Loadouts for Bike Squads and Land Speeders.

[Rommel44]

With the new Codex's and all the changes to Space Marines in general, I feel this is a good opportunity to revisit an old classic discussion/debate when it comes to our Fast Attack options and the old question: "How do you plan to equip you Bike Squads and Land Speeders? As for me, I am currently planning the following:

 

* Bike Squad:

-w/Sgt with PW/TH/PF, Bike w/Bolters

- 2x Plasma Guns, Bikes w/Bolters

- 5x Chainswords, Bikes w/Bolters

- Attack Bike w/Hvy. Bolter

 

Basically I want my Bikes to be able to capitalize on their CC potential while being able to dish out as many shots in the Shooting Phase before getting stuck in.

 

* Land Speeder Squadron:

-w/ 3x Multi-Melta, Hvy. Flamer

-or 3x Hvy. Bolter, Assault Cannon

-or 3x Hvy. Bolter, Typhoon Missile Launcher

 

Basically am torn on what loadout would be effective for the Land Speeders in 8th Edition and the new Codex, however these are the 3x variants that where the most popular/common in past editions and I could see each playing a role in your army.

 

* Attack Bike Squadron:

-w/3x Multi-Meltas, Bikes w/Bolters

 

This is really the only way I can see Attack Bike Squads being taken at this point. With the addition of the Devestator Doctrine and the Attack Bike in the standard Bike Squads having the Hvy. Bolters, these guys would make perfect Anti-Tank units that could utilize their potential Turn 1 and adding some much needed hitting power Turn 1 to best utilize the Devestator Doctrine and add some Anti-Tank.

 

That's how I see it but feel free to share your thoughts and opinions when it comes to these units. As well as how you plan to run yours mates

[Kallas]

Until we see all of the various "[xxxxxx] Discipline" abilities like the Ultramarines' Tactical Discipline, then it's going to be hard to judge for general usage.

 

At the moment, I feel like Ultramarines Land Speeders are solid, with the ability to move and shoot without penalty from T2 onward making them much more mobile than other Chapters' Speeders.

 

That said, everyone has access to the Big Guns Never Tire stratagem from the core Codex, letting one unit benefit from the same on any given turn (and without being Ultramarines/in Tactical Doctrine). A big unit of three Speeders with your gun of choice will work well first turn under Devastator Doctrine.

 

I'm thinking a unit with Typhoons and either a Heavy Bolter or Assault Cannon will be pretty strong. 6x AP-3 Krak Missiles dumped into a vehicle, with 9x 5/-2 Heavy Bolter/36x 6/-2 Assault Cannon shots into infantry should be a damn potent first turn volley, especially with a 20" move and FLY to deploy out of LoS initially.

 

Cost is still a factor, as that unit still comes out at almost 300pts: but it's definitely a lot stronger than it was previously!