combi weapons

[Raensleyar]

I have noticed in a number of threads people recommending and using combi-weapons.

 

Since they can only shoot once in a game, how come people find them so effective. What am I missing?

 

Also, if terminators take a combi weapon, does it "attach" to a stormbolter?

 

 

Thanks.

[skeletoro]

First, they're really good because the first shot often is the last.

 

That is:

 

I shoot 30 plasma shots. You lose half your marines.

You then return fire. But you're half tabled already...

 

In other words, kills on turn 1 are vastly more valuable than kills on turn 3. And whose to say your special weapon user will even survive more than a turn or two? They very well may not. Combi-weapons may look expensive, at 5 points for a single turn of shooting, but front-loaded damage is where. It's. At. Yo.

 

It's not "Attached" to the storm bolter. The combi-weapon replaces it. Once you've used the combi-attack, it functions exactly like a regular (non-storm) bolter for the rest of the game. If it's wielded by a terminator, that's not a huge deal (within 12" at least, it will perform the same as a storm bolter would anyway).

[Grey Mage]

If you file a barrel off the stormbolter and attach the barrel of hte melta/plasma/flamer it works as a combi. Rules wise its a poster though, so only one shot tell youre at 12".

 

I get mileage out of my dual specials, especially double plasma- wich starts at 24" out. I like having several turns of threat off them, but I dont care for running WGPLs so its an easy choice for me.

[Raensleyar]

Great. Thanks for the clarification. Much appreciated.

 

So, on terminators, worth trading out a stormbolter for combi .... or just use the combi for the power armor guys?

 

Thanks.

[maverike_prime]

I have tried combi-weapons. Multiple times in multiple armies. I've had people swear by them and declare they're the best option available to marine players.I have personally never found them to be worth it. Either I miss with the 5 point shot, or my guy who is carrying said weapon is killed before he can use it. Based on my expierence, I won't take Combi-weapons any more. But give it a shot. If they work out for you, use 'em.

[Grey Mage]

Ill get it for guys with Powerfists, since theyre not getting a cheap extra attack anyways no matter what I do. With WGTDA who just have PWs, Ill keepem cheap.

[Apahllo]

I have noticed in a number of threads people recommending and using combi-weapons.

 

Since they can only shoot once in a game, how come people find them so effective. What am I missing?

 

Also, if terminators take a combi weapon, does it "attach" to a stormbolter?

 

 

Thanks.

skeletoro has got it. alpha strike in mass. 

 

in games above 1500 i always bring a 5 man combi/wolfgaurd squad in a pod, usually melta but im considering flamers... wound saturation is where its at.

[skeletoro]

I wouldn't necessarily recommend a combi-weapon for a WGPL, anyway. I mean, it's a very solid choice, but it's not the ONLY choice. It's valid to choose to keep the bolt pistol, potentially. For WGPL, it's a harder choice and there are a few good builds.

 

For TDAWG units, I'm not really sure there's a whole lot of point to fielding storm bolters. Maybe if you were planning to foot slog, I'd go that route (it's hard to alpha strike if you're toddling across the board). Alternatively, in a loganwing army, I'd consider equipping one smallish unit of TDAWG with storm bolters so that they can contest and maintain a high rate of fire at 24." I'd give the rest a mix of combi/axe (or claw) and claw/fist (or TH, or CF) and I'd be aiming for a delivery mechanism that ensures that I'm offloading my combi weapons before taking many casualties (or any, ideally).  Massed Land Raiders works for that, as would drop pods (but you don't get to charge after landing), or storm eagles/caestus assault rams (but you're looking at a T3 charge at best).

[Raensleyar]

thanks for the detailed responses. very helpful!

[Ozeryk_Sleipnijr]

5 WGTDA + 5 combi plasma in a Drop pod scares the hell out of even a demon lord. At 1500 pts + I dont leave home without them.

[Rune Priest Jbickb]

@ozeryk just had my first game with that unit and loved it. After my opponent pews a little they tore apart a squad of 5 nobs with the 2+ armor (i forget how they get it) Definatly keeping that unit around.

[Valerian]

5 points is pretty cheap for an extra special weapon shot, regardless of where you're at. A double-plasma blast or an extra melts shot when coming out of a Drop Pod or Land Raider can/will usually make a big difference in the results of your assault.

[dswanick]

Two of my main Grey Hunter packs (8-man, Plasmagun, Power Weapon, MotW, Standard) are accompanied by a PAWGPL with a Combi-Meltagun because they don't get more than one opportunity to open up a vehicle per game.  But when they do get  the chance...