Viable tactics and loadouts for Vanguard Veterans

[Nusquam]

I usually run 10x w/JPs, x2 power swords, x1 power axe, SS/TH on sarg with Shrike. They do well if I play smart. My next step is taking x9, a Thunderhawk and putting them inside with a Chaplain and 10 combi sternguard.

[Lord Lorne Walkier]

Here's how I run mine (not saying this is the best by ANY means)

 

5x guys

sgt. w/ lightning claw (find the re-roll wounds can be really handy in challenges)

1x w/ power sword and bolt pistol

1x w/ power axe and bolt pistol

2x w/ storm shield and bolt pistol

All w/ jump packs

Usually run them in a storm raven.  I put the storm shield guys up front to take any wounds (that way I can use their save and if things go sour and I fail them, I don't lose extra points on weapons too)

 

Mine are 5 strong.  Sgt with Plasma pistol and Power fist, 1 power sword, 1 power axe, 2 plasma pistols.  Loaded in a Storm Raven with a Captain.  The Storm Raven really gives this unit a boost.  The safe attack angles you can create with minimal effort is sick.  The fact that the Storm Raven says it can transport jump troops is so over looked.   A part of me wants to find a way to add a storm shield but with the Storm Raven approach it might not be needed.

[Thunder Raven]

I run mine as X5 (& X5 two squads) one with Th/Ss on the troopers and Relic bade/storm shield on the SGT and the other with x2 lightning claws (re-rolls are always useful) power axe/sword and S/s on X2 more and SGT with relic blade and storm shield. I usually have them jump from storm ravens, 1st one on turn 3-4 and the next on 4-5. If my line is bending  I use the Th/ss guys as a counter punch unit to put the smack down on the most threatening enemy unit AND cause they're str 8 with a 3++ save they can take on all comers (dice willing of course) add a chaplain to the mix with either of the squads to cause some serious hurt. Just don't expose them to massed firepower (Even Orks will make a mess of your attack with some lucky rolls). If you play Blood Angels this tactic becomes even more effective as you only scatter 1D6 due to descent of angels rule.

[GreyCrow]

I feel like a Stormraven is a great delivery means for Vanguard Veterans ! I feel that their strong point is to specialize them as anti heavy stuff. While they are less damaging per base point than assault Terminators, their high mobility means you can precisely deliver the amount of low AP or high strengths attacks exactly where you want !

 

Another thing that is often overlooked in Vanguard Veterans is their ability to take a mixed loadout rather than a single set of weapons. I'm currently building up a squad that I plan to gear to deal with Sv 2+ and 3+ units, with Power Axe, Power Sword, Lightning Claw, Grav Pistol, Relic Blade/Stormshield on the Sergeant as an escort for a Power Fist/Lightning Claw Captain.

I have a Stormraven available but I don't believe I will run them in it all the times, they would probably be using it as a transport only when faced with a very punishing long range gunline and needing protection. Otherwise they'd start on the board and I'd happily use them as a counter assault unit on a flank.

[malorn24]

I am surprized that that the Gunslinger loadout isn't talked about more. Especially sicne just about everyone agrees in how frail they are. PP/BP is really nice when you arrive via deep strike. 5 AP 2 shots can really mess up a unit before your VV get to start running around. if you add a a couple SS to the mix for added fun then its all about a unit that is about harrassing the enemy more than charging in and swinging with your eyes closed. If you run Firehawks then you get +1 STR Hammer of Wrath then run thier named character then you get Hit and Run along with counter attack. Oh and they are objective escured. Not too shabby. personnally I think the VV are great when you using them like a very irattating gnat that has a big stinger.