Long fang loadout

[Cheesy101]

With my current bits box I have enough bits to outfit 2 full squads with the same heavy weapons. First squad is definitely lascannons, no question. My conundrum is what to outfit the 2nd squad with. If they were 5pts each cheaper I would go missile launchers for sure, but given the cost and the innate reroll 1s plasma cannons look a lot more appealing! So what are people running/having success with?

[Gherrick]

IMO, LC x5 + TDAWG w/ CML/SS. Throw them in a bastion/plasma obiliterator, and you have a very tough unit that can lay down some serious dakka for most of the game. I don't think you really need/want more than one LF unit in the current meta.

Edited December 19, 2017 by Gherrick

[Cheesy101]

Haha, that sounds nasty! Not something I can see myself using, but definitely interesting. Main reason for two squads is not owning any razorbacks or storm wolves, so relying on long fangs for long range fire support.

[Gherrick]

LF that aren't in a defensive position can and will get burned to ash at the first available opportunity. Even with a TDAWG to provide some more defense, they can get brought down before they get a chance to earn their points. Also, with the new rules, a bastion will give the unit a much needed extended LoS.

[Jorin Helm-splitter]

I'd probably go with missile launchers the frag option is underrated in my opinion. The fact that they're flexible and allow you to have a lot of anti-tank you can use on turn one is key. Heavy bolters are also pretty good in this edition and cheap but it feels a bit like a luxury unit IMO, rather have my hunters and blood claws be my main anti-infantry threats.

[jerrys]

I think the best thing about the missiles is the range. It's the best defense for a squishy unit, to be really far away. Anytime I try to field my plasma cannon guys, I put them too far forward and they get killed in turn 1 or 2.

It might be that this is hopeless in 8th with all of the precision deep striking. I don't know.

[Karhedron]

I like Plasma on Long Fangs for the innate rerolls of 1s. Mind you I am slightly obsessed with plasma as I have some on my Long Fangs, more on my Grey Hunters and have just added a squad of Hellblasters for even more blazing death.

 

I like plasma!

[rgr_maddog]

I have had some success with 2 squads of mixed missiles and las cannons. If I'm facing a hoard, lascannons take the hits. If I'm facing a motor pool, it's the missiles.

[Nharvey89]

I have had a thought while list building to separate my LF out into 3 squads with 2 heavy weapons. Has anyone found success with this? Biggest plus is more to chew through in each squad before heavy weapons get impacted, negative of course cost.

[Karack Blackstone]

I have had a thought while list building to separate my LF out into 3 squads with 2 heavy weapons. Has anyone found success with this? Biggest plus is more to chew through in each squad before heavy weapons get impacted, negative of course cost.

 

If you have the free Heavy Support slots, that might work.

 

However, with the new fire at any and all enemy units as you wish, there's a reason to not split units up. One spare body with so few LF's in each pack also means, most likely, more Morale tests, if the new rules are anything close to the older ones.

 

My advice is, if you want, consider the LF Ancient if needed, and, if not, take five LF's with Heavy Weapons, to your choice, and add a WGPL with a Storm Shield, even if they are just in Power Armor, if you need to fit the pack in a Razorback. The issue with Long Fangs is not their overall weapons options and costs; the issue is that models lost so quickly effect the pack's fire support effectiveness, whereas a SM Devastator Squad has so many spare, usually called ablative wounds, as to not even be funny, in comparison.

[Nharvey89]

They have been working out fine as 2 squads of 4, thinking 3 squads with 2 might mean less fire in the beginning but could pay off at the game goes on, points are about the same, but thats 3 wounds to each squad before a heavy is lost. Might try it my next game and see how it feels.

[Karack Blackstone]

They have been working out fine as 2 squads of 4, thinking 3 squads with 2 might mean less fire in the beginning but could pay off at the game goes on, points are about the same, but thats 3 wounds to each squad before a heavy is lost. Might try it my next game and see how it feels.

 

Fair point; then, by all means, please do so!

 

It might be worth noting that a Heavy Support Detachment with the minimum requirements met could get you more mileage in your overall force.

[Nharvey89]

I have had a few games with 2x long fangs 2 heaviest in each. It has really improved the longevity of the long fangs and in both games I have ended up having an extra turn or 2 with at least a few more heavy weapons on the board.

 

I game turn 1 I lost 3 from one squad and 2 from the other. It was really satisfying as in turn 2 my LF contributed to taking out taking down a dune crawler.

 

I am contemplating adding the extra man to each squad and an additional heavy weapon. 3 casualties before pulling heavy weapons is rather nice.