Starting with Space Wolves

[Runemaster]

I've been playing WHFB for a while but never ventured into 40k... Anyhow with the new edition it felt like a good time to start up. I've been looking at getting a space wolf army for a while as the beer and close combat skills match my fantasy dwarf army well.

 

But to be honest I have little idea where to start with in getting an army list together and and choosing how to put together those first few models.

 

Has anybody got suggestions on a basic list that I can expand from and the best ways to build up my first sets of models.

 

So far I have :

 

Rhino x2

 

10 grey hunters (1 with flamer , 1with missile launcher.. (Yes I know they can't have one so this will be converted soon...)

 

2 librarian / rune priests

 

1hero type... Could be lone wolf or an hq

 

1 box of 10 space wolves to be built up as you might suggest..

 

 

I'm looking to get more but not sure what might be most use first perhaps long fangs? Or maybe get the battalion box?

 

 

So anyhow any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

R.

[Karack Blackstone]

Welcome to the Fang, Brother!

 

Ale is indeed part of what we do here, and it's that way. However, we also smite the Emperor's foes in His name well, and that is what I wanted to discuss with you here.

 

Leave the ML SW alone, as you can build more from the Devastator Box set, or order the special ML's online and go from there. Long Fangs are solid this edition, and were last; LF's are arguably our best Heavy Support slot, so I'd consider not altering that one Space Wolf with a Missile Launcher.

 

As far as the other ten SW's go, if you get one or two Devastator boxes, this can be used to build out two LF packs, with some Heavy Weapons that should prove useful overall. Sadly, ML's only come in singles in the Dev box; however, there are other ways to get them online. Any given web browser should assist in this.

 

Otherwise, nothing wrong with more Grey Hunters! MG's can be ordered from the GW site, or online as well; a few Tactical Marine ten man boxes will possibly push your force further, thus allowing more SW bits to go around.

 

How are the ten GH's you already have built modeled? BP and CCW, Bolter, Bolter and CCW? I often find telling the difference between packs can be as easy as weapons, or paint jobs, depending upon the person running said GH's.

[Russ Brother 92]

I've been playing WHFB for a while but never ventured into 40k... Anyhow with the new edition it felt like a good time to start up. I've been looking at getting a space wolf army for a while as the beer and close combat skills match my fantasy dwarf army well.

 

But to be honest I have little idea where to start with in getting an army list together and and choosing how to put together those first few models.

 

Has anybody got suggestions on a basic list that I can expand from and the best ways to build up my first sets of models.

 

So far I have :

 

Rhino x2

 

10 grey hunters (1 with flamer , 1with missile launcher.. (Yes I know they can't have one so this will be converted soon...) - keep the missile launcher for your future long fangs - you'll need it, also in 6th flamers are brilliant for keeping objectives as they get D3 hits in overwatch.

 

2 librarian / rune priests - always useful, allows you to either mix it up with 1 using SW powers and the other using a rulebook set.

 

1hero type... Could be lone wolf or an hq keep it possible for both as then it's useable for ether of those two or as another wolf guard.

 

1 box of 10 space wolves to be built up as you might suggest.. I'd personally suggest build them as grey hunters with 2 plasma guns, this will give you decent troops with the ability to take out terminators and other 2+ save guys.

 

 

I'm looking to get more but not sure what might be most use first perhaps long fangs? Or maybe get the battalion box? from experience the battalion/battle force is a great way to get more units quickly - long fangs whilst not required are always useful :D

 

 

So anyhow any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

R.

 

comments in red, hope this helps brother - otherwise I suggest having a look at this: Valerian's Guide To Building For 6th Ed.

[Kassill]

While I echo what my brothers have said, I must firstly say, Welcome the Aett, or the Fang as some call it! Grab an ale and listen well! Many greybeards will be glad to help you get started in your journey ahead. We like to see our brothers succeed and start strong.

 

 

Now, onto what you have.

 

 

Everything you have sounds solid, and I would keep it that way (like my brothers have said, just set aside the ML guy for a future long fang pack)

 

 

Now, onto additions.

 

Firstly, Grey Hunters, Grey Hunters, Grey Hunters, GREY HUNTERS! They will be the solid core of any Great Company both in the fluff and on the field. They are arguably one of the best troop choices currently and should be used extensively.

 

Long Fangs will be a great addition to give you that long range punch to knock out vehicles, MC"s, or open up gaps in larges formations of troops. These will most likely always fill your Heavy Slots before anything else.

 

Rune Priests, you already have 2, so you are good to go there. They will give your army a strong Pyschic role on the field, both in offensive and defense, and kit one out right, he can be great at taking on Daemons.

 

Wolf Guard. These guys are unique as they can fill a lot of roles, from pack leaders to brute force in the form of TDA clad WG. They will be strong contender for at least one Elite slot in any army.

 

Those are the big ones I figured I'd throw out, while there are still many great units to look out (TWC, Wolf Scouts, etc etc) I believe a strong base force should be built from the for mentioned.

 

Now, onto collecting these. I personally love our Battle Force Box. I think it is one of the best out there. Some may disagree but I have been fairly please with it. I guess it really comes down to A) will you ever use the Drop Pod ( I do) and B ) Do the Wolf Scouts fill a role for your (So far have, but not sure about this edition)

 

So, for any starting player I would recommend

 

1) 2 Battle Force Boxes (Gives your 40 Grey Hunters or Blood Claws (I'd always go for Hunters for starters), 10 Scouts, and 2 DP's

-Alternatively, you could mix it up like I have seen a few do and get 1 SW BFB and 1 SM BFB and kit bash the two together. Up to your, but I would still try and squeeze out as many Hunters as I could

 

2) 1-2 Long Fangs (Can be kitbashed from a Devastator box and a SW box (or bits) or made entirely from a SW box and heavy weapon bits (ie, if you bought all ML's from a bits site)

 

3) 1-2 Wolf Guard (PA from the SW box, TDA from the SW TDA box)

 

 

 

This is all just my opinions though, and not a "You have to buy these things to make a great army!". I think with these, in any combination would be a good bolster to an existing force you have. Hope this helps. ;)

[Forté]

Woo hoo...fresh meat to brawl with...wha...you sure...can't I...not even once? Humph. Oh well. Sure I spotted Arez snoozing. Got some teabags for him.

 

As for your list. Looks like you've already had the best advice so I won't repeat it.

 

And welcome to the Fang. Now where's that whelp sleeping...

*wanders of muttering to himself about slapping, old, grey, zimmer frames....*

[hendrik]

welcome to the fang whelp! ;)

as kassil said the battlebox is a good buy i'f you're interested in a droppod army. however, if you think mechanised/footslogging is more your thing i'd suggest to buy standard space marine battleforces instead and atleast 1 space wolf box so you ahve acces to the SW bits to spread them out evenly throughout the force;

This will give you the following:

10 wolf scouts

10 skyclaws

40 standard marines (can become HQ, wolf guard, grey hunters, bloodclaws,...)

2 rhinos: these can be used as rhinos but also usefull to playtest any other rhino based vehicle such as predators,vindicators,razorbacks etc

 

edit: another tip: unless it's in a battelforce, never ever buy rhinos, even if you want to field one just buy a razorback: for only 2.5£more you get all the options to build either a razorback or a rhino just by switching the to hatch

[Kassill]

welcome to the fang whelp! :)

as kassil said the battlebox is a good buy i'f you're interested in a droppod army. however, if you think mechanised/footslogging is more your thing i'd suggest to buy standard space marine battleforces instead and atleast 1 space wolf box so you ahve acces to the SW bits to spread them out evenly throughout the force;

This will give you the following:

10 wolf scouts

10 skyclaws

40 standard marines (can become HQ, wolf guard, grey hunters, bloodclaws,...)

2 rhinos: these can be used as rhinos but also usefull to playtest any other rhino based vehicle such as predators,vindicators,razorbacks etc

 

edit: another tip: unless it's in a battelforce, never ever buy rhinos, even if you want to field one just buy a razorback: for only 2.5£more you get all the options to build either a razorback or a rhino just by switching the to hatch

 

 

Good tip Hendrik, I always forget to mention that one. :P

[Runemaster]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

I'll start stocking up on Grey Hunters then, and also try to find some Long Fangs.

 

I think a SW BFB will be the way to go first, a drop pod may be useful to add to my Rhinos and the troops in it seem to make sense.

 

Any ideas on how I should be arming my Grey Hunters (for the extra heavy weapon choice I mean.?) and also the Long Fangs?.... all with missile launchers?

 

Yes I realised that Razorbacks were better if buying new, but I got mine cheap 2nd hand, but I am building them up to be magnetised and will add in magnetic weaponry as I build up the army.

 

Looking forward to playing 40k soon, am organising a learning game at my local club next week.

 

Thanks again.

 

R.

[Karack Blackstone]

Grey Hunters can only use special weapons: Meltagun, Plasma gun, Flamer; we don't get Heavy Weapons outside of Long Fangs or Vehicles.

 

GH's get BP, BG, CCW base (Bolt Pistol, Boltgun/Bolter, Chainsword). They may switch out based on the SW Codex to a Meltagun, Plasma gun or Flamer for one Boltgun; PP for a BP, and any Power Weapon for a Chainsword. Power Fists, if purchased for a GH pack also would swap for the Chainsword, as one wants the pistol for shooting and to assist in CC.

 

Razorbacks can be amazing, and will greatly bolster your ranks: Rhinos for GH's, and Razorbacks for LF's. By getting the right mix of Razorback Turrets, you should have TLHB and TLLC available at any time.

 

On WG: they are great even in PA, however their currently most effective loadout is under discussion. I have six PA WG with a Fist and BP; while not ideal for some, it sure does carry some much needed effective anti-vehicle and anti-terminator. Power Axes may be better overall, being the same AP, fewer points, and the option of one more die on the attack/counter-attack. I also have an older build of a PA WG with paired WC's. There are many options for making our Sergeants; what will work best for you, however, is hard to tell yet.

 

Getting the BRB memorized is going to take time, however it is an investment that will greatly reward you in the long run.

[hendrik]

judging by your comment i think you actually should buy our SW codex first :)

[Runemaster]

No, sorry you misunderstand me..

 

I wondered which is the best option of the special weapons.. (sorry my bad not heavy weapons..) to model up the units with? If I go and model them up with flamers in each group then realise that is a stupid choice it would be a bit of a pain, so that was why I was asking about the best choice. I know they have different purposes but just wondered if there was something to avoid, or one that was much better?

 

 

Similarly with the Long Fangs, make them all up with missile launchers or have a mixture?

 

Sorry if I wasn't clear ;)

 

R.

[Fytharin]

No, sorry you misunderstand me..

 

I wondered which is the best option of the special weapons.. (sorry my bad not heavy weapons..) to model up the units with? If I go and model them up with flamers in each group then realise that is a stupid choice it would be a bit of a pain, so that was why I was asking about the best choice. I know they have different purposes but just wondered if there was something to avoid, or one that was much better?

 

 

Similarly with the Long Fangs, make them all up with missile launchers or have a mixture?

 

Sorry if I wasn't clear ;)

 

R.

 

Having only played one game I'll give you my beginner advice. When starting out and you're limited by only just starting out I think it isn't wise to take groups that can only do one thing. A pack Long Fangs with only missle launchers for instance. I could be wrong but when you're limited by what they can do and then through some turn of events, they become useless well, now you have a pack running around that you can't even use so there's a huge waste of points. So I would say mixture

[Karack Blackstone]

judging by your comment i think you actually should buy our SW codex first ;)

Do please explain what you think I'm missing, when overloading one model with special upgrades makes them too important to lose, as well as there's nothing that seems concrete to me just yet, as the dust is still settling from the edition reset.

 

No, sorry you misunderstand me..

 

I wondered which is the best option of the special weapons.. (sorry my bad not heavy weapons..) to model up the units with? If I go and model them up with flamers in each group then realise that is a stupid choice it would be a bit of a pain, so that was why I was asking about the best choice. I know they have different purposes but just wondered if there was something to avoid, or one that was much better?

 

 

Similarly with the Long Fangs, make them all up with missile launchers or have a mixture?

 

Sorry if I wasn't clear ;)

 

R.

 

Many here tend to favor the same special weapons, or the same combi on a WG + special weapon, if there's a space issue due to transport and pack size.

 

One or two Plasma guns for primary objective sitters, also for enemy PA and TDA hunting; one or two Flamers for anti-horde or for getting 1D3 autohits on overwatch; one or two Meltaguns for anti-vehicle and all-rounders lists.

 

These are all old edition considerations; the new one has just basically forced a rethink as far as the game goes, so these may change over time, depending.

[Wulfebane]

judging by your comment i think you actually should buy our SW codex first :)

Do please explain what you think I'm missing, when overloading one model with special upgrades makes them too important to lose, as well as there's nothing that seems concrete to me just yet, as the dust is still settling from the edition reset.

 

I think he was referring to the OP.

 

 

These are all old edition considerations; the new one has just basically forced a rethink as far as the game goes, so these may change over time, depending.

 

This also applies to the LF heavy weapon question. At present, the new flakk missiles for missile launchers have not been "released" (meaning we don't know which units will get them or their cost), so LF theorizing has been on hold til then due to Skyfiring at flyers. In 5th, the most popular was all missile launcher (missile spam), and some have mentioned that they've been adding a lascannon. Another sect of people have been opting for heavy bolters and plasma cannons; the bolters 3 shots intended to glance a vehicle's HP down to 0, and the plasma to counter any AP2 units that could give our GHs an issue (namely TDA).

 

What this means? To me, it's still all up to preference. However, if it is determined our missile launchers will get flakk missiles, I think it will maintain dominance.. at the very least for one pack of LF. As to what Fytharin said, I'm not sure he's seeing the bigger picture. A pack wholly of missile launchers can choose between frag or krak, making them far more versatile than say a pack full of lascannons or heavy bolters.

[Runemaster]

Thanks Wulfebane, that makes sense.

 

I guess I need to remember that lots of things are still being worked out in 6th ed. I am coming from my dwarfs where I know their strengths and weaknesses and there are clear ways to get started with an army.

 

Still looking forward to getting started with this. 2 Rhinos just put together and working on a group of Grey Hunters now... there are a lot of bits on those sprues....

 

Thanks

 

R.

[Fytharin]

As to what Fytharin said, I'm not sure he's seeing the bigger picture. A pack wholly of missile launchers can choose between frag or krak, making them far more versatile than say a pack full of lascannons or heavy bolters.

 

He is a she, and she was thinking along the lines of how long the squad would last during an assault with only missle launchers. A single target shot vs a blast which will harm your own unit I believe as well or instead have one or two units in the squad with weapons more prepared to help defend. So instead of having five why not take four or three, because in a lower point game, which is what you'll have when you first start out, it's important I think to have that flexibility where as in say a 2000pt game I think a full squad of missle launchers would be a bit more viable. Would that not be so?

 

Next person to call me a 'he' will get slapped with my beer stein.

[Karack Blackstone]

As to what Fytharin said, I'm not sure he's seeing the bigger picture. A pack wholly of missile launchers can choose between frag or krak, making them far more versatile than say a pack full of lascannons or heavy bolters.

 

He is a she, and she was thinking along the lines of how long the squad would last during an assault with only missle launchers. A single target shot vs a blast which will harm your own unit I believe as well or instead have one or two units in the squad with weapons more prepared to help defend. So instead of having five why not take four or three, because in a lower point game, which is what you'll have when you first start out, it's important I think to have that flexibility where as in say a 2000pt game I think a full squad of missle launchers would be a bit more viable. Would that not be so?

 

Next person to call me a 'he' will get slapped with my beer stein.

 

Understood.

 

And hendrik, I thought your comment was directed to me; my apologies for taking your statement personally.

 

As things are, ML's x 3 and LC x 2 is what I go with personally for two LF packs; add on my third with 5 x HB's and a fourth with 5 x PC and I think, other than weapon protection, I'm not doing that bad.

 

ML's in general will likely be great, once we get Flakk missiles; this of course assumes that we do get Flakk missiles. If for whatever reason we do not, then likely we will be stuck getting the Stormraven Gunship, as near as I can figure, we SW's will likely need both the SM and SW 6th Ed Codeci to play properly, this time around.

[Forté]

Next person to call me a 'he' will get slapped with my beer stein.

Hehehehehehehehehehehehehe

 

Hendrik...help. I'm gonna need restraining if this carries on. The old days are trying to get the better of me. :) :wallbash: :whoops:

[Fytharin]

Next person to call me a 'he' will get slapped with my beer stein.

Hehehehehehehehehehehehehe

 

Hendrik...help. I'm gonna need restraining if this carries on. The old days are trying to get the better of me. :wallbash: :whoops: :whoops:

 

I feel like I'm missing a very key piece of information... :)

[hendrik]

as hendrik sat silently by the fire, the flames flickered brightly, dancing under the sound of crisping wood and embers. this spectacle of light gave hendriks face a dark and sinister look. As the whelps gathered around him the old greybeard began to tell the whelps about the history of the fang. Cheers of joy and sounds of dread could he heard as his story continued and the whelps heard the saga of legendary heroes such as bran scalphunter, beef and many others!

 

to answer a couple of questions:

-my remark about the codex was a joke over runemasters statement about the heavy weapon in our grey hunter pack and not ment about you karack :D

-@runemaster:which special weapon to take, easy, order some magnets and magnetize the different options. the other choice you could do is to leave the arms of those grey hunter models and playtest them for a couple of games (each option atleast 3 games!) and then decide which you like best

-@fytharin: what you're missing is a good brawl and the customs we had before the "incident". more then a year ago the fang was a forum breezing with life under the form of roleplaying through brawls, and even fan written stories about frequent posters here. however things got out of hand and people started to mix up the fan written fiction with other topics. one of the biggest issues was who could be counted as a veteran space wolf in the stories and who was still a whelp (a bloodclaw). since this had reached a point to which our role playing that had made us so famous became a black stein on our history me and others decided to abruply end all forms of roleplaying, brawling and sagas0 In fact I've retained myself from using the word whelp around here for quite a while. back in those days when roleplaying was still a big part of this forum we had two bloodclaws named forte and arez who had earned themselves quite a reputation for brawling.

Nowadays the fang has moved on and finds itself more in line with all the other subforums, yet, there are those moments when we sometimes do miss those "old" days.*

 

 

*note that this is the only thing is wish to say about this matter since this topic is not the place nor is it the time to discuss roleplaying, brawling or any other activity within this sub forum

[Forté]

Very well put Hendrik. Our history is still to be found within these pages but don't awaken those laying dormant for the wrath of Lord Rags and his Priests can be great.

 

Must say though. It's good to see so many new names here these days.

[Kassill]

Very well put Hendrik. Our history is still to be found within these pages but don't awaken those laying dormant for the wrath of Lord Rags and his Priests can be great.

 

Must say though. It's good to see so many new names here these days.

 

 

Indeed. These Hallowed Halls have been a bit lackluster as of late. Seems 6th has spurred a new incursion of whelps! :pinch: :blink:

[Forté]

Very well put Hendrik. Our history is still to be found within these pages but don't awaken those laying dormant for the wrath of Lord Rags and his Priests can be great.

 

Must say though. It's good to see so many new names here these days.

 

 

Indeed. These Hallowed Halls have been a bit lackluster as of late. Seems 6th has spurred a new incursion of whelps! :cuss ;)

And old wanderers returning to the great drinking halls too don't forget ;)

[postal105]

Very well put Hendrik. Our history is still to be found within these pages but don't awaken those laying dormant for the wrath of Lord Rags and his Priests can be great.

 

Must say though. It's good to see so many new names here these days.

 

 

Indeed. These Hallowed Halls have been a bit lackluster as of late. Seems 6th has spurred a new incursion of whelps! :P ;)

And old wanderers returning to the great drinking halls too don't forget :tu:

 

i have to agree with all of the above and i also agree with forte i am having to restrain my self :whistling: :whoops: :wallbash: :wallbash:

 

 

welcome to the fang may your sage be long and glorious.

 

Fytharin just be careful where you aim that stein.

 

 

as for adding to your army Runemaster i would add long fangs and you sorta of all ready have a start with the guy with the missile launcher. so pick up a space wolf power armor box a devastator box and maybe some close combat scouts use the extra bits in the space wolf power armor box to wolf out the other two boxes. also in the close combat scouts you will get a heavy bolter that you can convert for use in your long fangs.