Dealing with high point costs

[TyrionTheImp]

It's a well known fact that the Dark Angels Codex suffers from higher cost than our C:SM counterparts, but how can we flush out the good parts of our codex in low cost games where Deathwing and Ravenwing can only come in very little (if any) numbers? Personally, I have passed the 1500 point mark points wise, but my primary opponent (we're both available at the same time for games) has not, thus I have resorted to using C:SM for our games until he gets more points.

 

However, what about new comers who decide to tread down the path of the Unforgiven? What advice can we give them in building army lists for low cost games? What parts of our codex can we fit into minimal amounts of points and do potentially just as well as normal SM players?

 

For instance: Venerable Dreadnoughts are significantly cheaper than C:SM ones, and while they lack WS/BS 5, they get glance-only smoke launchers, and still maintain AV12 which can be a tough nut to crack in low points games, especially with the Venerable rule. These points saved can usually make up for the higher points cost of basic tacticals.

 

I feel much of the tactics and such discussed on the forum are devoted to 1500 up, which is fine as tournaments are generally held at that level, however many new players might feel lost in that they can't find much help in smaller games when they first start out. This may lead them to lose interest or feel frustrated, particularly when they can't yet get to the higher levels where our strengths generally become more visible.

[farseerixirvost]

I see your point. Dark Angels can be a bit pricier compared to their codex counterparts. However, in many cases, it does not strike me as a gross difference in points. And for lower point games, I'd concentrate more on the "basics" with a little icing put on top (rather than trying for a cupcake with a layer cake's worth of icing).

 

The "standard" 10-man lascannon-plasmagun-power sword sgt tactical squad is only 10 pts cheaper for codex marines. Seems like Missiles are all the rage these days, which is another 10 points cheaper in the codex version. But we're still only talking 10 to 20 points of savings.

 

Where Dark Angels can excel is in Belial. Without question, one of the best HQ choices for his cost.

 

For lower point games, I'd suggest a couple tac squads in rhinos (just over 500 points) and then add Belial (now just over 650), a squad of terminators (now just over 900), and a Landspeeder. My *quick* 1k list would be thus:

 

Belial

Deathwing w/ Assault Cannon & Chainfist

10 Tac - Lascannon, Meltagun, P-Fist Sgt., Rhino w/ X-armor

10 Tac - Plasma Cannon, Plasmagun, P-Fist Sgt., Rhino w/ X-armor

Landspeeder - MM & HF

 

1k on the nose

 

For a "Deathwing" force...

 

Belial

Deathwing w/ Assault Cannon & Chainfist

Deathwing w/ Assault Cannon & Chainfist

Deathwing w/ CML & Chainfist

Dreadnought w/ MM & HF

 

Note: Twin-LCs and TH/SS are "free" upgrades, so you can sprinkle in those as desired throughout the DW squads. Also, a Plasma Cannon or Twin Autocannon is same "free" as a Dread's MM, so you can swap that to taste.

 

 

Don't get me wrong, I DO see your point. Dark Angels are comparatively over priced, and in many instances, tote sub-standard gear (CML and TH/SS on termies for examples). But all armies have some tough choices at lower point games, and in the end, a Dark Angel force is only going to be missing a few minor things compared to a codex equivalent.

 

{and having said all of that, I do think your idea of just playing them as Codex:SM is not a bad option}