative 6, wych weapons, and a 4+ invulnerable save.

And some good rounds of shooting from the ravagers doesn't hurt either.

[Jerjare]

Yeah, as others have said, Wyches are their CC unit.

In a Wych Cult army, you take them as troops (Warriors become Elites). Warriors don't really need to have a pistol CCW because Wyches fill that niche very nicely- pistol/CCW, fleet, 4+ inv save in CC, free combat drug effect, and optional Wych Weapons which reduce enemy attacks and WS. They're also I6 which is good both on getting attacks off frist and polishing off an enemy squad.

For me I put them in squads of 10, lead by a Succubus with an agonizer (PW that always wounds on a 4+) mounted in a Raider. Its all very fragile, but realistically the unit only has to live long enough to get into CC; after that their abilities allow them to survive pretty well in their element. The combat drugs are particularly fun- +1 attack and 12" assaults are my 2 favorite results.

Reavers are also fun. Note that they get combat drugs too so they have a chance of having 2 attacks each. Also, a succubus/HQ with them can take a 1-handed weapon like an agonizer and then a tormentor helm to get that extra attack.