Unit of the Week: Devastator Squad

[Jolemai]

Welcome to part three of the Blood Angels Unit of the Week Series!

Following the release of the 8^th edition Codex, there is no better time to discuss all the units we have access to. Each week a different unit will appear, with the idea being that we discuss how best to use that model on the battlefield. Where part one will focus on the unique BA units and part two will focus on BA units that are new to this edition of the Codex, part three will discuss how to get the best use the generic units from the past that are still with us (and that many of us have in our armies still).

Note, this isn't to lament any nerfs, etc, from previous editions; the rules are as they are so try to unlock its potential for those who wish to use them all the same. Similarly, this thread is only for using the option being discussed; it matters not if you feel something is a better choice as such comments aren't constructive to the topic and shall be removed.

Without further ado, here's this week's entry:

Devastator Squad

Devastators, appiah5

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use a Devastator Squad?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiple units? MSU or full squads? Combat Squads?
• Footslog or transport?
• What weapons and equipment are you taking and does the above affect how you run them?
• How are you using the Signum and Armorium Cherub effectively?
• Are you buffing this unit? If so, how?
• Stratagems of note?

Over to you.

Edited April 21, 2020 by Jolemai

[Jolemai]

Should you want your model on display here (or on another thread from the series), then submit a photo here please.

[Panzer]

It depends on their loadout how you want to play them but I guess for the most part it is the same. Deploy them in cover with good Line of Sight and work through your priority list one after another.

 

Loadout-wise particularly popular is the 2 Lascannon, 1 Heavy Bolter, 1 Missile Launcher combo as it allows you to spam Mortal wounds via Stratagems which on average are more efficient against vehicles than a Lascannon shot but also let you shoot decently at infantry if you decide to not use a Stratagem.

Especially the combo of Heavy Bolter + Signum + Cherub + the Hellfire Stratagem is worth mentioning as it allows you to reliably deal 2d3 Mortal wounds at 36" to a target.

Don't forget about the option to add more bodies to that unit so your heavy weapons survive longer.

 

 

Another interesting loadout would be 4 Heavy Flamer in a transport and then drive them up to the opponent and grill some mid-sized units. You can expect an average of ~9 wounds against most infantry so don't put them infront of hordes. This one is more gimmicky than anything else though, so it's not particularly popular.

[Majkhel]

I really like to use 2 squads with 3 LCs distributed between them for target saturation. Unit that gets only 1 LC gets more HBs. With additional bodies (I take at least 2 per squad) and SoS on a Company Ancient they require special effort to shift and even in death are able to do some damage.

I once managed to put 3 MW on an unsuspecting Tau Commander using the Hellfire stratagem on a dying HB dude this way.

Sergeants I keep cheap with a Storm Boltery at most and obviously a chainsword.

They are a very decent option for our Dakka. Obviously they should have anti-tank weapons mostly as we have plenty other options to reliably kill infantry.

 

Apart from the Ancient, a Captain/Lieutenant nearby works wonders for them obviously.

[Dont-Be-Haten]

I've been on a heavy flamer kick lately. My unit of flamers is 2 heavy flamers and a combi-flamer in a bird or utility back. Coincidentally I've changed my load out on my storm raven to be heavy bolter + asscannon to make it cheaper and a flamer delivery system.

[Spyros]

I've been on a heavy flamer kick lately. My unit of flamers is 2 heavy flamers and a combi-flamer in a bird or utility back. Coincidentally I've changed my load out on my storm raven to be heavy bolter + asscannon to make it cheaper and a flamer delivery system.

 

How is that Hv.Flamer unit performing?

I would be tempted to build one riding a Razorback.

[Jolemai]

In my 2k list I currently run the following:

• 1 x 5 man Devastator Squad with HB, ML, cherub
• 1 x 5 man Devastator Squad with HB, PC, cherub
• 1 x 5 man Devastator Squad with ML, PC, cherub
• Captain, Company Ancient

What is three ablative wounds per squad, potentially 4D3 mortal wounds on T1 and 3D3 on T2 all for 3 CP (or 5 with the CP re-roll stratagem), redundancy for the mortal wounds, re-rolls of 1 To hit, and a final attack on a 4+. The PC is there for overcharges and when they die, they can potentially throw out another overcharge on a 4+.

 

Basically, I don't own any grav cannons yet and I wont use a MM or HF in this manner (my lascannons are elsewhere and tbh, lascannons and I don't get along). Sergeants usually only have bolt weapons (or storm bolters if I'm feeling flush). Never a combat weapon...

 

One thing I want to try is an ideal that was around at the start of 8th edition. 5 man, HF, GC, combi-plas, cherub, Rhino. The theory is that you use the cherub on the GC when a suitable target presents itself and it should be half decent for handling a variety of units. The main reason I haven't tried it yet is that we lack mortal wounds and Devastators are currently the best caddie for them imo.

[Karhedron]

I normally run an 8-man squad so each heavy weapon has an ablative bolter marine. The bolter guys are slightly better with the "Bolter Discipline" rule so I don't resent spending the points on them.

 

I normally run 3 LCs and 1 PC (who normally overcharges and gets the Signum bonus). While slightly less powerful than the MW stratagems for the ML and HB, I find I normally need to spend my CPs elsewhere as BAs are pretty CP-hungry so I prefer to let my Devs get by with standard firepower. I often give them a cheap Lt with storm bolter and power sword to boost their shooting and provide a lit of CC offense if someone drops down nearby.

[Dont-Be-Haten]

 

 

I've been on a heavy flamer kick lately. My unit of flamers is 2 heavy flamers and a combi-flamer in a bird or utility back. Coincidentally I've changed my load out on my storm raven to be heavy bolter + asscannon to make it cheaper and a flamer delivery system.

How is that Hv.Flamer unit performing?

I would be tempted to build one riding a Razorback.

It's all about that pivotal strike, dropping turn 2/3 and shooting stuff off objectives or really doing a number to eldar shining spears. Being able to bypass pesky negative modifiers feels clutch. It's just figuring out that important delivery method.

[CaptainHelion]

I usually run a 5-strong squad with 2 Lascannons, 1 Missile Launcher, and either a second Missile Launcher or a Heavy Bolter. I like the options to be using the Mortal Wound strats, and lascannons are just generally a good weapon. 

[Arkaniss]

I've had my full 10 man MLx2 HBx2 Dev squad for many years and I've actually never added any models to them! Maybe I should give them a long awaited reinforcements. That said I find my setup not too expensive yet flexible thanks to the double MLs. With Strategems both my weapon choices benefit so I think it's in a good place right now.

 

They're not too threatening too so they usually get away with being ignored and plinking away from the back. Perhaps if I loaded them up with Lascannons they wouldn't be so invisible! :P

[Charlo]

I'd say just always remember to bring the extra bodies. They're even better now with bolter discipline. Also don't be afraid to move if need be, hitting on a 4+ for a turn isn't too bad if you're supported by auras!

[Arkaniss]

I'd say just always remember to bring the extra bodies. They're even better now with bolter discipline. Also don't be afraid to move if need be, hitting on a 4+ for a turn isn't too bad if you're supported by auras!

I keep having to remind myself moving is just a -1 penalty to hit and not making you hit only on a 6

[dread05]

Not sure if its remotely viable, but Im planing to build a squad with 4 multi meltas and a combi melta on the sarge.

[Jolemai]

Not sure if its remotely viable, but Im planing to build a squad with 4 multi meltas and a combi melta on the sarge.

 

Drop Pod or Rhino/Razorback/Infernus-pattern Razorback delivery?

[Dont-Be-Haten]

 

 

Not sure if its remotely viable, but Im planing to build a squad with 4 multi meltas and a combi melta on the sarge.

Drop Pod or Rhino/Razorback/Infernus-pattern Razorback delivery?

Sorry to derail this a bit, but where does one go to find an inferus pattern razorback?! That's something I've always wanted. Now that 8th is more forgeworld friendly I would love to make that variant.

 

A 5 melta squad in drop pod is absolutely spectacular. Your drop pod can place you wherever you want, and you have a very decent option to cause a lot of damage.

 

Side note: You guys also know I'm a huge believer in the grav-bomb. 2 5 man squads with grav-cannons and combi-grav/plasma sergeants in a drop pod absolutely wrecks PEQs and MEQs alike. It also does major damage to chafe and Custodes or CEQs as well.

Edited March 7, 2019 by Dont-Be-Haten

[Jolemai]

It's in Imperial Armour - Index: Forces of the Adeptus Astartes, page 8.

[Karhedron]

Side note: You guys also know I'm a huge believer in the grav-bomb. 2 5 man squads with grav-cannons and combi-grav/plasma sergeants in a drop pod absolutely wrecks PEQs and MEQs alike. It also does major damage to chafe and Custodes or CEQs as well.

This does look tempting on paper. Add a Captain and/or Lt with Jump Packs dropping in at the same time for some handy rerolls.

[Panzer]

I just don't see the appeal of Grav over Plasma currently. :huh:

[dread05]

 

Not sure if its remotely viable, but Im planing to build a squad with 4 multi meltas and a combi melta on the sarge.

 

Drop Pod or Rhino/Razorback/Infernus-pattern Razorback delivery?

 

 

I was thinking drop pod. With the point reduction both on pods and on multi meltas it doest sound so bad.

[Xenith]

I just don't see the appeal of Grav over Plasma currently. :huh:

Grav cannon over plasma cannon? Guaranteed 4 shots with decent damage?

[Dont-Be-Haten]

 

I just don't see the appeal of Grav over Plasma currently. :huh:

Grav cannon over plasma cannon? Guaranteed 4 shots with decent damage?

And you don't have the chance of blowing yourself up on multiple damage.

 

2 squads with cherubs = 40 grav shots not including combi-sergeants shots.

 

Deepstrike in a captain and those 40 shots are re-rolling 1s.

[lash144]

Edit: Never mind I my math was off..

Edited March 8, 2019 by lash144

[Panzer]

I wouldn't say a vehicle is the prefered target of either of those weapons. Plasma and Grav are anti-elite infantry. Better compare it against something like Marines, Primaris, Custodes and such.

[FormelyKnownAsSmashyPants]

I think, when I get around to building and using my devastators I'll run weapons in two pairs with similar roles. For example, 2LC and 2MM in a pod for taking out armor and monsters up close, or 2LC and either 2ML or 2PC for taking them out from long range. Similarly HB and HF could do wonders in a rhino/razorback up close, while HB and either PC or ML to take out infantry at range. Heavy infantry would best be suited to PC and GC. A lot of these loadouts also bring some versatility to the table, with PC and ML, being half decent at taking on armor and dudes, and further versatility is added by way of stratagems utalised by HB and ML that can cause mortal wounds. Now, and I realise this is kinda off topic for this forum, I'd definitely consider running a DA devastator squad with four plasmas to use their stratagem. The reason I'm going for only two of each heavy weapon in each squad is because I plan on building my two devastator squads with multiple loadouts and can't be :cuss ed building four of each, so will be building only two of each to save my sanity. What are peoples thoughts about ablative bodies. Edited March 8, 2019 by Captain Smashy Pants