Infantry tactics

[apologist]

I don't pretend to be any master gamer or tabletop general (hence why I'm starting the thread), but I'm hoping the brethren (and sororitas) of the B&C will be able to shine some light on specific ideas for how to get the most from basic infantry.

 

I wanted to start up a thread that looks at battlefield strategy on the broader theme of infantry, and specific tactics for different infantry units. 

 

As a couple of examples:

 

Legion Tactical Squads

• Placing a picket line of Tactical marines in front of your sergeant, vexilla specialists etc. is a sensible idea to screen them from small arms. However, if your enemy has lots of AP3 weaponry, moving your artificer-armoured sergeant or attached character to the front can be useful to reduce casualties.
• If you are taking minimum-sized squads, it's rarely worth upgrading them with (X).
• For objective-based missions, it's better to have four ten-man squads than two twenty-man squads.

General assault tactic

• If attacking an objective protected by a large squad in a line, try to hit a flank – the assault movement will draw the enemy away from the objective.

As I say, I'm no great wargamer, so feel free to give me some better answers than the above. I just wanted to avoid the fate of many Tactica threads (i.e. turning into list-building theory).

 

Essentially, how can you make the most of an infantry-heavy list?

 

+++ This gem from Caillum popped up in another thread, and is a good example of stuff that's good to know +++

 

• Beyond the HQ options, I might consider [plasma pistols] for Sons of Horus unit Sergeants and generic Seeker Sergeants. They can take artificer armour for a 2+ save to protect them from Gets Hot, and they have BS5.

[Captain Idaho]

Full sized Ultramarines Tactical squads can use Fury of the Legion alongside Interlocking Tactics for great effect. I'd imagine that they are best used alongside additional infantry units (to take focus and attention away from them and to get maximum benefits from this combination.

 

Hardest part of using Fury of the Legion is when to use it. When? Large infantry units need to footslog close enough to put those bolter rounds on opponents yet can't use FotL when moving.

 

What do people think on timing here?

[Gorgoff]

Whenever you get the chance. ;)

You have to learn when it is time to stand firm and give 'em hell.

It's a matter of experience.

Trust me.

You'll learn.

[apologist]

If you've got some defensive advantage (i.e. additional close combat weapons, or Legiones Astartes' rules like the Dark Angels), then Fury of the Legion is more forgiving – it doesn't matter so much if you get charged. On the other hand, if you really don't want to get charged (e.g. Iron Hands, Iron Warriors, Emperor's Children), then perhaps best to hold off.

 

Personally, I've found trying to get that 'perfect' set-up to get forty boltgun shots inside 12in range ends up causing more problems than it's worth; and instead use Fury of the Legion to essentially extend my rapid fire range – plinking the enemy with twice the shots between 24in and 12in. You can then redeploy the following turn while you reload; perhaps falling back onto an objective from an initially over-extended position during deployment.

[Charlo]

Fire of the Legion then use logos to grant counter attack

EDIT: Bah I'm getting mixed up between here and the UM tactics - but point still stands!

[Captain Idaho]

Lol me too.