Assault Options for Terminators

[November]

Hey all,

 

I'm in the planning stages of my next legion project, having completed the Blood Angels in my signature.

 

I'm toying with the idea of an Iron Warriors force, and having acquired around 30 B@C terminators, i'm wondering what would be a good load out for a 10 man assault focussed unit?

 

I was thinking along the lines of using two heavy flamers, a smattering of chainfists and the remainder dual wielding lightning claws. I've picked up the new FW upgrade kits, so theres the option of thunder hammers/power maces too.

 

Thanks in advance for suggestions help.

[AlphariusOmegon108]

2x heavy flamer, 3x chainfist, 4x power weapon and combi weapon, 3x pair of lightning claws

[Slips]

Depends on what they're assaulting.

 

I'd opt for Ap2 Melee Weapons on terminators over Ap3 Weapons every time even in a Generalist Loadout or keep the Ap2/Ap3 to a 2:1 or 3:1 Ratio.

 

If they're going after specific targets:

• vs 3+ Saves then LC's and Power Swords are cool. Shooting weapons are up to you but with them being either Ap2 or Ap4 or worse its up in the air.
• vs 4+ Saves or Worse, Power Mauls, Reaper Autocannons.
• vs Hordes, Heavy Flamers, Combi-Flamers and Single Claws
• vs 2+ Saves, Plasma Blasters, Combi-Plasma and Power Fists

But, In general, always include 1 in 5 chainfists in the event that you need to kill AV and always give the Squad Sergeant an Ap2 Weapon to deal with any 2+ Save Challengers.

 

Also, if they're a unit that isn't entirely Unwieldy, the Grenade Harness becomes a solid upgrade in the event that you charge into terrain.

 

As a General "Can deal with everything Ok" loadout:

• 2 Chain Fists
• 2-3 Claws (paired or otherwise) or 2-3 Swords if points are an issue
• Power Fist on the Sarge
• 4-5 Power Fists or Axes as points allow.

Guns are totally up to you but I'd opt for the Plasma Blaster as option #1 since each one gives you 2 Plasma shots at 18" and with S7 Ap2 can even get you an Explodes Result on medium/light armor from time to time if needed.

[Guiltysparc]

What are your thoughts on volkites instead of combi-bolters?  Seems like a semi-cheap upgrade that could do well.

[Slips]

Good for 4+ saves or worse, mostly. vs MEQ or better it requires a lot of Volume of Fire to be truly effective.

[November]

Thanks for the advice, agree with your points in general.

 

I think I'd initially thought the heavy flamers would be useful in so far as volume of hits.

 

I imagine my main targets will be other marines (3+) hence, the dual lightening claws. I don't think that the IW rules are very well setup for their terminators to go "toe to toe" with high end assault units (SoH terminators for example) and as such, I think I see there role as going after high value 3+ save units with comparable initiative, maximising their 2+ saves and higher attacks.

 

I should have probably said, I plan to have a second shooting unit (with AP2 attacks and lower initiative CC weapons) in addition to a a Tyrant unit with chainfists. I'd like the option to rule PotL or Golg.

[TemujinZero]

The 'standard' loadout is combi-weapons and power fists, with 2-3 chainfists, and perhaps a plasma blaster.  A heavy flamer is a perfectly fine choice.  I don't like power weapons on Terminators because they don't have pistols for the extra attack, so the 5 points for ID against most enemies is difficult to turn down.  A decent volume of S8 AP2 attacks will cause trouble for pretty much anything, regardless of your legion rules.  You have loads of options for taking out humble power armour, and terminators are poor at horde clearance even when geared for it.  You're stuck on 2 attacks unless you break the bank for twin lightning claws, and then you're throwing too many points at your opponent's cheapest models.  A terminator with a combi-plasma and a power fist can stomp tacticals and terminators alike, but a terminator with twin lightning claws is useless against a terminator and only slightly better against tacticals. despite costing more.

[Terminus]

I think a heavy flamer is a very poor choice for Terminators. You probably can't deep strike close enough to use it right away, or with a spartan you basically have to be dropped off within 6" or loser to make an impact. You also have to charge what you shoot, and if you're sending chain fist and power fist terminators against stuff that dies to heavy flamers, you're doing it very very very very very wrong. Just my opinion.

 

For heavy weapons, grab the plasma blaster and don't look back.

 

Volkites are straight garbage at 7 points a pop on terminators too. Not enough volume of fire, tremendous opportunity cost losing combis, and again, completely the wrong target.

 

Regarding melee, I would take 1-2 chainfists per 5 and give everyone else fists. Only exception is for Justaerin, who get a pair of claws per 5, to take more advantage of furious charge and merciless fighters.

 

Also, if you're making a very large unit in a Spartan or kharybdis, consider saving points by just upgrading melee options. That much dakka could strip you of charge targets, so just leave them with bolters to save points.