Value of Swiftclaws in a bike-centric army

[Jagdwulfe]

I started building (well, mostly dreaming about) a wolf army with a bike core a while back. Then the new codex came out and changed everything (for the better, wolf guard bikers! yeah!).

So here's my latest issue... Is there a tactical reason to include Swiftclaws in my "bike" list? The base point cost between WG bikers and SC is only 5pts each. I'd like to include 2 minimal squads for personal reasons... 1) I've already built them and am planning aesthetic differences between WG and regulars (Kromlech shoulders and backpack for WG...) and, being rather lazy, would rather not replace all those bits. 2) I've already bought two attack bikes so I'd also like them to be included.

Number one I could deal with. Two is a little harder to swallow. Wasted minis and whatnot. If only there was a WG attack bike option ;-)

 

I guess I won't always be playing a CotGW with tons of elites so maybe the attack bikes will get rotated in from time to time and I shouldn't worry about it.

But would two minimal squads of swiftclaws with melta gun and MM attack bike be worth it in a WG bike army? Tactically I'm guessing more WG with combiMeltas would work out better considering the Swiftclaw BS...

 

Hoping for a good reason to inlcude them, but feel free to dash my hopes ;-)

Thanks

[Commander_Moustache]

Two minimal units with attack backs should be fine. I mean it will add some much needed firepower (mm being the better option and flamers for the sc) and of course, a wolf guard with a power weapon (axe I think).

 

This will give you a small squad offering fire support and can charge into a small unit or two to whipe them out. And still be a throw away unit (because it will come to 150 pts)

[Frater Cornelius]

I like minimal 3 man swifts with WGPL carrying a melta bomb and maybe a melta thrown in as well. Very effective MSU tank hunting going on there. They can also be effective taken naked for capping objectives. 60 points for 3 bikes, this is almost Eldar level.

[MeatGrinder]

The fact that WG bikers get so much for that 5pt differance means Ill likely never use my swiftclaws again. An extra ccw, extra base attack, extra point of WS/BS.

Try the champions of fenris detatchment. It lets you skip taking troops units and instead uses elites to fulfil the mandatrory force org. Meaning you can focus on WG on bikes.

[Frater Cornelius]

Wrong. Swifts get one thing. You can take then in units of 3, not 5. This increases their value as dedicated scorers and light transport hunters.

[eyeslikethunder]

And multimeltas / heavy bolters

[Jagdwulfe]

Thanks for the input brothers.

I hadn't considered their value as dedicated scorers. That's the piece of information I needed to tip the scales on their favor ;-)

 

Looks like I'll only have to replace bits on half of 'em. And that means I won't have to buy as many new bikes to build my WG Bike squads. Rockin'!

[SamaNagol]

Swiftclaws are such a waste of points. They have god awful BS3 so putting any ranged weapon upgrades on them is sub-optimal. Weak WS 3 so those 3 or 4 attacks they get arent statistically any better than a normal marine apart from in variance. And if you lose 1 model you are taking a break test on their distinctly average looking Leadership.

 

For 125pts for 5 WG out of the CoF book you get 4 attacks whether charging or charged at WS5, BS4 twin linked bolters, Ld9. That unit will run around and clear off any cheap and cheerful Troop unit in the backfield that's trying to hold an objective. You retain the same mobility so they can leap onto free objectives too last turn or during Maelstrom missions. Throw in a Meltabomb and they can reliably take out light transports too with 4 Krak and a Melta or even try the 16 S4 attacks on rear armour 10. You should glance out a Rhino when you factor in HoW hits.

 

Swiftclaws arent Eldar Jetbikes. 

 

TBH if you have already built them and you can stomach it, just make yourself a Bike captain, magnetise the arms and use him to Counts As a White Scars chap. Now your squad is scoring and you just got a character to give Hit & Run to the 'proper' Wolf Guard unit.

[Frater Cornelius]

But they come damn close to Eldar JB. They move 12" less while boosting but have T5 and cost 3 points more per model.

 

They can easily exist alongside WG bikes. WG are too expensive to be dedicated scorers. Dey iz made 4 FITE!

The one major problem I see with Swifts is that they share a slot with FW, SW and TWC.