1000pts rough GSC list

[crownedzoidberg]

I've stacked up on a few GSC models and played a few games during the last weeks and was looking for some guidance,

since I feel i'm not being able to hold myself gainst some armies out there. I'm a relatively new player and could really use some basic tips and quirks to not getting tabled every single game.

 

(I'm just giving you a rough list here)

Battalion Detachment, 2 HQs and 3 Troops required:

 

(Cult Ambush 1)

1 Patriarch, Mass Hypnosis

with 14 Purestrain Genestealers

(Cult Ambush 2)

1 Primus (used an Iconward plus Cult Icon in the Tau game)

with 5-10 Acolyte Hybrids, Demolition Charges 

 

10 Units of Neophyte Hybrids, Mortar and Grenade Launchers

 

10 Units of Neophyte Hybrds, Flamers and Shotguns

on a Goliath Truck

 

Cult Leman Russ, Battle Cannon, 3 Heavy Bolters

My last games were a relic mission against Tau, which I completely got stomped by IMO. Tau had first turn, Ghostkeel started 12" away from my Russ and obviously successfully charged it after its normal movement. (Side question: Should I get heavy flamers to the Russ' loadout to secure myself from  being charged too early? - how would I position my Tank and neophytes on the battlefield to not let early charges happen? - the ghostkeel can just burst the neophytes down and/or fly over them, so that's not really a possibility). My first ambush (Acolytes and Iconward) was on the Coldstar commander, that charged and locked down my Goliath Truck. I got a 6 for CA and managed to do about 8 wounds to it, which he all saved with his 4++ shield generator. In the meantime his stealth suits picked up the relic and went back to his deployment zone and his 2 breacher filled devilfishes. Even though I had a 6 for CA again with my Patriarch and Purestrain and got between a Coldstar, the relic holding Stealthsuits and a Devilfish. I got my Hypnosis off (don't remember on what) and multicharged all three (since the greater good and all). I did a single wound on the commander (wow - those 8 points on the 4++ were really worth it that game) and vanquished the stealth suits. I shook hands when he disembarked all of his breachers and started bathing my Genestealers in bullets.

 

I never really got hold in this game and couldn't manage to kill a single unit except the ghostkeels stealth drones. Should I have used an ambush to free my Leman Russ? How do I handle Tanks that are filled with anti-infantry teams as GSC player? 

 

As list upgrades (staying around 1000 points for now) I thought about getting a Brood Brothers Patrol detachment, containing a Leman Russ Tank commander and a simple Infantry Squad. The Russ commander gives me some sweet extra Tank orders (to reroll those sweet 1s <3) and has a better BS than the standard Russ (3 instead of 4). My standard GSC detachment would generally be the same. I also though about cutting the Primus/Iconward for a Magus, to put out some mortal wounds and maybe a might from beyond, if use both ambushes in a single turn.

 

++ Patrol Detachment (Imperium - Astra Militarum) [15 PL, 253pts] ++

 

+ No Force Org Slot +

 

Regiment: Brood Brothers

 

+ HQ [12 PL, 213pts] +

 

Tank Commander [12 PL, 213pts]: Display Tank Orders, Heavy Bolter [8pts], Heavy Bolters [16pts]

. Command Battle Tank [22pts]: Battle Cannon [22pts]

 

+ Troops [3 PL, 40pts] +

 

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 40pts]: 9x Guardsman [36pts]

. Sergeant [4pts]: Laspistol

 

++ Battalion Detachment +3CP (Tyranids - Genestealer Cults) [48 PL, 746pts] ++

 

+ Dedicated Transport [5 PL, 107pts] +

 

Goliath Truck [5 PL, 107pts]: Heavy Stubber [8pts], Twin Autocannon [33pts]

 

+ HQ [11 PL, 226pts] +

 

Patriarch [7 PL, 150pts]: Warlord, Warlord Trait: Tenacious Survivor

 

Primus [4 PL, 76pts]: Bonesword [5pts]

 

+ Elites [12 PL, 180pts] +

 

Purestrain Genestealers [12 PL, 180pts]: 12x Purestrain Genestealer [180pts]

 

+ Troops [20 PL, 233pts] +

 

Acolyte Hybrids [10 PL, 109pts]

. 7x Acolyte Hybrid [77pts]

. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon) [21pts]: Autopistol, Demolition Charges [10pts]

. Acolyte Leader [11pts]: Autopistol, Cultist Knife

 

Neophyte Hybrids [5 PL, 60pts]

. 5x Neophyte Hybrid [25pts]

. Neophyte Hybrid (Special Weapon) [10pts]: Grenade Launcher [5pts]

. Neophyte Hybrid (Special Weapon) [10pts]: Grenade Launcher [5pts]

. Neophyte Leader [5pts]: Autogun, Autopistol

. Neophyte Weapons Team [10pts]: Mortar [5pts]

 

Neophyte Hybrids [5 PL, 64pts]

. 7x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun) [35pts]

. Neophyte Hybrid (Special Weapon) [12pts]: Flamer [7pts]

. Neophyte Hybrid (Special Weapon) [12pts]: Flamer [7pts]

. Neophyte Leader [5pts]: Autogun, Autopistol

 

Later on I might stock up on Tyrannofexes and support my GSC with a Spearhead Detachment of Kraken Hivefleet. I am in desperate need of some long range support.

Edited March 2, 2018 by crownedzoidberg

[GluttonousBolter]

I'm only starting GSC myself so take my advise as you wish... random thoughts and rambling ahead.

 

Its hard being a new player.  There is a skill set to 40k + the disadvantage of having less models, knowing what stuff is, basic math hammer...  

Remember to play the mission, and dont send your men on suicide missions.  Its easy/fun to just throw your models against a buddy's, but sucks when they do nothing.  Play the mission and try to find matchups where you are the bully, not the wimp.

 

I think GSC is a lot like the Guard and NEEDS to take advantage of 1 thing better than most.

 

Target priority disruption/redundancy!!! Have multiple units.  Multiple groups of genestealers dropping in, Leman Russ blasting from long range, hordes of neophytes etc. You could argue it's spam, however we are more of a glass cannon then guard, but I don't believe we have the units to be a jack of all trades.  Your opponent should have trouble deciding what needs to be taken out first, and feel overwhelmed by something.

 

It looks like if your tank dies you have no anti tank.  Genestealers die, no assault.  

 

This doesnt mean GSC is tied to 1 playstyle though.  We can do assault heavy as well as any other faction, can do hordes supported by tanks better than guard thanks to broodlord fearlessness.  

 

I like to spend 60-80% to do 1 thing really well, and the rest specialized in doing another 1 thing as well as points allow.  

    For example if youre planning on Tyranofexes, they'd probably go well with 2 more leman russ, or Imp Guard lascannon heavy weapon teams and hordes of infantry to bubble wrap and ambush objectives and easy kills.

 

For any transport, ranged anti-tank is usually the best option seeing how the troops usually need the extra movement/protection.

 

How do you want your army to win?    

Edited March 4, 2018 by GluttonousBolter

[GluttonousBolter]

Also the #2 things I struggled the most with as a new player is to play the mission, and not send your men on suicide runs.  Its too fun and easy to just blindly charge whatever you see, but sucks when they do no damage and just die.  Play to win the mission, and make sure your guys are doing the bullying.

[crownedzoidberg]

Thanks for replying!

How do I want my army to win - like - what my winning strategy is?

 

I figured the best way would be immobilizing fast attack units and transports first with the Leman Russ' tanks. I am not certain, if I can manage to crack open a Rhino, but generally killing open-fielded objective-holders are priority targets for the Russ' Heavy Bolters and all Neophyte weaponry. I really like the Idea of an assaulty- Neophyte Squad, that is inside a Goliath Truck. I can send it off into the midfield, maybe even locking a unit in close combat. Neophytes could jump out the following turn and making themselves useful with shotguns and flamers (wish scenario). OR the neophytes get out the Truck in turn 2, secure an objective; the Truck is moving to charge a unit that one of my CA- units is planning to charge.

I don't know if that's better than a second Russ, that sort of achieves the same role: being a distraction for my opponent while killing infantry with its heavy bolters and transports with its battle cannon.

 

I worked on another List and maybe you can tell me what you think:

 

++ Patrol Detachment (Imperium - Astra Militarum) [25 PL, 433pts] ++

 

+ No Force Org Slot +

 

Regiment: Brood Brothers

 

+ Heavy Support [10 PL, 174pts] +

 

Leman Russ Battle Tanks [10 PL, 174pts]

. Leman Russ Battle Tank [10 PL, 174pts]: Battle Cannon [22pts], Heavy Bolter [8pts], Heavy Bolters [16pts], Hunter-Killer Missile [6pts]

 

+ HQ [12 PL, 219pts] +

 

Tank Commander [12 PL, 219pts]: Display Tank Orders, Heavy Bolter [8pts], Heavy Bolters [16pts]

. Command Battle Tank [28pts]: Battle Cannon [22pts], Hunter-Killer Missile [6pts]

 

+ Troops [3 PL, 40pts] +

 

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 40pts]: 9x Guardsman [36pts]

. Sergeant [4pts]: Laspistol

 

++ Battalion Detachment +3CP (Tyranids - Genestealer Cults) [43 PL, 572pts] ++

 

+ HQ [11 PL, 205pts] +

 

Acolyte Iconward [3 PL, 53pts]: Icon of the Cult Ascendant, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Tenacious Survivor

 

Primus [4 PL, 76pts]: Bonesword [5pts]

 

Primus [4 PL, 76pts]: Bonesword [5pts]

 

+ Elites [12 PL, 180pts] +

 

Purestrain Genestealers [12 PL, 180pts]: 12x Purestrain Genestealer [180pts]

 

+ Troops [20 PL, 187pts] +

 

Acolyte Hybrids [10 PL, 87pts]

. 5x Acolyte Hybrid [55pts]

. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon) [21pts]: Autopistol, Demolition Charges [10pts]

. Acolyte Leader [11pts]: Autopistol, Cultist Knife

 

Neophyte Hybrids [5 PL, 50pts]: 7x Neophyte Hybrid [35pts]

. Neophyte Leader [5pts]: Autogun, Autopistol

. Neophyte Weapons Team [10pts]: Mortar [5pts]

 

Neophyte Hybrids [5 PL, 50pts]: 7x Neophyte Hybrid [35pts]

. Neophyte Leader [5pts]: Autogun, Autopistol

. Neophyte Weapons Team [10pts]: Mortar [5pts]

 

By using a Brood Brother Detachment I am able to get a sweet LR Tank Commander with BS 3+ that can give Tank Orders within 6" to one friendly LR. This can either be a weird charge command, which I will probably never use; shooting and popping smoke launchers; or rerolling 1s to hit. With Grinding Advance I can definitely put out some wounds and do, what my Truck hasn't really done the recent games. Cool sidenote: Militarum HKM are just 6 points.

 

Each CA unit is in company of a Primus - I cut the Patriarch for now - to guarantee a higher CA roll for both teams, since they probably want to ambush both on turn 1. It might be a bit redundant, depending on the battlefield, since both Prmuses be in range of each other. I added a 3rd HQ in form of a Magus for now, who could do a solo CA and pop up anywhere for Smite, Deny power or Mass hypnosis. I also like the Idea of an Iconward aswell, for 1strength, the 6+ FNP and Morale reroll, I can't really decide.

 

EDIT2: With 20 Neophytes in the back (Guardsmen don't get the 6+++ unfortunately), an Iconward might be quite useful. I could sandwich the Iconward between my LR to give heroic intervention support - my Tau friend reminded me of that. With that, a person who is trying to get both LR in combat, will probably end up within 3" of the Iconward. The following turn I can atleast fall back with both LR and still have my opponent locked in melee combat if I need to.

 

EDIT: With more points I can add a Goliath Truck and do exactly what I talked about at the start, while still having the 2 LR. Maybe Sentinels can also work well, being a zoning and distraction tool and/or flaming away infantry.
 

Edited March 4, 2018 by crownedzoidberg

[GluttonousBolter]

I like that list more, but think you could drop a primus and the guardsmen and squeeze in a Goliath. Goodluck with whateve you decide

[crownedzoidberg]

I like that list more, but think you could drop a primus and the guardsmen and squeeze in a Goliath. Goodluck with whateve you decide

If I cut the guardsmen I would lose the patrol detachment, which is making my army illegal for matched play.

Edited March 4, 2018 by crownedzoidberg

[GluttonousBolter]

 

You could run it something like this 

 

++ Battalion Detachment +3CP (Tyranids - Genestealer Cults) ++

 

+ Dedicated Transport +

 

Goliath Truck: Heavy Stubber, Twin Autocannon

 

+ Heavy Support +

 

Cult Leman Russ: Battle Cannon, Heavy Bolter

 

Cult Leman Russ: Battle Cannon, Heavy Bolter

 

+ HQ +

 

Acolyte Iconward

 

Primus: Bonesword

 

+ Elites +

 

Purestrain Genestealers: 10x Purestrain Genestealer

 

+ Troops +

 

Acolyte Hybrids

7x Acolyte Hybrid

Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Autopistol, Demolition Charges

Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cultist Knife

 

Neophyte Hybrids

5x Neophyte Hybrid

Neophyte Hybrid (Special Weapon): Grenade Launcher

Neophyte Hybrid (Special Weapon): Grenade Launcher

Neophyte Leader: Autogun, Autopistol

Neophyte Weapons Team: Mortar

 

Neophyte Hybrids

7x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun)

Neophyte Hybrid (Special Weapon): Flamer

Neophyte Hybrid (Special Weapon): Flamer

Neophyte Leader: Autogun, Autopistol

 

Neophyte Hybrids: 9x Neophyte Hybrid

Neophyte Leader: Autogun, Autopistol

 

That gives you 50 dudes and 3 "tanks."  The last neophyte squad is basically the guard squad you had listed, and tried to keep most of your upgrades the same except the Leman Russ.  You could drop that last squad and wysiwyg your tanks.  Deploy your truck with troop iconward and 2 tanks and use another neophyte squad to bubble wrap if youre afraid of assault, or maybe camp a backfield objective.  That gives you 3 units and a Primus to ambush with.

 

If youre curious I usually run @2k

Tank Comander

x3 Leman Russ

x2Primus

x5/x12 Purestrain

x4/x10 neophyte

 

If I dont get first turn, my tank commander ALWAYS dies, I'd probably be better off running a 4th LR and a primarus psyker, but he's really the only upgrade in my list lol.

[crownedzoidberg]

I spent some time mathhammering the :cuss out of Leman Russ weapons and came to the conclusion that the Punisher cannon with its heavy 20 range 24" is quite nice for what I need it to do. Against Invuln saves it is uncomparable to the other options and this is where I lacked with damage in the first place. If I used the power of math correclty, I can put out 10 Wounds on a t7 4++ target, given Range, Grinding Advance, Tank Order: "Gunners, kill on Sight!" and the 1CP to give out the same Order to the other Russ. Obviously I will have a worse time against high toughness targets that have a good armor save that are outside of my effective 29" range, but I am willing to take a loss there.

 

This is my current list, 1001 points:

++ Patrol Detachment (Imperium - Astra Militarum) [25 PL, 429pts] ++

 

+ No Force Org Slot +

 

Regimental Doctrine: Brood Brothers

 

+ HQ [12 PL, 217pts] +

 

Tank Commander [12 PL, 217pts]: Display Tank Orders, Heavy Bolter [8pts], Heavy Bolters [16pts]

. Command Punisher [26pts]: Hunter-Killer Missile [6pts], Turret-mounted Punisher Gatling Cannon [20pts]

 

+ Troops [3 PL, 40pts] +

 

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 40pts]: 9x Guardsman [36pts]

. Sergeant [4pts]: Laspistol

 

+ Heavy Support [10 PL, 172pts] +

 

Leman Russ Battle Tanks [10 PL, 172pts]

. Leman Russ Punisher [10 PL, 172pts]: Heavy Bolter [8pts], Heavy Bolters [16pts], Hunter-Killer Missile [6pts], Turret-mounted Punisher Gatling Cannon [20pts]

 

++ Battalion Detachment +3CP (Tyranids - Genestealer Cults) [43 PL, 572pts] ++

 

+ HQ [11 PL, 205pts] +

 

Acolyte Iconward [3 PL, 53pts]: Icon of the Cult Ascendant, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Inspiring Leader

 

Primus [4 PL, 76pts]: Bonesword [5pts]

 

Primus [4 PL, 76pts]: Bonesword [5pts]

 

+ Troops [20 PL, 187pts] +

 

Acolyte Hybrids [10 PL, 87pts]

. 5x Acolyte Hybrid [55pts]

. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon) [21pts]: Autopistol, Demolition Charges [10pts]

. Acolyte Leader [11pts]: Autopistol, Cultist Knife

 

Neophyte Hybrids [5 PL, 50pts]: 9x Neophyte Hybrid [45pts]

. Neophyte Leader [5pts]: Autogun, Autopistol

 

Neophyte Hybrids [5 PL, 50pts]: 9x Neophyte Hybrid [45pts]

. Neophyte Leader [5pts]: Autogun, Autopistol

 

+ Elites [12 PL, 180pts] +

 

Purestrain Genestealers [12 PL, 180pts]: 12x Purestrain Genestealer [180pts]

 

For deployment I will try to manage to zone off one full flank and corner myself in the other, granting the morale reroll and FNP with my Iconward on the two Neophyte Squads. It should look about this: