Unit of the week: genestealers

[Spacecow]

Let’s start the new year with ...



I thought we could start of 2020 with our much beloved genestealers!

I run them basically in every list, even with the changes.
Is it the same for you?

Do you run genestealer nodes and if so in what situations?



Also what HQ do you like to run with them? I generally take a broodlord with.

Edited April 12, 2021 by Xenith

[jbaeza94]

40 genestealers with a brood lord and catalyst going after the strongest infantry mu opponent has. Termies, marines, tau, nothing stands in the way. Occasionally, 20 with a ravener squad

[IronDreddKnight]

I like to run 40-60 kraken genestealers, with a broodlord for the buffs and Swarmlord for the sling shot.

 

It provides a strong first turn charge threat, which will keep other units safer as you force your opponent to deal with the stealers first.

[The Pounder]

Whilst we’re on the subject of Genestealers, I have a few questions that hopefully you vets can help me with.

 

First how many should I take in a brood minimum?

 

Is there any point in giving them scything talons? Rending claws look great.

 

I’m planning on running 2 broods in my swarm, is that enough?

[jbaeza94]

I typically do 2 max broods with a brood lord.

 

Always take scytals. They're free, and dont take anything away from rending claws (you get to keep both)

 

When to use scytals? Who knows, but why not have them?

Edit: Essentially you're comparing more hits vs more failed saves. Only use against the weakest of armor saves

add the -1 ap to scytals chapter tactic, and they do a bit better than rending claws vs guard and weaker.

Edited January 6, 2020 by jbaeza94

[IronDreddKnight]

Whilst we’re on the subject of Genestealers, I have a few questions that hopefully you vets can help me with.

 

First how many should I take in a brood minimum?

 

Is there any point in giving them scything talons? Rending claws look great.

 

I’m planning on running 2 broods in my swarm, is that enough?

Brood sizes are best at full 20 capacity, 16 is my minimum and you should never start below 10 or you forgo the extra attacks. I go for either 2-3 broods, any more gets too expensive and they start getting in each other’s way.

 

Scytals are for when you’re facing something with an invulnerable save equal or better than they’re armour save. (Genestealers themselves are a good example of this, marines with storm shields are another) AP won’t help you here, but re rolling 1’s will help land more hits.

You’ll be forgiven for not modelling the scytals, but they’re a free upgrade and should always go on your roster.

Edited January 7, 2020 by IronDreddKnight

[The Pounder]

Thanks for the insights!

 

I think I’ll start off running 2 Broods of 16 with a Broodlord.

 

I’ll definitely model on the scything talons then, if they’re free it’ll add value.

Plus they look cool on the models!

 

Thanks again.

[Spacecow]

Anyone that prefers using the extended carapaces?

[IronDreddKnight]

Anyone that prefers using the extended carapaces?

There’s something to be said about using them with Jormangandr, Dynamic camouflage biomorph for a 2+ save. But you give up charging after advance. And you lose the +2 cover when you charge anyway. Genestealers are supposed to be fast, extended carapace slows them down.

[Spacecow]

 

Anyone that prefers using the extended carapaces?

There’s something to be said about using them with Jormangandr, Dynamic camouflage biomorph for a 2+ save. But you give up charging after advance. And you lose the +2 cover when you charge anyway. Genestealers are supposed to be fast, extended carapace slows them down.

That’s true, but I was thinking that certain terrain boards are a bit tricky to manoeuvre sometimes. And I like the narrative of them skulking somewhere to then do a sneak attack.

 

But in actual practical terms I hardly use it, cause yeah speed is king.