zedmeister Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 So, I'm succumbing to further Forgeworld resin and am looking to arm up a small Alpha Legion force for 30k (and, occasionally, Tyrants Legion counts as for 40k). One thing I'm considering is a heavy support squad, though I'm stuck with what weapons to use. Currently veering towards using plasma cannons or missile launchers but I'm undecided. So, how do you equip yours? Any pros or cons with the options? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperors Teeth Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Well, missile launchers are Heavy Weapons Squads... not Support Squads... so I'll deal with them separately: Support Squad - 10 men with Volkite Calivers for high strength anti-infantry death. I will likely, as an Iron Hands player do a 5-man squad with Graviton guns. I feel meltas won't get in range, and plasma are too points-intensive. Heavy Weapons Squads - I want a 10-man missile team with flakk. Might not be the best use but it is quite an intimidating multi-purpose unit. I'm also doing a 5-man Lascannon team as any more costs too many points. Lastly, I want 10 Heavy Bolter guys as I'm concerting them with shoulder mounts. It'll be cool ----- I hear Volkite Culverins are very good; they're just not on my list yet. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3723938 Share on other sites More sharing options...
zedmeister Posted June 19, 2014 Author Share Posted June 19, 2014 Well, missile launchers are Heavy Weapons Squads... not Support Squads... so I'll deal with them separately: Support Squad - 10 men with Volkite Calivers for high strength anti-infantry death. I will likely, as an Iron Hands player do a 5-man squad with Graviton guns. I feel meltas won't get in range, and plasma are too points-intensive. Heavy Weapons Squads - I want a 10-man missile team with flakk. Might not be the best use but it is quite an intimidating multi-purpose unit. I'm also doing a 5-man Lascannon team as any more costs too many points. Lastly, I want 10 Heavy Bolter guys as I'm concerting them with shoulder mounts. It'll be cool :D ----- I hear Volkite Culverins are very good; they're just not on my list yet. Argh, meant heavy support squads! Sorry bud. Have updated the first post Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3723946 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slips Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Well, define support squad. You have Tactical Support squads which can take plasma/melta guns, Rotor cannons and volkite calivers. Then you've got Heavy Support squad which are essentially devestators but can atke heavy Flamers, Volkite Culverins and Autocannons in addition to their 40k gear. Do note that they ALL have to use the same weapon (exception being the sarge in some cases). With that in mind, it comes down to what you want the squad to do : anti light infantry/MEQ? consider Volkites because of Deflagrate rule among others. TEQ elimination squad? Think Plasma Guns. Anit Blobs? Heavy Flamers and so on. Bear in mind that if you use Volkites for 30k you'll probably have to turn them into counts-as Plasmas for 40k since they don't exist anymore stupid mechanicum and their "forgetfulness" *grumble-grumble* martian death beams *grumble* If I were to take heavy Support, you're best options would be Autocannons and Volkite Culverins For Tac Support either Plasma or Volkite since most vehicles worthy of Melta will have Armored Ceramite. With that said, in the HH Tactica theres a Topic Discussing Heavy Support Options and KItwulfen made a good post on what would constitute weighty options worth consideration. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3723947 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother-Chaplain Kage Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 In a local tourney years ago, I once ran across a Chaos player who managed to cram something like 17 autocannons into his army. Ever since I saw the HS support squad entry Betrayal, I've wanted to build a 10-strong unit with autocannons. Or maybe two of them. >_> Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3723966 Share on other sites More sharing options...
depthcharge12 Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 I've just recently played with plasma cannons (on Jetbikes) and volkite calivers (on support squad) and let me tell you, they are devastating either way! Missile launchers are nice and utilitarian, however if you play at lower points they are abit cheesy and now with 7th ed they can't even blow up vehicles anymore (say whaaaa?) I really recommend plasma cannons if you only have option between cannons and missile launchers, however when I played they worked brilliantly against tac blobs and terminators and such. I really recommend a big squad of volkite culverins as they absolutely wreck terminators!!! Don't let AP5 fool you...you wound on 2+ and shoot a lot of shots! which will force saves on terminators like crazy. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3723967 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armond Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 I have a ten man auto canon squad, waitin to get on the field. Buuuut, I am very much interested in using Volkites for the heavy support squad, just to give myself options. Good luck on whatever choice you make! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3723982 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SillyDreadnought Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 I typically run a squad with plasma cannons. They've yet to fail me. So much so I'm remaking them into a ten-strong squad. I've been looking at lascannons to support the Plasma Cannons, so I can pop a tank and then melt the contents. For my Zone Mortalis list, I've been pondering heavy bolters, heavy flamers and multi-meltas in 5-man teams instead. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3723984 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragonkin Arenis Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 I'm intending to have three Heavy Support squads in one of my high-point lists, armed with Missile Launchers, Lascannons and Plasma Cannons, but whether that's 5 or 10 man will depend on what points I have spare/whether I'm playing Apoc. Lascannons to pop tanks, Plasma Cannons to melt infantry and Missile Launchers to combat both. Can't complain about the results. Might look at Volkite Culverins as well, because Martian death rays are fun! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3724042 Share on other sites More sharing options...
badgermeister Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 i got fisted by 10 x volkite culvaerins in a zone mortalis game - my thallax didnt have a good game at that point when they started falling. i'm running 4 x different options on heavy support teams for zone mortalis - culvaerins, heavy flamers and autocannons (and calivers - i know they are support but i love the volk spam) I'm running them in bunches of 5 - so when i expand my board i'll get to use them all! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3724291 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperor's Furor Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I suppose your legion effects the choice, for example I figured infiltrating raven guard heavy support squads with multi meltas maybe devastating. Personally I wish there was more weapons I could fire on the move, for example for the word bearers I'm doing I want to lay down a hail of fire as I advance, I'm tempted to try rotor cannons but they don't look especially effective. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3724321 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nehekhare Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Considering I play IVth Legion, my special Heavy Support Squad gets flakk for +5 and has all the upgrades inbuilt plus tank hunters, wrecker and -1 cover, the nobrainer option is missle launchers (usually 8-9 on a bastion with ammo dump and a master of signal for 2+ re-rollable everything). If I had an unlimited supply of heavy slots, though, I'd consider autocannons - cheap can openers, even on regular dudes. I don't use Tactical Support squads because they are too expensive for 3+ sv models that are supposed to get into close range. Tacticals or Terminators do the same job better. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3724367 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TemujinZero Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Nehekhare's post just made me realise I've unwittingly made the most ridiculous heavy support squad ever. I definitely wanted to take a Volkite Culverin squad, because they are awesome. I needed somewhere safe for my master of signals to hang out, and my 10 man heavy support squad is the only unit in my force that doesn't want to infiltrate right up in my opponents face. I also had to have Alpharius to lead my army. All this together means I have a 40 shot culverin squad with BS5 and preferred enemy (everything). Against marines that's rerollable 2+ to hit and to wound. Here are some average damage outputs against various targets: MEQ: 16 wounds TEQ: 7 wounds GEQ: 69 wounds I think I need to split them into smaller squads. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725002 Share on other sites More sharing options...
zedmeister Posted June 21, 2014 Author Share Posted June 21, 2014 Wow, 69 potential kills.Volkites murderise GEQ. Honestly, I'm tempted to go Culverins or plasma cannons now... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725559 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyrannicide Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Autocannons or bust. Okay, I'm not a gamer. They're just so undeniably freaking cool. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725580 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armond Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Which is exactly why I have a unit of ten... Of course I am considering a unit of Volkites as well because they look awesome and they seem to have a pretty darn devastating effect on infantry. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725601 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilofix Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 But, wouldn't Signal with Heavy Squad of Plasma be better for 30K against MEQ rather than Volkite when there isn't any GEQ in 30K (at least not until a future HH book)? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725630 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TemujinZero Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Plasma cannons can suffer if the enemy unit spreads out or has good cover. Cover has no effect on Volkite Culverins for MEQS (unless they somehow get a 2+ cover save) since they get their armour save anyway. They are a terrifyingly reliable weapon. Plus they out-range the plasma cannons. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725650 Share on other sites More sharing options...
depthcharge12 Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 I personally can vouch for volkites. Even aiming them at 2+ save units is awesome Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725675 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Brother 92 Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I'll be running both Autocannons (as others mentioned... they look awesome and who DOESN'T like transhumans running about lugging mini-battle cannons (they are likely somewhere in the region of 1-1.25 cal if a bolter is 0.75)) and Volkites - again the awesomeness of Martian Death-Rays mixed with the sheer power put out by them. Also what is GEQ?? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725707 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NebuchandnezzarCD Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Also what is GEQ?? Either guardsmen equivalent or gretchin equivalent although anything can beat gretchin equivalent, even lasguns... I'm currently starting up a iron warriors army and this thread has been incredibly helpful, has anyone thought about multi meltas or do they just not make the cut? I know lascannons are overkill although autocannons could probably do their job just as well by sticking a siege breaker in the squad since he can give tank hunter to the squad. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725718 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Brother 92 Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Ahh cheers :) - as for meltas, I just find them ineffective if facing 30k MBTs due to the armour buffs - however vs 40k armies melta is still the good stuff (especially as now only those and lascannons can pop a LR now...) - autocannons seem to be the go-to for light/mid-armour busting needs with contemptors, melta-bombs and fists used for the AV13/14 stuff. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725721 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adra'Melek Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I've a unit of Multi-meltas but it's a Salamanders RoW so they're twin-linked. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3725940 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gab Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I've a unit of Multi-meltas but it's a Salamanders RoW so they're twin-linked. This, but why stop here? Max out on Pyroclasts, get 2+ armour saves as well! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3726000 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adra'Melek Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I have 10 Pyroclasts, but they don't get the twin-linked unfortunately. Only used them once and they were too slow and got shot up (ridiculously bad save rolls, up until the last one who took a Fury of the Legion from 18 close range marines and only failed two saves). Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292712-heavy-support-squads-how-do-you-arm-yours/#findComment-3726019 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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